Luxury African Safari at Madikwe Safari Lodge

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Safari, an experience as synonymous with the wild endure of nature as with incomparable luxury. The desire to be immersed in the unpredictability of nature in its most elemental while indulging in the effusive comforts of a luxury African safari lodge.

A romanticised notion of the classic, time-honoured safari experience? Far from it. The traditional safari style of journeying in Africa, as established by William Cornwell Harris in 1836 is not only alive and well, traditions have endured preserving one of the world’s truly unique experiences.

The romance of safari is a dream that I have returned to many times. It is an adventure, a world of refinement set against a rugged and powerful landscape”.         

   Ralph Lauren

The four suites are more aligned to mini lodges than merely a suite. Like a breath of fresh air, each suite gives a feeling of infinite space, the vast landscape an extension of the room.

Spacious ensuite bathrooms, lounge and private deck, give couples space enough to enjoy nature from the comfort of their private retreat. Each suite even has a wood burning fireplace for a romantic touch on cooler evenings.

The pleasure of watching elephants graze while you relax in your private plunge pool is such a unique experience you nearly have to pinch yourself. These are the moments that set Safari apart from any other journey.

At night, the lodge is transformed by lantern light into four private fine dining spaces. For couples planning the ultimate getaway or even a safari honeymoon, the perfect balance of solitude and company is achieved in the lodge layout and planning of daily activities.

Lelapa offers the same spacious suites with private plunge pools as well as a communal guest pool. Ideal for larger family groups, the perfect spot to take lunch on a hot day.

You won’t be the only ones cooling off in the heat of the day.  Enjoy the spectre of zebra coming to drink at the waterhole directly in front of the pool while elephants also take advantage of an opportunity to cool down. These experiences will stay with you for a lifetime no matter how young or old.

Lelapa has 12 suites with the option of family suites with adjoining rooms to accommodate young adventurers. Enormous effort goes into designing activity programs to suit families, especially those with younger children.

A dedicated eco house gives children a place to spend time with the wildlife rangers engaged in fun activities while they learn about the bush and wildlife.

Shorter “bumble” safaris are scheduled daily for the younger ones allowing children to experience the wonder of an African game drive at their pace, searching out what interests kids most. Mum and dad then have ample time to enjoy some time alone on longer game drives.

Much like Lelapa and Kopano lodges, Dithaba exudes a contemporary take on classic African design. Natural palettes of stone and wood have been selected to bring the natural landscape indoors.

Communal areas have been designed with group gatherings in mind. Separate lounge areas for children to get away from the grown-ups to enjoy a movie or for grown-ups to sneak away and read a book.

At all the lodges, it’s the little touches that give daily life at Madikwe a personal feel. This is what being part of the Madikwe family is all about.

Even in the wild, after an exhilarating hunt for leopard or rhino, Safari is still a civilised affair. Take time out mid morning for some fresh hot coffee with just a hint of South Africa’s famous Amarula liqueur.

There is a delightful feeling of indulgence to stand in the African bush next to a freshly laid picnic table sipping hot coffee and snacking on homemade biscuits. Just enough to tide you over before returning for a sumptuous breakfast back at the lodge.

After a relaxing day at your leisure, the setting sun signals safari time. In the cool of the afternoon, the predators will be on the move. Much like you, after lazing in the heat of the day, the bush comes alive again. Imagine an afternoon watching cheetah on the hunt or elephant jostle while a rhino grazes indifferently behind them.

As the sun sets, there is always time to stop for a sundowner. Like magic, from the dusty safari vehicle, our guide produces icy cold aperitifs, served with delicious handmade canapés.  

These are the traditions that have endured, the subtle touches of dignified extravagance against a rugged wilderness. It is what sets a luxury African safari apart from any other activity or style of hospitality.

See More of Madikwe [Video]

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We would like to thank Madikwe Safari Lodge and the excellent staff from Kopano Lodge for hosting us. All opinions expressed are our own and have not been influenced in any way.