Madikwe Factsheet

Here, life gathers at the water’s edge: elephants bathing, lions passing through, herds of antelope reflected in golden afternoon light. Watch it all unfold from your suite’s private deck, the main lodge terrace, or even the underground photographic hide—the first of its kind in Madikwe. Each of our suites is spacious and elegantly appointed, blending safari style with comfort and calm. Days are filled with adventure: morning and evening game drives, quiet moments between the mopane trees, and nights under a sky thick with stars. Madikwe is malaria-free, making it perfect for families and first-time safari-goers, while its exceptional biodiversity promises thrilling encounters for seasoned travellers. This is the Last Word in safari luxury—wild, warm, and wonderfully real.

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SAFARI INFORMATION

• Situated in the Big five Madikwe Game Reserve which is also renowned for cheetah and wild dog sightings, abundant birdlife
• 6 Classic Suites and a 3 bedroomed Villa (sleeps 6 pax)
• Off road viewing for predators.
• Malaria free
• The best underground hide, with unlimited 24 hour access
• Children of all ages welcome
• Children under 6 are not allowed out on game drives, a 1hour Kiddies Bumble can be arranged by the lodge
• 4 hour drive from OR Tambo/Johannesburg
• 2 hour drive from Gaborone/Botswana (dependant on border crossing)

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IN ROOM AND HOUSE SERVICES

• Laundry – Place laundry in the bag provided, in your bathtub, with the completed slip. If left in the morning, it’s usually returned the same day (subject to lodge capacity).
• Wi-Fi – QR Code
• Safe (Padlock) – Inside wardrobe with instructions
• Privacy (door hanger) – Do Not Disturb
• In-Suite Bar (Bottle and glass) – Stocked daily, Special requests welcome
• Air Conditioning (Fan/Snowflake/Sun) – Adjust to comfort, remote in room
• No Smoking (Cigarette with line through) – Please smoke outside designated areas
• Healing Earth (logo) – Soap, Shower Gel, Shampoo, Conditioner, Bath Salts, Bubble Bath
• Hairdryer – Available in room, usually in vanity drawer
• Gowns and Hangers – Plush gowns, ample hangers for your use
• 2-Way Radios (Walkie-Talkie) – Provided in each room for your safety. Please use only in case of emergency or to contact management after hours.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Dining at Madikwe reflects the spirit of the bush- generous, fresh, and always in harmony with the rhythm of the reserve. Each meal is prepared with care by our talented kitchen team, celebrating seasonal produce and the warm hospitality of the wilderness.

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SUMMER SCHEDULE (OCTOBER – MARCH)

(Warm mornings, long golden afternoons, and starlit evenings)

• Wake-Up Call: 05:00
• Coffee & Tea: From 05:15
• Morning Game Drive: 05:30 – 08:30 / 09:00
• Breakfast: Served after the morning drive
• Lunch: 14:00
• Afternoon Game Drive: 16:00 – 19:00 / 19:30
• Dinner: Served after freshening up from the afternoon drive

Morning drives begin in soft, golden light, often with coffee and homemade rusks before heading out. When you return, a hearty breakfast awaits, followed later by a relaxed lunch overlooking the waterhole. Dinner is a highlight of the day: a beautifully plated meal beneath the stars or in the lantern-lit dining area.

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WINTER SCHEDULE (APRIL – SEPTEMBER)

(Crisp mornings, cool evenings, and fireside stories)

• Wake-Up Call: 06:00
• Coffee & Tea: From 06:15
• Morning Game Drive: 06:30 – 09:30 / 10:00
• Breakfast: Served after the morning drive
• Afternoon Tea: 15:00
• Afternoon Game Drive: 15:30 – 18:30 / 19:00
• Dinner: Served after freshening up from the afternoon drive

After the excitement of a winter morning drive, return to a full breakfast and a crackling fire. In the afternoon, high tea offers delicate bites and warm drinks before heading out again into the golden light of dusk. Evenings end with a fireside dinner - relaxed, elegant, and accompanied by the night sounds of the bush.

There’s no room service here, but between game drives, sundowners, and starlit dinners, you’ll never go hungry. Every meal is part of the Madikwe experience — generous, fresh, and served with genuine warmth.

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LEISURE AND OUTDOOR

• Swimming Pool – A tranquil place to cool off between drives, overlooking the surrounding bush and alive with birdsong.
• Game Drives – Twice daily, morning and afternoon, led by our experienced guides. Explore the diverse terrain of Madikwe in open safari vehicles and witness the Big 5, wild dogs, and countless other species in their natural habitat.
• Waterhole Viewing – The lodge is built around one of Madikwe’s most active waterholes, a constant gathering point for elephants, buffalo, zebra, and more. Perfect for photography or quiet reflection with a drink in hand.
• Underground Hide – Get eye-level with the action in our photographic hide. Safely positioned beneath the waterhole, it offers a rare and thrilling perspective for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Self-Guided Nature Trail – A short walking trail through the bush near the lodge, perfect for gentle exercise and a closer look at Madikwe’s smaller wonders, from birds and butterflies to ancient trees and animal tracks.
• Reserve Operations Room Tour – Go behind the scenes of Madikwe’s conservation work with an insightful visit to the Reserve Operations Centre. Learn how field rangers, researchers, and anti-poaching teams work together to protect wildlife across thousands of hectares. Available by prior arrangement through management.
• Township Tour – Experience the warmth and resilience of the nearby community on a guided township tour. Meet local residents, visit small businesses, and see how tourism and conservation support one another. This experience can be arranged at an additional cost - speak to management for details.
• Mammal & Bird Checklists – Find our printed checklists in your room and see how many species you can spot during your stay. Share your sightings with our guides, they love to compare notes!

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BEST TIME TO VISIT MADIKWE

The best time to visit Madikwe is May to September (Dry Winter) offers superior game viewing as animals gather at waterholes with sparse vegetation, ideal for spotting the Big Five; while October to April (Wet Summer/Green Season) is a birdwatcher’s paradise with lush landscapes, baby animals, and vibrant scenery.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE, TOGETHER

At Last Word, we believe travel should leave more than footprints — it should leave hope, opportunity, and a better tomorrow. Every stay with us directly contributes to the people and wildlife who make our world so extraordinary. Across all our hotels and safari camps, we proudly support a range of charities and conservation projects that are changing lives and protecting our natural heritage.

• Supingstad Community Support – Just beyond the Madikwe Reserve lies the village of Supingstad, where we assist with local development and upliftment through employment, education, and infrastructure support. Our long-term goal: shared success and sustainable growth for the community that supports us.
• And at Christmas... Santa’s Shoebox Project – Each year, we join the Santa’s Shoebox Project in bringing joy to underprivileged children across South Africa. We invite our guests to take part — one shoebox, one child, one unforgettable Christmas.
  www.santashoebox.org.za

By staying with us, you become part of this story — helping us care for the people, wildlife, and wild places that make The Last Word so extraordinary.