Jamala Madikwe

A boutique and uber-comfortable lodge overlooking a game-rich waterhole in Madikwe.

A high-end luxury lodge in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Head out on day and night drives in search of the Big Five, wild dog and cheetah, and salivate over the award-winning cuisine.

Chat to an expert

Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.

or call us on +1 (646) 542 0667

Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Jamala Madikwe

This intimate and service-focused lodge is set in a group of leadwood trees in the southeastern corner of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Overlooking the plains and a bustling waterhole frequented by elephants, zebra, giraffes and rhinos, Jamala Madikwe will indulge you with safari drives that bring you face to face with wild dogs, lion, cheetah, buffalo and a host of other species, excellent birdwatching and award-winning cuisine.

+ Read more

From $960 person/night

Lodge

5 Rooms

Madikwe, South Africa

What you'll love

When the food is this good, breakfast, lunch and dinner become highlights just as much as the wildlife! Award-winning chef Nico Verster is at the helm at Jamala and the food is, quite simply, phenomenal.

Insiders tip

For the best views of the waterhole (and to escape for a quiet moment with your binos), our favourite spot is the elevated watchtower.

Something to think about

Some areas of lodge feel rather like a 'hotel' and the large buildings perhaps feel a little out of place in such a wild area - but it's certainly comfortable.

The property

Located beside a waterhole, Jamala's sumptuous, thatched-roof communal areas are intimate, with a relaxed atmosphere that lures you to sink into a deep chair. Large windows and wrap-around decking make the most of the views. The luxurious lounge and dining spaces are very comfortable with hanging chandeliers, upholstered furniture, African artwork and carved wooden sculptures. There is also a soothing wellness spa and, for the energetic, a well-equipped gym with unique bushveld views.

+ Read more

The rooms

Accommodation is in just five freestanding villas, so if it's a peaceful romantic getaway you're after, this lodge is a great choice. Decorated in dark wood, neutral colours and luxurious textures, each villa has a private lounge and dining space, lush beds with mosquito-net drapes, a huge en-suite bathroom with his and hers basins, a shower and a tub. Outside is another shower and a private deck with an infinity pool, recliners and endless views.

+ Read more

Activities

Game Drives

Walking safari

Birding

Expertly guided day and night game drives take you to the farthest reaches of the park in search of the abundant big and small wildlife species, including the famed Big Five and 300-plus bird species, found in this region. Relaxing on the communal deck with an ice-cold beer on what is affectionately known as the “Sofa Safari” provides some of the best moments of any stay.

+ Read more

About Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe

It’s easily accessible, malaria-free and you’ll spot the Big Five – what’s not to love?

Design your own trip

Pick a trip, selected and curated by our travel experts, then choose your properties - we have 100s of handpicked options to suit every style and budget.

Start with one of our trips or design one from scratch.

Wildlife in Madikwe Game Reserve

Elephant

Abundant

Giraffe

Abundant

Hippo

Abundant

Black Rhino

Rare

White Rhino

Abundant

Lion

Abundant

Cheetah

Occasional

Leopard

Occasional

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Abundant

Buffalo

Abundant

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

Abundant

Wild Dog

Occasional

Meerkat

Rare

Show all wildlife

Madikwe Game Reserve lies on a transition zone with a mix of Kalahari thornveld, denser bushveld and open savannah areas providing the perfect habitat for an abundance of species including the famed Big Five, with both black and white rhino present. The not-to-be-missed wildlife specials for this region include brown hyena, sable antelope and gemsbok. However, the real highlight for Madikwe is its resident pack of wild dogs, providing exciting moments on the hunt.

+ Read more