5 stars all the way *****
This large and striking lodge in the beautiful Madikwe Game Reserve will definitely deliver on their promise of an unforgettable luxury safari. Their slogan… ‘So much more than the safari experience’ and that certainly rings true. The thing that stood out most on my trip to Madikwe Safari Lodge was the staff, who are naturally warm and welcoming and look genuinely happy to be there and assist you, and for me this is one of the best things about Africa! The friendly people and warm smiles are just part of our culture and ethos, and without it, it’s just not the same!
Our ranger, Liza (yes a woman) - don’t you just love it when a woman shows that she is more than capable in a male dominant environment?
Liza was attentive to our needs and patient and calm at sightings allowing us to view the wildlife for as long as we wanted, thus, also creating the unique opportunity for us to observe a young martial eagle for quite some time before it swooped down and clutched its fierce talons into a rock monitor lizard, and then hurried over to the top of a nearby bush where the struggle for survival was something to behold.
The rooms are large and well decorated with ample space between the units and I just loved having my very own private plunge pool.
Being a family-owned lodge, a lot of Madikwe Safari Lodges efforts are directed towards families and making sure that whilst the kids are entertained daily by the experienced child minders, the parents can also have some peace and quiet to sneak off for a relaxing massage. After all, what’s better than quality family time and creating unforgettable memories in nature that will get passed from generation to generation?
Now about that pool area! The large pool overlooks a picturesque eye-level waterhole that is frequented by all sorts of wildlife, and boy were we spoilt to an amazing elephant sighting with a sizeable herd including loads of tiny calfs that splashed around in the water for what seemed like an hour. Just incredible how a waterhole can add so much activity and excitement to the feel of a lodge.
Innocent and his team are on the ball, as soon as you walk into the pool area he’s already setting up an umbrella and putting out towels for you, and ready to take your drinks order!
Lunch at the pool was such a treat and the food they produce at every meal time is just perfection.
Cheers to more adventures like these, staff that feel like family and lodges that leave you not wanting to go home.