MUCH ADO ABOUT MADIKWE HILLS PRIVATE GAME LODGE

Situated on the border of Botswana within the North West province, Madikwe Game Reserve offers visitors a true safari experience with 75,000 ha to explore without the need to worry about popping any malaria tablets.

While there are a number of lodges in the reserve, two in particular stand out: one for its superb location and sheer luxury, and the other for catering perfectly to the needs of both big and little visitors.

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

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Perched on top of a rocky koppie in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge offers unparalleled views over the surrounding savannah, which is simply bursting with local wildlife.

Over 66 mammal species, including giraffe and cheetah, call this reserve home, as do hundreds of bird species and everyone’s favourite stars of the safari show, the Big Five. Thanks to a strategically located waterhole just in front of the lodge’s main deck, a parade of animals can always be seen ambling to the water’s edge. The bright red colour of the soil and the aquamarine blue waters of the lodge’s pool throw up the animals in sharp contrast and make almost movie-like the movement of elephant, antelope and giraffe across the frame of the view. It is bush TV, complete with fine dining and a refreshing drink or two. 

The game viewing opportunities continue as you stroll along the elevated pathways that crisscross this rocky outcrop, connecting the communal areas to the fully equipped gym, the ultimate indulgence of a bush spa and, of course, the pure luxury of one of the lodge’s ten spectacular rooms. Hurricane lamps light your way at night, while little rock dassies scamper about and lizards sun themselves on the adjacent rocks during the day.

While the essential luxury accoutrements are the same for all of the rooms – think cosy fireplaces, tea and coffee stations (complete with delicious homemade rusks), liberating outside showers, invigorating plunge pools, and the kind of bed you sink into with abject joy at the end of the day – they do differ in location.

The rooms perched on the top of the koppie offer expansive views of the surrounding plain, perfectly framed by floor-to-ceiling glass doors, complete with a feeling of elevation and space. The rooms at the base of the koppie, however, are nestled snugly in the midst of the surrounding bush with a definite feeling of privacy and seclusion. There is also the added benefit of spotting the odd animal or two – especially graceful ellies – at close range as they meander past on their way to the waterhole.

Guests have an additional option of booking out Little Madikwe Hills Private Camp, a private two-bedroomed villa plus two optional additional suites which can accommodate eight to nine guests. This functions as its own private camp, for the ultimate of exclusive experiences, within an already exclusive location.

When not enjoying the supreme comfort of their air-conditioned rooms, chilling in the library or checking out the impressive selection of the wine cellar, guests get to experience the bush at its best, thanks to the lodge’s extremely professional and knowledgeable game rangers, who are assisted in their animal-spotting endeavours by eagle-eyed trackers who will amaze you with their skills of perception. 

While nothing in the bush is ever guaranteed, the park seems to have more than its fair share of lion sightings (often around a freshly made kill), as well as ellie and giraffe encounters. Plus, there is always the possibility of spotting an elusive wild dog. Punctuate these encounters with delicious sundowners and snacks as the sun sets over another beautiful day in Africa, and you have the perfect safari experience.

For more information, email reservations@madikwehills.com or visit www.madikwehills.com.

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