South Africa Kartiega Settlers Drift Eastern Cape South Africa 2 Logo South Africa
Back to Listing

Madikwe Safari Lodge
Waterberg Area

The magnificent Madikwe Safari Lodge is without doubt one of the most family-friendly luxury lodges in South Africa for children to experience the Big Five. Situated in the malaria-free North West Province bordering with Botswana, the Madikwe Game Reserve is a prime safari destination spanning 76,000 hectares known for its pristine landscape, diverse wildlife and impressive lion sightings. The lodge offers twice daily game drives for all guests aged 6 and above and shorter family game drives are available in the morning for families with younger children. 

Set on the hillside with soaring views over the Dwarsberg Mountains and the surrounding plains, Madikwe is comprised of three interconnected lodges: Lelapa lodge (12 suites), Kopano lodge (4 suites), and Dithaba lodge (4 suites). Lelapa (meaning ‘family’) Lodge welcomes children as young as two years old and offers a fantastic array of kid-friendly activities: family safari drives, pizza making in the ‘boma’, star gazing, bush orientation and a whole host of fun activities at the ‘Madikwe Cubz’ kids' club. The lodge also has an ‘Eco-House’ which offers arts, crafts and educational activities. Kopano Lodge’s four suites come with private plunge pools and Dithaba Lodge, also comprising four suites, works well as an exclusive hire for a larger group or multi-generational families looking for more privacy. 

Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa6 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa6
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa14 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa14
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa8 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa8
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa17 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa17
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa11 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa11
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa13 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa13
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa9 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa9
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa7 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa7
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa10 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa10
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa19 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa19
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa3 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa3
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa1 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa1
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa30 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa30
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa2 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa2
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa4 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa4
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa5 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa5
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa12 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa12
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa15 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa15
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa16 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa16
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa20 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa20
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa21 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa21
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa22 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa22
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa23 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa23
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa24 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa24
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa25 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa25
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa26 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa26
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa27 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa27
Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa29 Madikwe Safari Lodge South Africa29
If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito.
African Proverb

Client Testimonials

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences