Jaci's Safari Lodge
Situated in one of the best locations in the Madikwe Big 5 reserve, Jaci’s Safari Lodge is built on the banks of the Marico River, in arguably the best game-viewing area of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve: its eastern Lowveld section. There are 8 luxurious en-suite rooms and two exclusive family suites. Jaci’s Safari Lodge is very family friendly (the owners have brought up their own 3 children here) and its 'homely' feel is very evident and welcoming.
Highlights
- Great location in Madikwe Game Reserve overlooking the river
- Two exclusive family-friendly suites
- Eight luxurious en-suite rooms, each with private viewing deck
- Authentic African malaria-free safari experience
- Specialised walking safaris (3-4 hours) with qualified guides
- Onsite gym, games room and spa treatments
- Twice daily open vehicle gamedrives in superb game-viewing area
Jaci’s Safari Lodge is a tranquil, unfussy yet luxurious lodge where the emphasis is on comfort and superb personal service. Evenings are often an occasion around the cosy fire-pit, discussing the day’s game viewing highlights.
Jan and Jaci Van Heteren, owners of Jaci’s, are Madikwe originals. They moved here when the reserve first opened in the mid ‘90s to build and open its first lodge: Madikwe River Lodge. The site for their next project could not have been better chosen: Jaci’s Safari Lodge (est. 2000) probably has the most enviable position in Madikwe Game Reserve – right on the banks of the Marico River in an excellent area for game viewing.
Luxury Tent-Style Rooms
Jaci’s offers eight luxurious tent-style rooms (2 king and 6 twin rooms). Each is en-suite with a spacious two-man bath, outdoor ‘alfresco’ shower and its own private game-viewing deck. The rooms are air-conditioned for sultry summer days and underfloor heating will keep you toasty in winter.
Families Welcome at Jaci’s Safari Lodge
This one of the most family-friendly safari lodges you’ll find in Madikwe. You can either request for a bed or two to be added to one of the usual rooms for your children, or you can book one of their exclusive family suites: the Nare Suite, which sleeps up to 6 guests, and the Safari Suite, which accommodates up to eight. Each of these suites has its own plunge pool and deck. You’ll also be provided with your own private guide and dedicated game drive vehicle. Evening meals can be prepared for you on-site by their chefs or you"re welcome to join the other guests at the main lodge.
Getting to Jaci’s Safari Lodge
By Air: There are daily scheduled flights (1 hour) from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Jaci's. Private charters can also be arranged.
By Road: Jaci's is an easy 4-hour drive from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Gaborone. Road transfers can be arranged with pleasure. Please note – if self-driving, get updated travelling directions from us before departing. Roads do change and specific gates need to be used for each lodge.
Our take on Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Jaci’s is the perennial choice for excellent luxury safaris, especially if you’re travelling with your children. It’s family friendly, malaria-free, good value and their service and game viewing is consistently good.
Includes
- Accommodation
- Dinner, Brunch
- Game Drives
- Return transfers in an open game vehicle from the Eastern Airstrip when flying with FedAir
- VAT at 14%
In Suites:
- Accommodation
- Dinner, Brunch
- Exclusive-use game drive vehicle and field guide
- Selected spirits, wines and beers, soft drinks (excluding mineral water)
- Return transfers in an open game vehicle from the Eastern Airstrip when flying with FedAir
- VAT at 14%
- Babysitting available during game drives and dinner
Excludes
- Lunch on day of arrival (please arrange with them beforehand if you’d like this too)
- All drinks, including mineral water and sundowners
- Curio purchases, massages and gratuities (optional)
- Madikwe Game Reserve entrance fees/ Airstrip tax
- Laundry
In Suites:
- As above, plus premium brands spirits, wines and beers
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Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Safari Lodge offers 20 luxury suites in three private lodges: Lelapa, Dithaba and Kopano, each with its own purpose and personality - in the best game-viewing section of malaria-free, Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. Set on a ridge overlooking the reserve, the lodge offers sweeping views out over the plains of Madikwe.
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe is one of South Africa's popular Big 5 safari destinations for those looking for a malaria-free safari. It's especially family friendly as there's no need for malarial prophylactics. Most lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve welcome children and offer specially designed child-friendly programmes to keep the little ones busy and to help them really enjoy their safari experience, too.
