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Madikwe River Lodge | Big 5


4 Star Madikwe Game Reserve image

Madikwe River Lodge lies in a secluded riverine canopy on the edge of the Groot Marico River which flows along Madikwe Game Reserve’s eastern boundary.

With room for up to 32 adults and 12 children, this magnificent Lodge is the perfect venue for family and group breakaways as well as conferences, corporate retreats, and special occasions.

Whether it’s a magical wilderness wedding or a bespoke team building convention, Madikwe River Lodge’s dedicated staff can assist you in hosting an exceptional event within easy travelling distance of Johannesburg.

Madikwe River Lodge comprises sixteen split-level thatched chalets – one luxury chalet, three double suites with king-sized beds, six twin suites, and six family suites with two twin beds plus a sleeper couch – all carefully positioned to make the most of the cool tranquility offered provided by its remote woodland setting.

The chalets are individually decorated to reflect the rich influence of the stunning landscape surrounding them. Each chalet boasts an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, a full range of customised toiletries, air-conditioning, and a wooden balcony overlooking the lazily meandering Groot Marico River and expansive bushveld beyond.

In addition, the luxury chalet features a private lounge and the following visitor amenities: a ceiling fan, mini-bar, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, and a hairdryer. Cots are available on request.

The central hub of Madikwe River Lodge is where visitors can get together to hang out in the comfortable sitting area or adjourn to the bar for a long, cool sundowner cocktail.

Breakfasts, lunches, high teas, and dinner are served in the main dining room which seats up to 30 visitors at once.

The Lodge’s ceremonial Boma is set just a short distance from the central hub on a small river island which is accessed via a wooden bridge. Here early morning breakfasts are served under the sheltering foliage of the impressive Acacia trees. And lingering firelit dinners are complemented by the star-filled African night skies. Bush dinners and picnic baskets can also be organised by prior arrangement.

A stay at Madikwe River Lodge gives visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy a range of wildlife-centric adventures and discover the incredible biodiversity that makes Madikwe such a sought-after safari destination.

Activities include twice-daily game drives, guided wilderness trails and bush walks, and bird watching safaris accompanied by the Lodge’s highly qualified rangers.

For visitors looking to unwind, the inviting rock pool is just the spot to laze away another idyllic afternoon in this glorious bushveld hideaway. Or indulge in a spell of stargazing post-dinner in the quiet of the Boma.

Additional visitor amenities include a curio shop, laundry services, babysitting for your peace-of- mind, and a private airstrip.

And as the Lodge is a family-friendly establishment, children aged six to 15 years are permitted on the game drives and at the bush braais while teenagers 16 years and older are also allowed on the guided wilderness trails and bush walks.

Madikwe River Lodge’s excellent service, superb facilities, and stunning setting have ensured its popularity as a destination where delegates, package tour participants, families and friends can take a welcome break from the stresses and strains of city life. 

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  • icon Rates
  • icon Activities
  • icon Conferencing
  • icon Rooms
  • icon How to get there?
  • icon Overview
  • icon Terms
  • icon What to Pack for Safari
1 April 2023 - 31 March 2024
MADIKWE RIVER LODGE Pax allowed per unit Midweek Weekend
Plan Room Type Single Sharing per room Single Sharing per room
FB 9 Deluxe River Chalet 2 pax R5 230 R8 040 R6 970 R10 710
FB 6 Deluxe River Family Chalet 2 adults & 2 kids POA POA POA POA
FB 1 Luxury River Chalet 2 pax R5 750 R8 820 R7 670 R11 760
AI 9 Deluxe River Chalet 2 pax R5 570 R8 710 R7 415 R11 615
AI 6 Deluxe River Family Chalet 2 adults & 2 kids POA POA POA POA
AI 1 Luxury River Chalet 2 pax R6 085 R9 490 R8 110 R12 660
Kindly note the rates for the family rooms will depend on the number of children and their ages. " 1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025
MADIKWE RIVER LODGE Pax allowed per unit Midweek Weekend
Plan Room Type Single Sharing per room Single Sharing per room
FB 9 Deluxe River Chalet 2 pax R5 540 R8 520 R7 390 R11 365
FB 6 Deluxe River Family Chalet 2 adults & 2 kids R5 540 R8 520 R7 390 R11 365
FB 1 Luxury River Chalet 2 pax R6 110 R9 350 R8 135 R12 470
AI 9 Deluxe River Chalet 2 pax R5 890 R7 850 R9 205 R12 265
AI 6 Deluxe River Family Chalet 2 adults & 2 kids R5 890 R7 850 R9 205 R12 265
AI 1 Luxury River Chalet 2 pax R6 430 R8 580 R10 030 R13 370
FB - Includes, breakfast, lunch, dinner and two game drives per person, per day.
AI - All inclusive: Full Board plus includes soft drinks, local wines, local beers and local pouring brands, spirits
Babysitting facilities available at until 31 Marc 2024 R240 / from 1 Apr 2024 - to 31 Mar 2025 R260 per hour (maximum 2 children)
Sole use vehicle is available to facilitate the families at an additional cost of until 31 Marc 2024 R4 770 / from 1 Apr 2024 - to 31 Mar 2025 R 5 300 per vehicle per game drive.
Children from 0 - 5 years stay, complimentary and are not allowed on game drives, complimentary children's game drives may be arranged.
Children from 6 - 11 pays 50% off adult sharing rate when sharing with adults and when occupying their own room full adult rate is applicable. Deluxe Family Suites only, sleeper couch.
Children 12 years and older occupy their own room and pay full the adult rate.
Excluded from the rate:
Park Entrance Fees until 31 Marc 2024 (R180 per adult & R80 / from 1 Apr 2024 - to 31 Mar 2025 (R190 per adult & R95 per child aged 2 - 11 years)
Subject to change, please check upon making the reservation.
Rhino Conservation Levy until 31 Marc 2024 (R190 per adult per night & R95 / from 1 Apr 2024 - to 31 Mar 2025 (R165 per adult per night & R82) per child (2 - 12 years) per night)
Subject to change, please check upon making the reservation.
Drinks consumed at the lodge are charged on consumption

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
  • Game drives (morning and afternoon)
  • Kiddies’ drive (11h00 – 12h00)
  • Swimming pool
  • Bird safari
AVAILABLE ON REQUEST:
  • Bush Walks and Game Walks

With ample luxury accommodation options, a world-class restaurant and stunning surrounds, aha Madikwe River Lodge is the ideal location for an executive meeting or conference. We offer informal, bushveld-inspired conference facilities that comprise 3 venues.

aha Madikwe Conferencing Venues

The details of each of aha Madikwe River Lodge‘s facilities that make up this North-West Province conference venue include:

Loft Schoolroom (8-seater):
  • Length 15m; width 15m; height 4m
Outdoor schoolroom: (25-seater)
  • Length 30m; width 20m; height 4m
Outdoor Banquet: (25-seater)
  • Length 30m; width 20m; height 4m
Quick Facts
  • Outside tea and coffee facilities
  • Flipchart or stand and pens
  • TV and video (not DVD)
  • Screen 


aha Madikwe River Lodge offers guests 16 comfortable and secluded, split-level thatched chalets, which surround the main lodge. The decor of each luxurious chalet provides a rich African feel with en-suite bathrooms, romantic outside showers, and a full range of guest amenities. Guests can also look forward to the comfort of having a separate lounge and private wooden deck overlooking the stunning forest and gently flowing river.

Double Rooms

The bedroom leads onto a private balcony with views overlooking the Groot Marico River. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of en-suite bathrooms with showers and a range of customised toiletries.

Room Features:

  • Air Conditioning
  • Coffee & Tea Station
  • Free Toiletries
  • Patio
  • Shower
  • Sitting Area
Family Rooms

The bedroom leads onto a private balcony with views overlooking the Groot Marico River. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of en-suite bathrooms with showers and a range of customised toiletries.

Room Features:

  • Air Conditioning
  • Coffee & Tea Station
  • DSTV
  • Shower
  • Sitting Area
  • TV
Luxury Suite

This 1 x Luxury Suite has a separate lounge area leading onto a private balcony with views overlooking the Groot Marico River. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of an en-suite bathroom with shower guest amenities and an outside shower.

Room Features:

  • Air Conditioning
  • Coffee & Tea Station
  • Free Toiletries
  • Shower
  • Sitting Area
Twin  Rooms

The bedroom leads onto a private balcony with views overlooking the Groot Marico River. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of en-suite bathrooms with showers and a range of customised toiletries.

Room Features:

  • Free Toiletries
  • Patio
  • Shower

Madikwe River Lodge is situated in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province South Africa.

Flights

  • Madikwe Charters flies from Johannesburg International on a daily basis, approximately 1 hour flight.

Situated in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province approximately:

  • 50km from Gaborone
  • 120km north of Zeerust
  • 150km west of Sun City/Pilanesberg
  • 250km from Shidzidzi and Nungubane
  • 250km from Mabula Game Lodge
  • 380km west of Johannesburg
  • 430km from Johannesburg International Airport

From Johannesburg Airport

  • From Johannesburg (Jhb) International Airport follow the R21, north, to Pretoria (Tshwane) through Kempton Park
  • After +- 40 km follow N1 north to, Pretoria (Tshwane), Pietersburg (Polokwane)
  • From the N1, +- 12 km, take N4 west into Pretoria (Tshwane), to Rustenburg or Hartebeespoort dam
  • Follow the N4 through Pretoria, +- 60 km to Hartebeespoort dam
  • From Hartebeespoort, follow N4 to Rustenburg for about +- 30km, go on the R556 to Sun City
  • +- 94 km to Sun City
  • From Gauteng pass Sun City on your right (R556); continue past the petrol stop onto the main junction.
  • The junction reads Derdepoort to the right. Turn right ensuring you zero you odometer (Km counter of the car).
  • Once you have turned right continue on the tar road, you will find the first sign indicating MADIKWE GAME RESERVE- Moletedi 100Km and Derdepoort 150Km.This is confirmation that you are on the right road.
  • You will continue on this tar road for 40Km.
  • On route you will pass the following turnoffs (do not take them only use them as reference together with your KM reading of the car):
  • At 4Km you will pass a turnoff to Ledig settlement.
  • At 9Km from the main junction there are several signs including Madikwe Game Reserve, Bapong, Jaci’s and Makanyane. DO NOT TURN LEFT
  • At 18Km there is a Mabeskraal sign (do not take).
  • You will pass through several informal settlements on route please be careful of the sometimes unexpected traffic (cows,goats,taxis and people).
  • At 28 Km there is the first MADIKWE RIVER LODGE continue straight.
  • At 40 Km from the main junction there is a Khayakhulu turn to your left (There is a sign indicating Madikwe River Lodge 87 Km)TAKE THIS ROAD LEFT . At this stage you leave the tar road for a gravel road for the rest of the trip to the Lodge.
  • Stay on the main gravel Road.
  • Pass straight past the Makgope turn on your left.
  • At 47Km there is a sign indicating that you have 81 Km to go to the Lodge. Continue straight there is no junction.
  • At 49 Km there is a junction continue straight to Khayakhulu (not left to Mabeskraal and not right to Mogoditsone)
  • At 53 Km there is a Y- Junction KEEP RIGHT There is another lodge sign indicating 74 Km left)
  • At 62 Km another Y-Junction KEEP LEFT.There is another lodge sign indicating 66Km left.
  • At 65 Km sign Indicating MADIKWE GAME RESERVE- Moletedi 40 km and Derdepoort 90 km.
  • At 66 km from the Sun City main junction you will arrive at a T-junction. Turn right to Deredpoort as the sign indicates. There is another lodge sign indicating 63 Km left.
  • You will pass the Dwaarsberg Liquor store on your left continue straight. There is a sign indicating 51 Km to the Lodge.
  • At 87 Km there is a sign indicating 43 Km to go no junction just continue straight.
  • At 90 KM turn right at the Madikwe River Lodge sign indicating 40 Km left. There is also a sign indicating Derdepoort.
  • At 96 Km continue straight past the turn to right (Swartruggens/Dwaalboom).
  • At 106 Km continue straight past the turnoff to right (Dwaalboom)There is a Lodge sign indicating only 21 Km left.
  • At 118 Km continue past the turnoff to your right (Buffelsdrift). Camp Mosela Sela will be on your right.
  • At 127 Km you will have arrived at the Reserve gate called Derdepoort. (On your right there is a farm filling station should you require fuel for your trip home). At this junction turn left and report to the gate guard at the boom. Inform him that you will be proceeding to Madikwe River Lodge. He will in turn confirm this by radio with us at the Lodge.
  • Proceed through the gate (40 km per hour) you are now in the reserve. After 3Km you will find a concrete sign indicating left to Madikwe River Lodge. Turn left and follow the reception signs.
  • The lodge is 3 Km from the main road.

From Johannesburg via Abjaterskop Gate

  • From Johannesburg get on the N1 Roodepoort Road
  • Take the 14th Avenue off ramp from the N1
  • Turn onto the M8, (M47), (M18) Ontdekkers road that goes west
  • Go straight for a few hundred metres, then turn right at the traffic lights on the M47 Krugersdorp North / Hillfox road
  • Follow the M47 Krugersdorp North road. Go straight on this road, you will cross several traffic lights and stop streets. After +- 7 km go straight over a busy 4-way stop street following N14 Ventersdorp sign
  • Go straight for +- 10 km, then turn right at stop street on N14 Ventersdorp / R563 Hekpoort
  • +- 0,8 km, turn left on the N14 Ventersdorp / (R24) Rustenburg road
  • After +- 10,5 km turn right at stop street on the R24 Rustenburg / Magaliesburg road
  • After +- 14,5 km you in Magaliesburg. Go straight through and turn left onto the R509 Koster / Derby road
  • Follow this road, and after +- 56 km you will be in Derby. Go straight through Derby still on the R509 to Koster
  • +- 17 km to Koster
  • In Koster turn right on the R509 to Swartruggens. +- 33 km to Swartruggens
  • Turn left at T-junction to Swartruggens on the N4
  • Go straight through Swartruggens on N4 to Zeerust
  • Go through tollgate
  • +- 70 km to Zeerust on the N4
  • DO NOT FOLLOW MADIKWE SIGNS - it is a village far away from us. ONLY FOLLOW MADIKWE GAME RESERVE or MADIKWE RIVER LODGE signs
  • In Zeerust turn right on the R47 / R49 to Gaborone / Madikwe Game Reserve
  • It is +- 90 km to the Abjaterskop Gate
  • Inside the reserve follow Derdepoort Gate signs for +- 35km, till you see a Madikwe River Lodge turnoff to the right. +- 3 km to the lodge
  • In total it is about 380 km, and will take +-4.5 hours
Beautifully situated on the banks of the Groot Marico River in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, the Madikwe River Lodge offers guests a place to relax and unwind.  Madikwe River Lodge also provides the ideal venue for intimate wedding ceremonies.

Facilities

  • Dining Area
  • Swimming Pool
  • Boma
  • Viewing Deck
  • Safari Shop
  • Small Conference Centre

All rates are quoted per person per night and include VAT

Check in time is from 14h00 and check out time is by 10h00

Maximum Capacity: 44

Rooms: 16

All ages welcome

The rates include:

  • Luxury accommodation
  • All meals
  • Two game game drives per person per day
  • VAT and TOMSA
  • Welcome drinks

The rates exclude:

  • Beverages
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Bed levy & Gate fees
  • Conservation levies
  • Landing fees if you are flying into the park

Deposit Policy

  • For all bookings made within 45 days of travel
  • Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
  • For all bookings made more than 45 days of travel
  • A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations will only be accepted in writing

  • 45 – 30 days prior to arrival 25%
  • 29 – 15 days prior to arrival 80%
  • 14- 1 days prior to arrival 100%
  • A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.

Game Lodges Policy:

  • Children: 0 - 5 years of age : Stay free of charge only when sharing with two full paying adults, meals charged on consumption
  • Children: 6 - 11 years of age: Pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with two full paying adults. Full adult rate applicable if occupying their own room
  • Children: 12 years & older: Occupy their own room and pay full adult rate Where a child shares with 1 adult the adult sharing rate applies.
    At Game Lodges, children under the age of 12 years will be accommodated on special children's game drives. This is subject to availability and at the discretion of the lodge manager.

Room Configuration

  • Standard Family: Maximum 2 adults & 2 children under the age of 12 on a sleeper couch;
  • Luxury Room: Maximum: 2 Persons
  • Standard Room: Maximum 2 persons;

Third Person Sharing: Not applicable

Additional Comments

  • 6 Family Rooms available.
  • Children 6 & over will be allowed on the game drives & bush braai's. 16 years and over will be allowed on guided game walks (Wilderness Trails & Day Walks)
  • Children under age of 6 not permitted on game drives.
  • Babysitting facilities available at until 31 Marc 2024 R240 / from 1 Apr 2024 - to 31 Mar 2025  R260  per hour (maximum 2 children)
  • Sole use vehicle is available to facilitate the families at an additional cost of until 31 Marc 2024  R4 770  / from 1 Apr 2024 - to 31 Mar 2025  R5 300 per vehicle per game drive.
  • An African safari can be one of the highlights of your life. Here’s what to pack, what to wear, and what to leave behind.
  • Packing for a trip to Africa can be a tricky task – especially if you’re a first timer. Here’s your checklist of what you’ll need… and what you won’t.

WHAT TO PACK
  • Binoculars: After several millennia of natural selection, Africa’s wild animals have learned how to blend into the bush. A good pair of binoculars will help you spot them, hidden among the vegetation.
  • Camera: Madikwe Game Reserve is a nature photographer’s paradise – and even if you’re not on the National Geographic shortlist, you’ll want to take some pictures of your safari adventure. Your smartphone camera will only take you so far, though: an SLR with a good zoom lens will add a whole new dimension to your images.
  • Prescription Medication: There are no pharmacies (drug stores) in Madikwe Game Reserve, so while emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation procedures are in place at all safari lodges in the reserve, access to medication will be limited. Be sure to pack yours ahead of time.
  • Day Bag: Whether you’re walking or sitting in a vehicle, a small bag will help you keep your bits and pieces easily organised and accessible. Most safari lodges will provide you with a water bottle on arrival. Remember to take it along on safari game drives and bush walks.
  • Sun Protection: Hat? Sunglasses? Sun cream? You’ll need them all to shield yourself from the harsh African sun – even in the winter months.
  • If you do forget something at home, don’t worry: if a replacement is not available in the safari lodge’s curio shop, the helpful staff are always available to help you track down anything you need.

WHAT TO WEAR
  • Comfortable Clothing: You’ll be sitting (or walking) for a few hours, so be sure to wear clothes that make you feel at home.
  • Layers: While Madikwe Game Reserve is in Africa (and, specifically, near the Kalahari Desert), it’s not hot and sunny all year round. The mid-year winter season can be very chilly in the nights and early mornings – which is exactly the right time for safari game drives! So pack layered clothing that you can take off or put on as the temperature changes.
  • Neutral Shades: Blend in with your surroundings – especially if you’re on a walking safari. Go for natural tones like greens, olives, light browns, tans and khakhis; and avoid whites (which show up the dust!) and bright primary colours when you’re out on safari game drives.
  • Lightweight Fabric: You can’t go wrong with simple cotton, or with a quality synthetic material that lets your clothes breathe while providing much-needed protection from the elements.
  • Trousers & Sleeves: In keeping with the layered approach, opt for long-sleeved shirts that can be rolled up or down as the temperature changes. Trousers have the added benefit of protecting you from both the sun and (at night) from insects.
  • Sturdy Footwear: Specialised boots aren’t necessary for standard safari game drives. You will be climbing in and out of the vehicle and possibly taking a few short walks in the bush, though, so wear comfortable shoes that cover your ankles and provide protection from bushveld vegetation.
  • Hat and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat will protect you from the sun, while shielding your eyes from the glare and giving you better wildlife spotting opportunities.
WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND
  • Bulky Coats: Many of Madikwe Game Reserve’s safari lodges provide blankets for winter safari game drives – so if it does get chilly, you’ll be OK. Layered clothing is far preferable to a single, heavy jacket.
  • Bright Clothing: You’ll look great in your Insta shots, but the animals will see you coming from miles away. The trick to spotting wildlife is to blend into your surroundings.
  • High Heels: The ground along the reserve’s pathways can be uneven, especially if you’re out on a safari game drive. Rather wear shoes that are easy to walk in, and which won’t lead to a rolled ankle.
  • Single-use Plastics: If you have to use it, keep it to a minimum. Madikwe Game Reserve is, after all, a natural wilderness area with a commitment to sustainable living and environmental preservation.

Need Assistance ?

South Africa +27 14 004 0056 / 014 004 0056
 
Business Hours
Mon – Fri (09:00 - 17:00)
Sat (09:00 - 13:00)
Time Zone UTC/GMT +2 hours
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What sets us Apart !

MALARIA FREE
Ideal for family or small groups
Rich biodiversity of game
Large elephant population
Over 350 bird species
Effortless road and air access

Why Book With Us

Personal inter-action
Lodges with high standards
Stay in control of your booking
Most special deals by far
Secure payment process (SSL)
South African based
Superior knowledge
Expert advice
No booking fees

Best time to visit

The best time to visit malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve is during March and November, when temperatures are lower.

Madikwe Entry Fees

Once-off payment
Paid directly by clients
Rebuilding and Recovery levy
  - R115
pppn (optional)
Gate Entry Fees
  - R180
per Adults per STAY
  - R 80  per Child  (3-9 yrs)
Guest Conservation Contribution (GCC)
  -  R190 per Adults per DAY
  -  R  95 per Child  (2-12 yrs)
• Bed Levy
  - ZAR 10 pppn from age 1 year old    
SUBJECT to change without notice,
Guests GCC are payable at the lodges and
will be added to guests' bills
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Once-off payment
Paid directly by clients
Flight Entry
  - R240 per Adult  
  - R150 per Child (3-9 yrs)  
SUBJECT to change without notice
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