Madikwe River Lodge | Big 5 Safari

Kindly note the rates for the family rooms will depend on the number of children and their ages. "			1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026
MADIKWE RIVER LODGE		Pax allowed per unit	Midweek		Weekend
Plan	Room Type		Single	Sharing per room	Single	Sharing per room
FB	9 Deluxe River Chalet	2 pax	R5 975	R9 170	R7 955	R12 215
FB	6 Deluxe River Family Chalet	2 adults & 2 kids	R5 975	R9 170	R7 955	R12 215
FB	1 Luxury River Chalet	2 pax	R6 565	R10 055	R8 750	R13 405
AI	9 Deluxe River Chalet	2 pax	R6 335	R9 900	R8 435	R13 190
AI	6 Deluxe River Family Chalet	2 adults & 2 kids	R6 335	R9 900	R8 435	R13 190
AI	1 Luxury River Chalet	2 pax	R6 925	R10 790	R9 230	R14 375
Kindly note the rates for the family rooms will depend on the number of children and their ages. "			1 April 2026 - 31 March 2027
MADIKWE RIVER LODGE		Pax allowed per unit	Midweek		Weekend
Plan	Room Type		Single	Sharing per room	Single	Sharing per room
FB	9 Deluxe River Chalet	2 pax	R6 395	R9 815	R8 520	R13 080
FB	6 Deluxe River Family Chalet	2 adults & 2 kids	R6 395	R9 815	R8 520	R13 080
FB	1 Luxury River Chalet	2 pax	R7 020	R10 775	R9 360	R14 365
AI	9 Deluxe River Chalet	2 pax	R6 780	R10 595	R9 035	R14 125
AI	6 Deluxe River Family Chalet	2 adults & 2 kids	R6 780	R10 595	R9 035	R14 125
AI	1 Luxury River Chalet	2 pax	R7 425	R11 555	R9 900	R15 395
FB - Includes, breakfast, lunch, dinner and two game drives per person, per day. AI - All inclusive: Full Board plus includes soft drinks, local wines, local beers and local pouring brands, spirits Babysitting facilities from   R260 per hour (maximum 2 children) Sole use vehicle is available to facilitate the families at an additional cost  R 5 300 per vehicle per game drive. Children from 0 - 5 years stay, complimentary and are not allowed on game drives, complimentary children's game drives may be arranged. Children from 6 - 11 pays 50% off adult sharing rate when sharing with adults and when occupying their own room full adult rate is applicable. Deluxe Family Suites only, sleeper couch. Children 12 years and older occupy their own room and pay full the adult rate. Excluded from the rate: Park Entrance Fees Conservation Levy per night Subject to change, please check upon making the reservation.

Acrtivities at a Glance

• Game drives (morning and afternoon)
• Kiddies’ drive (11h00 – 12h00)
• Swimming pool
• Bird watching
• Bush Breakfast
• Bush Walks
• Boma Dinners
• Intimate Weddings

GAME DRIVES
When you’re ready to top up on wildlife sightings, we offer twice-daily private game drives led by highly qualified (and charismatic!) rangers. There’s a long list of wildlife to encounter in the malaria-free Madikwe Reserve, including all the iconic members of the Big Five. Moms and Dads, take note: if you’re travelling with children under the age of six, a specialised family safari will be arranged.

BUSH WALKS
We also offer dedicated bush walks at Madikwe River Lodge, led by our highly skilled and armed tracker guides. While our larger game animals often steal the show, there are plenty of smaller creatures worth learning about. From tiny dung beetles to beautiful bat-eared foxes, venturing out on foot offers a chance to discover all the little beasts of the bush that often go unnoticed.

BIRD WATCHING
If you’re a keen birder (and even if you’re not), you’re guaranteed to delight in the myriad of local choristers flittering through the Madikwe region. The Groot Marico River lures in a bounty of indigenous birdlife, so keep your eyes and ears peeled. High on the list are African fish eagles, Pel’s fishing owls, and Brown-hooded Kingfishers. Blink, and you’ll miss them!

BOMA DINNERS AND BUSH BREAKFASTS
If you’re looking for that quintessential bush dining experience, you’re in the right place. Here at Madikwe River Lodge, we host fireside dinners in our outdoor boma as well as special bush breakfasts on request. With those star-spangled skies above you and nature all around, there’s no need to remain indoors.

INTIMATE WEDDINGS
If romance to you is immersing yourself in nature far from the hustle and bustle, Madikwe River is the perfect place to tie the knot. We have the capacity to host and cater for small, intimate weddings of up to 25 people with three venues to choose from. Get in touch with our team for further details.

Madikwe River Lodge offers exclusive accommodation in sixteen split-level thatched chalets. All units feature en-suite bathrooms, lounge areas, air conditioning, a bar fridge and a private deck overlooking the river.

Looking for something simple yet comfortable? Our six lock-up-and go chalets should hit the sweet spot. Each one-bedroom unit sleeps two people (single or double) and comes with an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The private balcony makes for a perfect sunrise spot to enjoy a hot cuppa.

Inclusions & Room Facilities

• Sleeps a maximum of 2 people
• 1 double or 2 single beds
• En-suite bathroom with a shower
• Private balcony with seating areas
• Airconditioning
• Bar fridge
• Coffee & Tea making facilities
• Basic toiletries
• Hairdryer
• Linen and bath towels

There are six family rooms at Madikwe River lodge for adventurous families looking to rest up during their travels. These one-bedroom units come as either twin or double bed options and sleeper couch. Cots are also available on request for little ones.

Inclusions & Room Facilities

• Sleeps a maximum of 4 people
• 1 double or 2 single beds
• Sleeper couch
• Sleeper cot available on request
• En-suite bathroom with a shower
• Private balcony with seating areas
• Airconditioning
• Bar fridge
• Coffee & Tea making facilities
• Basic toiletries
• Hairdryer
• Linen and bath towels

Looking for something a little more lavish? Bed down in the luxury chalet at Madikwe River Lodge. This unit features a private lounge area leading out to a private balcony overlooking the Groot Marico River and comes with an en-suite bathroom with additional outdoor shower.

Room Features:

• Sleeps a maximum of 2 people
• 1 double or 2 single beds
• En-suite bathroom with a bath
• Outdoor shower
• Private balcony with seating areas
• Airconditioning
• Bar fridge
• Coffee & Tea making facilities
• Basic toiletries
• Hairdryer
• Linen and bath towels

The bedroom leads onto a private balcony with views overlooking the Groot Marico River. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of en-suite bathrooms with showers and a range of customised toiletries.

Room Features:

• Free Toiletries
• Patio
• Shower

With ample luxury accommodation options, a world-class restaurant and stunning surrounds, aha Madikwe River Lodge is the ideal location for an executive meeting or conference. We offer informal, bushveld-inspired conference facilities that comprise 3 venues.

aha Madikwe Conferencing Venues

The details of each of aha Madikwe River Lodge‘s facilities that make up this North-West Province conference venue include:

Loft Schoolroom (8-seater):

• Length 15m; width 15m; height 4m

Outdoor schoolroom: (25-seater)

• Length 30m; width 20m; height 4m

Outdoor Banquet: (25-seater)

• Length 30m; width 20m; height 4m

Quick Facts

• Outside tea and coffee facilities
• Flipchart or stand and pens
• TV and video (not DVD)
• Screen 

FACILITIES AT A GLANCE:

• OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL
• COMMUNAL LOUNGE
• BOMA AND FIREPIT
• CONFERENCE CENTRE
• PRIVATE AIRSTRIP
• CURIO SHOP
• BABYSITTING SERVICES BY REQUEST
• SWIMMING POOL

SWIMMING POOL
When you’re ready to wash off the safari dust, make a splash in our outdoor pool. It’s the perfect spot to kick back with loved ones after a busy morning of guided game drives. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit along with your safari hat!

DINING OPTIONS
No need to cook when you’re feeling hungry (or even slightly peckish). Our head chef and his team are on standby to whip up something tasty. Breakfast is served in the dining room, lunch on the viewing deck, with dinner in the outside boma. We’ve also got several options to satisfy the kids, with bush breakfast experiences available on request.

PRIVATE AIRSTRIP
Should you be flying into or out of Madikwe River Lodge via light aircraft, the airstrip is a 20-minute drive away (with a high chance of animal sightings en route). Get in touch with our team if this is a facility you’re wanting to use during your stay – we’re just a 45-minute flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

CURIO SHOP
If you want to pick up a few treasures to take home with you, head to our on-site curio shop. You’ll discover a range of handmade crafts sourced from local artists. Need a new safari hat or souvenir t-shirt? You’ll find that here, too.

CONFERENCING FACILITIES
Madikwe River Lodge offers unique meeting spaces combined with river facing accommodation, unique dining experiences and nature as the director of events. Madikwe River Lodge is an exhilarating address at which professionals can unite.

• Schoolroom (loft) – 8 ppl max – L 15m x W 15m x H 4m
• Schoolroom (outside) – 25 ppl max – L 30m x W 20m x H 4m
• Banquet (outside) – 25 ppl max – L 30m x W 20m x H 4m

Madikwe River Lodge is situated in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province South Africa.

Flights

• Madikwe Charters flies from Johannesburg International on a daily basis, approximately 1 hour flight.

Situated in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province approximately:

• 50km from Gaborone
• 120km north of Zeerust
• 150km west of Sun City/Pilanesberg
• 250km from Shidzidzi and Nungubane
• 250km from Mabula Game Lodge
• 380km west of Johannesburg
• 430km from Johannesburg International Airport

From Johannesburg Airport

• From Johannesburg (Jhb) International Airport follow the R21, north, to Pretoria (Tshwane) through Kempton Park
• After +- 40 km follow N1 north to, Pretoria (Tshwane), Pietersburg (Polokwane)
• From the N1, +- 12 km, take N4 west into Pretoria (Tshwane), to Rustenburg or Hartebeespoort dam
• Follow the N4 through Pretoria, +- 60 km to Hartebeespoort dam
• From Hartebeespoort, follow N4 to Rustenburg for about +- 30km, go on the R556 to Sun City
• +- 94 km to Sun City
• From Gauteng pass Sun City on your right (R556); continue past the petrol stop onto the main junction.
• The junction reads Derdepoort to the right. Turn right ensuring you zero you odometer (Km counter of the car).
• Once you have turned right continue on the tar road, you will find the first sign indicating MADIKWE GAME RESERVE- Moletedi 100Km and Derdepoort 150Km.This is confirmation that you are on the right road.
• You will continue on this tar road for 40Km.
• On route you will pass the following turnoffs (do not take them only use them as reference together with your KM reading of the car):
• At 4Km you will pass a turnoff to Ledig settlement.
• At 9Km from the main junction there are several signs including Madikwe Game Reserve, Bapong, Jaci’s and Makanyane. DO NOT TURN LEFT
• At 18Km there is a Mabeskraal sign (do not take).
• You will pass through several informal settlements on route please be careful of the sometimes unexpected traffic (cows,goats,taxis and people).
• At 28 Km there is the first MADIKWE RIVER LODGE continue straight.
• At 40 Km from the main junction there is a Khayakhulu turn to your left (There is a sign indicating Madikwe River Lodge 87 Km)TAKE THIS ROAD LEFT . At this stage you leave the tar road for a gravel road for the rest of the trip to the Lodge.
• Stay on the main gravel Road.
• Pass straight past the Makgope turn on your left.
• At 47Km there is a sign indicating that you have 81 Km to go to the Lodge. Continue straight there is no junction.
• At 49 Km there is a junction continue straight to Khayakhulu (not left to Mabeskraal and not right to Mogoditsone)
• At 53 Km there is a Y- Junction KEEP RIGHT There is another lodge sign indicating 74 Km left)
• At 62 Km another Y-Junction KEEP LEFT.There is another lodge sign indicating 66Km left.
• At 65 Km sign Indicating MADIKWE GAME RESERVE- Moletedi 40 km and Derdepoort 90 km.
• At 66 km from the Sun City main junction you will arrive at a T-junction. Turn right to Deredpoort as the sign indicates. There is another lodge sign indicating 63 Km left.
• You will pass the Dwaarsberg Liquor store on your left continue straight. There is a sign indicating 51 Km to the Lodge.
• At 87 Km there is a sign indicating 43 Km to go no junction just continue straight.
• At 90 KM turn right at the Madikwe River Lodge sign indicating 40 Km left. There is also a sign indicating Derdepoort.
• At 96 Km continue straight past the turn to right (Swartruggens/Dwaalboom).
• At 106 Km continue straight past the turnoff to right (Dwaalboom)There is a Lodge sign indicating only 21 Km left.
• At 118 Km continue past the turnoff to your right (Buffelsdrift). Camp Mosela Sela will be on your right.
• At 127 Km you will have arrived at the Reserve gate called Derdepoort. (On your right there is a farm filling station should you require fuel for your trip home). At this junction turn left and report to the gate guard at the boom. Inform him that you will be proceeding to Madikwe River Lodge. He will in turn confirm this by radio with us at the Lodge.
• Proceed through the gate (40 km per hour) you are now in the reserve. After 3Km you will find a concrete sign indicating left to Madikwe River Lodge. Turn left and follow the reception signs.
• The lodge is 3 Km from the main road.

From Johannesburg via Abjaterskop Gate

• From Johannesburg get on the N1 Roodepoort Road
• Take the 14th Avenue off ramp from the N1
• Turn onto the M8, (M47), (M18) Ontdekkers road that goes west
• Go straight for a few hundred metres, then turn right at the traffic lights on the M47 Krugersdorp North / Hillfox road
• Follow the M47 Krugersdorp North road. Go straight on this road, you will cross several traffic lights and stop streets. After +- 7 km go straight over a busy 4-way stop street following N14 Ventersdorp sign
• Go straight for +- 10 km, then turn right at stop street on N14 Ventersdorp / R563 Hekpoort
• +- 0,8 km, turn left on the N14 Ventersdorp / (R24) Rustenburg road
• After +- 10,5 km turn right at stop street on the R24 Rustenburg / Magaliesburg road
• After +- 14,5 km you in Magaliesburg. Go straight through and turn left onto the R509 Koster / Derby road
• Follow this road, and after +- 56 km you will be in Derby. Go straight through Derby still on the R509 to Koster
• +- 17 km to Koster
• In Koster turn right on the R509 to Swartruggens. +- 33 km to Swartruggens
• Turn left at T-junction to Swartruggens on the N4
• Go straight through Swartruggens on N4 to Zeerust
• Go through tollgate
• +- 70 km to Zeerust on the N4
• DO NOT FOLLOW MADIKWE SIGNS - it is a village far away from us. ONLY FOLLOW MADIKWE GAME RESERVE or MADIKWE RIVER LODGE signs
• In Zeerust turn right on the R47 / R49 to Gaborone / Madikwe Game Reserve
• It is +- 90 km to the Abjaterskop Gate
• Inside the reserve follow Derdepoort Gate signs for +- 35km, till you see a Madikwe River Lodge turnoff to the right. +- 3 km to the lodge
• In total it is about 380 km, and will take +-4.5 hours

Madikwe Game Reserve Gate Times

• Opening time: 06:00
• Closing time: 18:00
• All visitors arriving just after 18:00 will need to be escorted into the park by rangers
• Late arrivals will not be accommodated due to security reasons

Child Policy

• Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on safari activities. Where possible, family game drives will be arranged.
• Babysitting services can be arranged at the lodge at an additional charge.
• Children 0 – 5 years of age stay free of charge only when sharing with two full-paying adults.
• Children 6 – 11 years of age pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with two full-paying adults.
• Children 12 years and older occupying their own room pay full adult rate.
• The adult rate applies when a child over 12 years old shares with one adult.

All rates are quoted per person per night and include VAT

Check in time is from 14h00 and check out time is by 10h00

Maximum Capacity: 44

Rooms: 16

All ages welcome

The rates include:

• Luxury accommodation
• All meals
• Two game game drives per person per day
• VAT and TOMSA
• Welcome drinks

The rates exclude:

• Beverages
• Items of a personal nature
• Bed levy & Gate fees
• Conservation levies
• Landing fees if you are flying into the park

Deposit Policy

• For all bookings made within 45 days of travel
• Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
• For all bookings made more than 45 days of travel
• A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations will only be accepted in writing

• 45 – 30 days prior to arrival 25%
• 29 – 15 days prior to arrival 80%
• 14- 1 days prior to arrival 100%
• A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.

Game Lodges Policy:

• Children: 0 - 5 years of age : Stay free of charge only when sharing with two full paying adults, meals charged on consumption
• Children: 6 - 11 years of age: Pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with two full paying adults. Full adult rate applicable if occupying their own room
• Children: 12 years & older: Occupy their own room and pay full adult rate Where a child shares with 1 adult the adult sharing rate applies.
  At Game Lodges, children under the age of 12 years will be accommodated on special children's game drives. This is subject to availability and at the discretion of the lodge manager.

Room Configuration

• Standard Family: Maximum 2 adults & 2 children under the age of 12 on a sleeper couch;
• Luxury Room: Maximum: 2 Persons
• Standard Room: Maximum 2 persons;

Third Person Sharing: Not applicable

Additional Comments

• 6 Family Rooms available.
• Children 6 & over will be allowed on the game drives & bush braai's. 16 years and over will be allowed on guided game walks (Wilderness Trails & Day Walks)
• Children under age of 6 not permitted on game drives.
• Babysitting facilities available at until 31 Marc 2024 R240 / from 1 Apr 2024 - to 31 Mar 2025  R260  per hour (maximum 2 children)
• Sole use vehicle is available to facilitate the families at an additional cost of until 31 Marc 2024  R4 770  / from 1 Apr 2024 - to 31 Mar 2025  R5 300 per vehicle per game drive.

• An African safari can be one of the highlights of your life. Here’s what to pack, what to wear, and what to leave behind.
• Packing for a trip to Africa can be a tricky task – especially if you’re a first timer. Here’s your checklist of what you’ll need… and what you won’t.

WHAT TO PACK

• Binoculars: After several millennia of natural selection, Africa’s wild animals have learned how to blend into the bush. A good pair of binoculars will help you spot them, hidden among the vegetation.
• Camera: Madikwe Game Reserve is a nature photographer’s paradise – and even if you’re not on the National Geographic shortlist, you’ll want to take some pictures of your safari adventure. Your smartphone camera will only take you so far, though: an SLR with a good zoom lens will add a whole new dimension to your images.
• Prescription Medication: There are no pharmacies (drug stores) in Madikwe Game Reserve, so while emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation procedures are in place at all safari lodges in the reserve, access to medication will be limited. Be sure to pack yours ahead of time.
• Day Bag: Whether you’re walking or sitting in a vehicle, a small bag will help you keep your bits and pieces easily organised and accessible. Most safari lodges will provide you with a water bottle on arrival. Remember to take it along on safari game drives and bush walks.
• Sun Protection: Hat? Sunglasses? Sun cream? You’ll need them all to shield yourself from the harsh African sun – even in the winter months.
• If you do forget something at home, don’t worry: if a replacement is not available in the safari lodge’s curio shop, the helpful staff are always available to help you track down anything you need.

WHAT TO WEAR

• Comfortable Clothing: You’ll be sitting (or walking) for a few hours, so be sure to wear clothes that make you feel at home.
• Layers: While Madikwe Game Reserve is in Africa (and, specifically, near the Kalahari Desert), it’s not hot and sunny all year round. The mid-year winter season can be very chilly in the nights and early mornings – which is exactly the right time for safari game drives! So pack layered clothing that you can take off or put on as the temperature changes.
• Neutral Shades: Blend in with your surroundings – especially if you’re on a walking safari. Go for natural tones like greens, olives, light browns, tans and khakhis; and avoid whites (which show up the dust!) and bright primary colours when you’re out on safari game drives.
• Lightweight Fabric: You can’t go wrong with simple cotton, or with a quality synthetic material that lets your clothes breathe while providing much-needed protection from the elements.
• Trousers & Sleeves: In keeping with the layered approach, opt for long-sleeved shirts that can be rolled up or down as the temperature changes. Trousers have the added benefit of protecting you from both the sun and (at night) from insects.
• Sturdy Footwear: Specialised boots aren’t necessary for standard safari game drives. You will be climbing in and out of the vehicle and possibly taking a few short walks in the bush, though, so wear comfortable shoes that cover your ankles and provide protection from bushveld vegetation.
• Hat and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat will protect you from the sun, while shielding your eyes from the glare and giving you better wildlife spotting opportunities.

WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND

• Bulky Coats: Many of Madikwe Game Reserve’s safari lodges provide blankets for winter safari game drives – so if it does get chilly, you’ll be OK. Layered clothing is far preferable to a single, heavy jacket.
• Bright Clothing: You’ll look great in your Insta shots, but the animals will see you coming from miles away. The trick to spotting wildlife is to blend into your surroundings.
• High Heels: The ground along the reserve’s pathways can be uneven, especially if you’re out on a safari game drive. Rather wear shoes that are easy to walk in, and which won’t lead to a rolled ankle.
• Single-use Plastics: If you have to use it, keep it to a minimum. Madikwe Game Reserve is, after all, a natural wilderness area with a commitment to sustainable living and environmental preservation.