Vikki and Sian, the owners of Marula Hill Travel,stayed at Madikwe Safari Lodge, a family-friendly lodge located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Combining luxury, comfort, and closeness to remarkable wildlife, Lelapa Lodge delivers the ideal family safari experience. From private plunge pools to delightful dining and rare wildlife sightings, Madikwe Safari Lodge offers an exceptional getaway catering to every type of traveler.
Where is Madikwe Safari Lodge Located?
Madikwe Safari Lodge is located within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve (sprawling over 75,000 hectares), located on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. This unique transition zone is home to a number of rare species, making it a great location for game viewing. The lodge’s accessibility from major cities makes it an ideal destination for both local and international travelers. Daily flights from Johannesburg to nearby airports ensure a seamless journey, followed by a scenic drive to the lodge.
‘The Big Five’ – lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos in this malaria-free environment is particularly appealing for families with young children and older travelers. It allows everyone to fully enjoy the adventure without health concerns. The landscape, while desert-like due to its proximity to the Kalahari, provides a distinct and beautiful backdrop for rare wildlife sightings, including cheetahs.
The Unique Features of Madikwe Safari Lodge
What truly sets Madikwe Safari Lodge apart is its perfect blend of luxurious amenities and incredible proximity to nature. During our stay at Lelapa Lodge, we enjoyed a seamless mix of comfort, adventure, and relaxation.
Each unit features a private plunge pool and deck, offering uninterrupted views of the wilderness. Moreover, the communal areas, including a pool near the waterhole, provided an intimate wildlife experience. From the comfort of our loungers, we watched elephants, zebras, and giraffes drink, making the moment even more special.
The lodge’s new gym, with bush views, allows guests to stay active, while the luxurious spa, where Sian enjoyed an exceptional massage, added a relaxing touch to our stay.
Accommodation at Lelapa Lodge
Lelapa Lodge offers spacious accommodation designed to blend with the surrounding environment. Each suite is generously sized, with comfortable beds and large glass doors that open onto private decks. These decks come with private plunge pools and loungers, making them perfect spots to relax while enjoying the expansive views of the bush.
The lodge’s thoughtful use of natural materials enhances the feeling of being connected to nature, while still providing all the comforts of modern luxury. Whether you’re cooling off in your plunge pool or sipping a drink on the deck, you’ll feel like part of the wilderness.
This is a fantastic lodge for children. There is a wonderful kids centre where children can learn about the natural wonders of the natural world.
Culinary Delights at Madikwe Safari Lodge
Dining at Madikwe Safari Lodge is as much an experience as the safari itself. The food offered was diverse and delicious, catering to all tastes with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each meal was a delight, but dining by the roaring fires during the cold snap made it truly special, adding a cozy, intimate touch. The variety and quality of the food, from hearty breakfasts to gourmet dinners, ensured every meal was something to anticipate
- Experience the tantalizing blend of traditional African ingredients and modern culinary techniques
- Enjoy an array of delectable dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Delight in the sensory delight of African-inspired cuisine and warm hospitality
Exciting Game Viewing at Madikwe Safari Lodge
The Madikwe Game Reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. During our stay, we were fortunate enough to witness rare cheetah sightings, a highlight of the trip. The reserve’s unique location on the edge of the Kalahari provides the perfect environment for these elusive animals. We did not see the African Wild Dog on this visit, but the reserve is known for their incredible Wild Dog sightings!
From the communal pool area, we could watch elephants, zebras, and giraffes gather at the waterhole. This allowed us to enjoy the wildlife without having to leave the comfort of the lodge. The guided game drives in the mornings and evenings gave us the chance to explore deeper into the reserve, where we encountered buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife.
One thing to note is that the terrain around Madikwe can be quite dry, especially in the absence of rain. However, this unique desert-like landscape adds to the reserve’s charm and makes wildlife encounters even more special.
Why Marula Hill Travel Recommends Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe truly offers something for everyone. Whether it’s relaxing in private plunge pools, indulging in delicious dining, or spotting rare cheetahs, there’s always something to enjoy. Moreover, the attentive service, new gym, and luxurious spa make it the perfect destination to unwind and reconnect with nature.
If you’re interested in learning more about malaria-free game reserves in South Africa, don’t miss our blog on the topic
. Discovering malaria-free-game reserves in South Africa.
Final Thoughts
Madikwe Safari Lodge at Lelapa Lodge delivers a seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and wildlife encounters. Whether you’re soaking in your private plunge pool, dining by the fire, or watching wildlife at the waterhole, every moment at Madikwe is designed to leave lasting memories. For a family-friendly safari experience that offers both relaxation and excitement, this lodge is truly unparalleled.
Ready to plan your dream safari? Let Marula Hill Travel guide you to the perfect experience at Madikwe Safari Lodge.
Contact Marula Hill Travel
- Email: sian@marulahill.com
- Call/WhatsApp: +27 82 459 0648
- Instagram: marula_hill_travel
- Website: www.marulahill.com
