Jamala Madikwe, Royal Safari Lodge

OVERVIEW:

Jamala stands majestically on the plains of Madikwe, adjacent to a pan that attracts a wealth of wildlife due to its large waterhole. The property is owned and run by Rodney Steyn and Nico Verster, with the aim of providing a private home in the bush. Jamala Madikwe, Royal Safari Lodge suits travellers looking for a very exclusive safari experience!

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

The Lodge is accessed via a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Guests might prefer to fly in to the Madikwe airstrip or charter a private helicopter or plane.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT JAMALA MADIKWE, ROYAL SAFARI LODGE: 

The communal building is constructed from stone, timber, and thatch, its interiors merging colonial and authentic Africa styles. The lounge contains plenty of well-cushioned chairs and sofas, in addition to several occasional tables, a desk and upright chair, and a cosy fireplace. Next to the lounge is the library, which features a laddered bookcase. A small partition leads to another lounge area, flowing out on to a deck. This too contains ample seating and is a great spot for viewing wildlife! There is a dining area as well, in addition to a pleasant dining boma set up for communal meals. Guests seeking a particularly exhilarating view of the landscape might like to ascend the property’s watchtower, which enables you to see for miles across the savanna below! There is also a shop for curio items, a gym, and a spa.

The guest accommodation at Jamala consists of five villas, all spaced alongside the pan. These are truly sumptuous, with all the creature comforts you could desire. Each includes a bedroom with big four-poster double bed, bedside chests of drawers and lighting, and seating at the foot of the bed with views over Madikwe. There is also a comfy lounge area with fireplace, an elegant dining room, and a very well-appointed bathroom equipped with flush toilet, twin washbasins with mirror, a walk-in shower, and a bathtub. Guests have use of an outdoor shower also! All villas are air conditioned and come with complimentary mini-bar plus tea- and coffee-making facilities. Sliding doors lead on to a private deck with gorgeous rim-flow pool. This really is a very high standard of accommodation!

ACTIVITIES AT JAMALA MADIKWE, ROYAL SAFARI LODGE:

• Jamala offers classic game drives and a special activity known as ‘sofa safari’. The drives take place during morning and late afternoon.
• Madikwe is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa, boasting all of the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant. It is also one of the best places in the country to view wild dog! Other predators and herbivores include cheetah, hyena, giraffe, zebra, and hippo.
• The bird count is very impressive, numbering in excess of 300 varieties! We recommend you pack your binoculars and your camera. The Lodge’s watchtower is fantastic for really sweeping vistas over the Reserve.
• Jamala also offers sofa safari – the waterhole near the property is so busy, you can simply sink into one of the sumptuous sofas and observe the action, drink in hand!