Location
Private Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Madikwe Safari Lodge is an award-winning luxury accommodation on the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa's North West Province, near the Botswana border. At 185,000 acres, Madikwe is one of the largest and most exclusive private reserves in South Africa. The setting is striking, where wooded hills meet flat savanna, with deep-red earth and sekelbos thickets merging into the drier yellow-sand Kalahari plains. This diverse collection of biomes supports abundant and varied wildlife, including the famous Big Five and many other mammal species.

We explore this enticing tract of wilderness from our base in either the Lelapa or Kopano sectors of the lodge. Lelapa, which is Setswana for "family," offers casual, stylish accommodations in spacious luxury suites. Each has a private deck that looks directly out onto the reserve, with a private outdoor shower and plunge pool. The interiors are equally inviting, with high ceilings, stucco walls, sumptuous beds, and a soothing neutral color palette that creates a sense of oneness with the landscape. Amenities include air conditioning, high-speed Internet and a mini bar. Common spaces include a lounge under thatch with soaring ceiling and natural log posts and beams, overstuffed sofas and a large earthen fireplace to take the chill off; a boma area for outdoor dining under the stars, and a large swimming pool ringed by lighted lanterns in the evening. Opposite the pool, a watering hole attracts a regular parade of wildlife. A shop on the premises sells locally made arts and crafts. 

The Kopano section of the lodge is tucked away in a more remote setting for an intimate, personal experience of the African bush. Kopano means "small gathering" in Setswana, and just four suites comprise this private enclave. Each has its own private lounge, raised viewing deck, open-air shower and plunge pool. Beyond, vast plains stretch to the horizon, roamed by zebra, giraffe, elephant and varied antelope that are often on view. The main camp is where you'll find the dining area, fireplace lounge with library, furnished deck and boma. The communal swimming pool of Lelapa is available for use by Kopano guests.