Jamala Madikwe – Madikwe Game Reserve – South Africa

Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge is without doubt one of the finest lodges in Africa. Effortlessly blending luxury and sophistication with disarming charm and genuine warmth.  With only 5 suites you are guaranteed exceptional service from the owner managed team and attention to detail that is seldom matched. All of this in an easy drive from Johannesburg.

This is a perfect lodge for those seeking an intimate getaway and is very popular with honeymooners. This is not surprising, as in the 2019 highly regarded Safari Awards Jamala Madikwe was rated as the most romantic safari lodge in South Africa. For a great combination of safari and Cape Town why not combine Jamala Madikwe with the Radisson Blu Waterfront on the ocean front in Cape Town?

Live like royalty

The 5 stand alone villas at Jamala offer every creature comfort. The luxurious interiors are complimented with large wooden decks leading to private rim-flow pools and shaded salas with views out onto the savannah. Expansive bathrooms offer large bath tubs with views out to the bush, as well as both indoor and outdoor showers. Air-conditioning keeps you cool in the heat of summer and roaring log fireplaces provide cosy warmth on winter evenings. The only problem you will have is tearing yourself away from you villas for exhilarating safaris!

Jamala Madikwe Bedroom

Safaris

The Madikwe Game Reserve is a malaria free reserve covering some 75,000 ha of African bush. Thanks to its location in a “transition” zone, the reserve is home to a variety of game that is not often found in other reserves, including the Big Five. Twice daily safaris with expert guides in open 4×4 vehicles take place early morning and again in the late afternoon when the animals are at their most active. For those seeking completely relaxation the lodge’s is also famous for Sofa and Pool safaris where you can relax in the main deck lounge or pool and watch as the parade of game comes to the private water hole in front of the lodge. The Sofa and Pool safaris are particularly rewarding during the driest months of the year from July until October when the waterhole attracts large volumes of game.

A little extra…

To compliment the excellent service and thrilling safaris, Jamala is renowned for its exceptional cuisine. This is culinary craftsmanship at the highest level in the middle of the African bush. Nico Verster the lodge’s culinary mastermind even has two acclaimed books to tempt you further – “Savannah to Sea” and “Safaris and Spices”. Let’s not also forget the option of gin tasting on the deck!
But don’t just take our word for it, Jamala Madikwe has just been awarded the best safari cuisine in South Africa in the 2019 Safari Awards.

Jamala Madikwe Cuisine

Prices:

Contact us for the best rates for Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

What’s included:

  • Accommodation in luxury private villas

  • All meals

  • Selection of hand picked local drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic

  • Twice daily safaris in open 4×4 vehicles with expert guides

  • Return transfers to and from the Madikwe landing strip if arriving by air

What’s Excluded:

  • Travel to and from Madikwe

  • Park and conservation fees

  • Select premium beverages and champagnes

  • Items of personal expense – i.e. spa treatments, laundry (select laundry will be included from 2020), telephone calls etc

Wildlife highlights:

  • Big Five

  • Cheetah

  • Wild Dog

  • Brown Hyena

  • Bat-eared Fox

  • Gemsbok (oryx)

When to visit:

  • January – April: Summer months, the bush is green and dense, temperatures can be very hot. Great time for birding and seeing newly born animals.

  • May – July: Start of the winter months, sunny skies and warm days but cold nights. Special long stay offers available.

  • August – October: Late dry season, temperatures warming up. Bush at its lowest meaning visibility at its best. Animals congregate around water sources including the lodge’s waterhole.

  • November – December: Usually marks the arrival of summer rains with higher temperatures. The bush starts turning green, migratory birds return and many animals give birth to their young.

  • Jamala Madikwe is in a malaria-free area.

Weather:

  • January – Average High 33ºC (91ºF) / Average Low 21ºC (70ºF) / Average days with rain 9

  • April – Average High 29ºC (84ºF) / Average Low 14ºC (57ºF) / Average days with rain 3

  • July – Average High 23ºC (73ºF) / Average Low 21ºC (41ºF) / Average days with rain 0

  • October – Average High 32ºC (89ºF) / Average Low 21ºC (63ºF) / Average days with rain 4