The Magic of Madikwe
A luxury safari designed to immerse you in the wildlife, landscapes and exclusivity of Madikwe Game Reserve.
At A Glance
Collection | Signature Safari Collection |
Journey Type | One Destination Safari |
Destination | Madikwe Game Reserve |
Recommended Stay | 4–6 Nights |
Choose From | 3 Luxury Lodges |
Nearest Airport | Madikwe East Airstrip |
Wildlife Highlights | Big Five, African wild dogs, cheetah, brown hyena and over 350 bird species |
Ideal For |
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Fully Customisable | Yes |
Why You'll Love This Safari
Malaria-Free Wildlife Adventures
Enjoy exceptional Big Five game viewing in one of South Africa's largest private reserves without the need for malaria medication.
Rare Wildlife Encounters
Madikwe is one of the country's best places to see endangered African wild dogs, alongside cheetahs, brown hyenas, African wild cats and an incredible diversity of wildlife.
Luxury Lodges for Every Traveller
Choose from a carefully selected collection of luxury lodges, each offering outstanding hospitality, beautiful surroundings and unforgettable safari experiences.
Perfect for Families
Many lodges cater exceptionally well to families, with child-friendly activities, spacious accommodation and experienced guides who make safaris enjoyable for all ages.
Fewer Vehicles, More Wilderness
Enjoy a quieter safari experience in a reserve known for its exclusivity, uncrowded sightings and vast, varied landscapes.
Designed Around You
Every itinerary is personalised to your travel dates, preferred lodge and interests, creating a safari that's uniquely yours.
Lodges In Our Portfolio
The Magic of Madikwe safari features three extraordinary lodges, each showcasing a different expression of luxury within one of South Africa's premier malaria-free game reserves. Carefully selected for their exceptional guiding, personalised hospitality and remarkable wildlife encounters, every lodge offers an unforgettable safari experience.
Jamala Madikwe
A small boutique lodge on the eastern edge of Madikwe, Jamala Madikwe brings an intimate and highly personal character to the safari experience. Its five private villas combine colonial-inspired comfort with African design, each opening towards the bush with a private pool and expansive deck. The lodge's waterhole becomes part of everyday life, with the famous Sofa Safari allowing guests to watch wildlife arrive from the comfort of the lodge.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Travellers who appreciate boutique luxury
Food and wine enthusiasts
Guests seeking an intimate safari experience
Travellers who enjoy watching wildlife from camp as well as on game drives
Guests celebrating a special occasion
Lodge Atmosphere
Boutique • Intimate • Refined • Relaxed
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Scattered across a rocky hillside beneath ancient Tamboti trees, Madikwe Hills feels naturally woven into the landscape. Its glass-fronted suites are spacious and private, each with a plunge pool and views across the reserve, while the elevated position creates a strong sense of space. The lodge is particularly well suited to travellers who want generous accommodation and classic Big Five safari experiences, with the option of a private villa for families and small groups.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Families and multi-generational groups
Travellers wanting spacious private suites
Guests who enjoy elevated bush views
First-time safari travellers
Small groups wanting the option of private accommodation
Lodge Atmosphere
Spacious • Private • Scenic • Refined
Molori Safari Lodge
Hidden in the remote western reaches of Madikwe, Molori is an intimate safari retreat where contemporary architecture meets the surrounding bushveld. Large glass walls and open spaces bring the landscape into the lodge, while the small number of suites creates a deeply personal atmosphere. Days can move between Big Five game drives, bush walks and time spent simply watching the wilderness unfold around the lodge.
Best Suited For
Luxury travellers seeking privacy
Couples and honeymooners
Families and multi-generational groups
Design-conscious travellers
Guests wanting a quieter side of Madikwe
Travellers looking for highly personalised safari experiences
Lodge Atmosphere
Sophisticated • Secluded • Contemporary • Bespoke
Sample Itinerary
Recommended Stay: 4 Nights | 5 Days
We believe a minimum of four nights is the ideal way to experience Madikwe. It gives you time to explore the reserve's diverse landscapes, enjoy multiple game drives in changing conditions and maximise your chances of encountering everything from the Big Five to the reserve's renowned African wild dogs.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Madikwe Airstrip. From there, you'll be transferred to your chosen lodge.
After checking into your suite and settling in, enjoy lunch at the lodge before setting off on your first afternoon game drive.
As the golden light settles over the reserve, pause for sundowners in the bush before returning for a memorable evening of dining.
Inclusions: Air transfer, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Days 2-4
Each day begins before sunrise as you head into the reserve in search of Madikwe's remarkable wildlife, with a stop for freshly brewed coffee and light refreshments in the bush.
Following your morning safari, enjoy breakfast before spending time at leisure, making the most of the lodge’s facilities.
Lunch is served at the lodge before another afternoon game drive, ending with sundowners as the day draws to a close and an unforgettable dining experience awaits.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Day 5: Departure
Set out on one final morning game drive, pausing for coffee and refreshments in the bush before enjoying breakfast and checking out.
You'll then transfer to Madikwe Airstrip, bringing your Madikwe safari to a close.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast and/or lunch, air transfer.
The All Out Safaris Perspective
Madikwe is one of those destinations that quietly exceeds expectations. It offers exceptional wildlife, beautiful luxury lodges and some of the best opportunities in South Africa to see endangered African wild dogs, all within a malaria-free reserve. Whether you're planning your first safari, travelling as a family or celebrating a special occasion, Madikwe delivers a relaxed yet truly unforgettable safari experience.
Questions about this safari
Is Madikwe a good choice for a first safari?
Yes. Madikwe combines outstanding Big Five game viewing with luxury accommodation and a malaria-free environment, making it one of South Africa's best destinations for first-time safari travellers.
Which lodge should I choose?
Each of our partner lodges offers a different style of luxury. Madikwe Hills is ideal for couples, families and first-time safari travellers, offering a balance of luxury, privacy and warm hospitality. Jamala Madikwe is our recommendation for honeymooners, romantic escapes and food lovers, thanks to its intimate atmosphere and exceptional fine dining. Molori Safari Lodge is best suited to ultra-luxury travellers, milestone celebrations and guests seeking complete exclusivity, with just a handful of suites and an exceptionally private experience.
Is Madikwe malaria-free?
Yes. Madikwe Game Reserve is located in a malaria-free area, making it a popular choice for families with young children, multi-generational holidays and travellers who prefer not to take malaria medication.
How many nights do you recommend?
We recommend spending four to six nights in Madikwe. This provides plenty of opportunities for game drives while giving you time to relax and enjoy your lodge.
Can this safari be customised?
Absolutely. Every safari we design is tailored to your travel dates, preferred lodge and travel plans, with the option to add destinations such as Cape Town (coming soon) or Victoria Falls (coming soon).
How do I book this safari?
Simply complete the enquiry form below. We'll then hop on a consultation call to discuss and prepare a personalised safari proposal with recommended accommodation, itinerary options and pricing for you to review.
Similar Safaris
If The Magic of Madikwe feels like the safari you've been dreaming of, we'd love to help you start planning your journey.
Once we've received your contact request, Josh will set up a consultation call or video meeting to get to know you better.