Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge, South Africa – Romance, Luxury & Adventure

Africa, animal welfare, Interviews, South Africa, Spa, Videos 0 Comments

Spectacular Big 5 safaris with mesmerizing views of the African Bushveld in the Madikwe Game Reserve

After we had such a wonderful experience at Seasons in Africa’s Kings Camp, our next journey took us to the romantic and luxurious Madikwe Hills Lodge. The Madikwe Game Reserve is situated in the north of South Africa against the border with Botswana, and it is malaria free. The lodge is tucked away between the rocks and the shade of the beautiful, ancient Tamboti trees. The rugged, rocky savannah landscape of the Reserve, one of South Africa’s oldest and largest private reserves, exudes a distinctive charm and African romance.

“When you touch the soil of our land, you feel a sense of personal renewal.” – Nelson Mandela Inauguration Speech 1994

The view from up here is breathtaking! You experience the wilderness up close!

There is a growing population of animals on the 75 000 hectare reserve. In addition to the Big 5 (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard), there are also over 66 other mammal species, such as the rare African wild dog, cheetah, eland, kudu, wildebeest, antelope, giraffes and more than 300 bird species to observe. The safaris are spectacular! But you also see many animals at the lodge. Klipspringers (the Afrikaans for ‘rock jumper’) are cute, small antelope you will come across quite often. They like to observe human beings, as much as we like to watch them.

Arrival with elephant traffic jam

The journey from Johannesburg or Pretoria is relatively long and takes about four to five hours by car. But of course, you have the opportunity to see the countryside, and with a great driver, you arrive in the blink of an eye. There are also direct flights available from Johannesburg.

After passing through the gate of the reserve, you are immediately on safari. For a while, a colossal elephant blocked the road. If an elephant is not in a good mood, you don’t dare move closer! Traffic comes to a standstill. It was interesting, he knew we were there. After he chased a car that came towards us, he decided he had enough, and disappeared into the bushes on his way to a water hole.

The lodge in the rocks

Finally, we arrived at the lodge. It offers an impressive view of the vastness of Africa. It almost seems as if the main building grows out of the rocks – it has been built ingeniously and harmonizes perfectly with its natural surroundings, where you can immerse yourself in experiencing the African bush up-close and personal. When the lodge was built 15 years ago, they went to great lengths to preserve every rock and tree, keeping the environment as untouched as possible!

Hannes Kruger has been the general manager at the lodge for nine years, and together with his dedicated team, they ensure your stay here is an extraordinary one.

From here above, you have a magnificent view of the savannah and a small water hole. There are always a few animals passing by.

All meals are served buffet style or a la carte. Either in the main lodge building or in the adjoining Boma, a fenced open air space with a fire pit.

All the suites and the main buildings are interconnected by walkways. This allows you to walk around alone at night.

Walking around, you might come upon all kinds of animals in the rocks or trees.

Luxurious suites with a view

Hidden in the hills are the ten luxury suites with thatched roofs.

The 160 square meter suites offer comfort, African ambiance, and privacy with their open design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and mesmerizing views. They all have private terraces, pools, outdoor showers, soft sofas, huge beds with mosquito nets, mini-bars, a fireplace, huge bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs, and indoor showers.

The mini-bar is filled to the brim, and there also is a water purifier, and each guest is given an aluminum bottle that they can fill up and take with them. As a result, the lodge saves on average 2000 plastic bottles per month. Brilliant!

Through the large concertina glass doors that open up completely, you get to be one with nature and enjoy the uninterrupted, magnificent view.

The large luxurious bathroom is gorgeous with its free-standing bathtub and rustic outdoor shower. By the way, the bath salt has a tremendous softening effect on the skin!

Little Madikwe

Little Madikwe Hills Lodge is luxury pure and also suitable for families accommodating up to 8 people. The villa has two spacious bedrooms, a pool, a private wine cellar, a gourmet kitchen, and an entertainment center. The lodge has its own game viewing vehicle, game ranger, chef and personal butler.

Sunrise Safari

Early morning, after a cup of coffee and snacks in the restaurant, off you go on the morning safari. To experience sunrise and sunset in Africa is one of life’s most sublime moments!

Every safari is unique. Every time you discover different animals in different situations. How lucky we were to find these cheetahs resting in the shade of the trees with their full bellies.

I love being in the African Bush. Sitting in the jeep with windswept hair, watching the animals, seeing, feeling and smelling the bush, makes me blissfully happy!

After a delicious morning coffee with Amarula, we heard a lion roar. Lucky and Eric are really great rangers and trackers. They followed the trail, and indeed found him!

Lucky really lives up to its name! He could not find any wild dogs for us this time around but found everything else we wanted to see. Hopefully, we will see wild dogs another time!

Kitchen with soul

Breakfast

Traditional Full English and Continental breakfast are served on the main deck. In addition to the English breakfast, there are Eggs Benedict, Eggs Onassis, Breakfast Ciabatta, French toast with Coppa Ham, Cranberry sauce Camembert slices, and Frittata with a twist.

Lunchtime

At lunchtime, you can spoil yourself with a delicious meal created by the passionate chefs at the lodge. The dishes are fusion food mixed with the finest in African ingredients. The end result: food with soul.

High tea

Shortly before the afternoon safari, high tea with delicious snacks is served. With this view, everything tastes even better!

Bush Spa Time

The perfect time to use the gym or indulge in relaxing spa treatments is either between breakfast and lunch or after lunch before the afternoon safari.

Ellen’s massage was exceptional and so relaxing! Products from Africology with medicinal plants, such as Rooibos, Aloe Ferox, Marula, and African potato are used.

Aromatherapy Full Body Massage
Aromatherapy is the unique combination of aromatherapy essential oils and massage..

Sunset Safari

After an afternoon spent at our own leisure, off we went on our next adventure.

We very often saw elephants in Madikwe. And so it was again, on our last evening. In addition to a bachelor group, in which some of them practiced their fighting skills, this time we also saw a breeding herd with many young elephants. So sweet!

I was especially drawn to the big bull or maybe, he to me?! He looked at me and came right up to me and then slowly strolled by. For the first time on safari, I simply had to take my camera down, and experience this incredible moment in its entirety. When the elephants then came over, we looked deep into each other’s eyes. I will never forget those shiny, warm brown eyes as long as I live. For a moment, time stood still. Unforgettable and deeply moving! A goosebump moment!

Thanks to the excellent protection program, guests still have the incredible privilege to see many rhinos!

For sundowners in the bush, Lucky opened his bar and Eric his terrific bush kitchen! With freshly sizzled beef skewers and gin & tonic, we ended the evening in the African bush.

On our return trip, Eric even spotted a rare Genet; a slender, slim cat with large spots.

Cocktail & Dinner Time

After the bartender lovingly prepares you a cocktail, you can enjoy dinner in a romantic atmosphere with lanterns and a fire pit, either buffet or a la carte style under the starry African sky.

Honeymoon & Wedding

The ambiance of the lodge makes it the perfect destination for a fantastic honeymoon in the African wilderness. For honeymooners, the Honeymoon Suite offers a stunning outdoor freestanding bathtub. Pure romance & luxury! Little Madikwe Lodge provides the ultimate in opulence, and weddings with up to 8 guests can be celebrated here.


© Madikwe Hills

Wedding Package from 1552 EUR (further information >>)

  • Ceremony in the heart of the bush or on the main deck of the lodge.
  • Witnesses at the ceremony (lodge staff).
  • South African Methode Cap Classique sparkling wine for the couple.
  • Single layer wedding cake with decoration of choice.
  • 30-minute massage for the bride and groom.
  • Transportation of the bridal couple from the lodge to the ceremony in the bush.
  • Traditional Tswana singers to perform at the ceremony.
  • Assistance with make-up.
  • Pressing of the bride and groom’s wedding attire.
  • Wedding turndown.
  • Wedding gift for the newlyweds.
  • Local flowers of your choice.

Wedding Specials

  • Stay for 4 nights, and get the 5thnight for free.
  • Stay for 6 nights, and get the 7thand 8thnights for free.

(Combinable with Leopard Hills & Kings Camp)

Free Wedding

Book the full lodge for two nights or more, and get the wedding for free plus a ½ Day Spa for the bride and a chosen friend and a ½ Day Safari Experience for the groom and a friend.

½ Day Spa: Reflexology, manicure & pedicure, full body aromatherapy massage.

½ Day Safari Experience: An afternoon adventure‘with-a-difference’ in the bush with a ranger and tracker in a private jeep. Afternoon snacks and sundowners included.

Conclusion

Madikwe Hills is an enchanting and romantic place to savor life’s special moments. The safaris with the knowledgeable rangers are spectacular. Thanks to them, our experience in the African bush with the wild animals were personal, unforgettable, and impressive! The view from the beautifully built lodge, seamlessly merging into its natural environment, is breathtaking! The heart of the lodge is its dedicated team with Hannes as manager. Everyone is extremely kind and attentive, making guests feel welcome, right at home and blissfully happy. Madikwe Hills truly is a magical hidden gem in Africa!

Room: 10 luxury suites, 1 family villa
Flight: Flight non-stop from Frankfurt to Johannesburg in ten and a half hours with South African Airways
Transfer It is approximately a four to five-hour drive from Johannesburg to the lodge (about 725 EUR), or you can opt for a direct flight from Johannesburg to Madikwe with Federal Air (about 500 EUR per person)
Air Temperature: 25 – 40 degrees Celsius in summer, 5 – 25 degrees Celsius in winter
Time difference: none
Best travel time: May – September (dry season) – it is cooler and good for wildlife viewing, it is hot during the rainy season (October – April) and there are heavy showers between November and February
Vaccinations: Tetanus, Diphtheria,Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Rabies, and Hepatitis B (for long-term stays); Malaria free area
Price: From 775 EUR per person per night, including all meals, tea & coffee, mini bar, game drives, beverages (including house wine), laundry service, Wi-Fi. Little Madikwe Villa from 3325 EUR per night.
Note: Villa: Children from any age welcome; Main lodge: no children under the age of 10
Special offers: 8-Night Luxury Bush Trilogy from 6700 EUR per person, including flights (3 Nights Madikwe Hills | 3 Nights Leopard Hills | 2 Nights Kings Camp).
Specialties: Wonderful villas, exciting safaris with great rangers, spectacular views of the vastness of the African bush, attentive staff, delicious cuisine, excellent spa.
Perfect for: Couples, adventurers, peace seekers, romantics, nature lovers, animal lovers, and families.


Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Telephone +27 (0)11 781 5431
book@madikwehills.com
www.madikwehills.com

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Tips

For the transfer, we can warmly recommend Ian Johnson of Africa Breeze Tours and Transfers. He is an experienced ranger, which can be really important when arriving at the reserve, and a great sympathetic conversationalist. With him as our driver, time flew by!

Do you like this article? Then make our day, and share it! 
_______________________________________________________________________

Please note: Our stay was sponsored by Madikwe Hills. Thank you so much! Nevertheless, the opinions voiced in this arcticle, are as always, 100% our own!

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Kings Camp Private Game Reserve, Timbavati Nature Reserve, South Africa – Big 5, Romance & Luxury

Africa, animal welfare, Honeymoon, social commitment, South Africa, Videos 0 Comments

A luxurious, stylish safari lodge with spectacular wildlife encounters

We love the African bush: watching leopards with their cubs, early morning coffee in the bushveld, nyala antelope walking past the pool, sundowners, romantic campfire dinners and relaxing by the pool. What more could you wish for? And it’s especially beautiful here at Kings Camp!

Experience the charm and romance of a bygone era, spectacular wildlife sightings and marvel at the beautiful views of the African grasslands at this luxurious safari lodge with nine stylish safari-colonial suites.

The 60,000 hectare Timbavati Reserve, with its shady acacia and mopane trees, small lakes and the Nhlaralumi River, is breathtakingly beautiful – a piece of pristine Africa on the western border of the Kruger National Park. The reserve was established in the 1950s by a group of landowners who wanted to conserve the area, the fences adjacent to the Kruger National Park were removed in 1993, and now guests have the opportunity to experience wildlife at its best on an area of ​​2.2 million hectares.  The Timbavati Nature Reserve is home to 40 mammal and 282 bird species. The animals can even walk through the camp so you cannot walk around alone at night.

You can splash around in the pool overlooking a busy waterhole, sip a cocktail in the open lounge or bar and enjoy the excellent food in a romantic setting in the restaurant. Thanks to the kind and dedicated staff you will be spoiled all around.

Joof Alberts bought, renovated and opened this eco-lodge for discerning clients in 1995. Since 1998, it has been managed by husband and wife team, Warren and Lisha Moore, as if it was their own. Thanks to them and their dedicated staff, many of whom have been there from the very beginning, they manage to create an atmosphere, where one really feels welcome and at home.

“The magic of the Timbavati bush is waiting…”

High up in a tree-house style lounge you can enjoy the silence of nature.

Honeymoon Suite

The large honeymoon suite has a huge verandah with sun loungers, seating area, and private pool, a large king-sized four-poster bed, an open plan lounge with a comfortable seating area and a stylish open-plan bathroom with free-standing bathtub, double basins, and indoor and outdoor showers. You have plenty of space to relax, switch off and let nature work its magic thanks to the two large double doors framing the majestic landscape.

Wild animals visited the small waterhole in front of our suite. We saw some beautiful nyalas that are also depicted in the paintings in the suite, hornbills, and squirrels.

The wonderful Patricia: such a kind-hearted soul and just one of the many wonderful staff members at the lodge. Almost everyone addresses you by your first name, a very personal and warm gesture that really makes you feel at home.

“Kings Camp cordially invites you to join the spirit of mandleve and to walk with us into an eden of the past in this pristine corner of unspoiled Africa.”

The dark wood, the warm colors, the beautiful paintings, the golden picture frames, the massive chandeliers, and many striking design elements give the suite a palatial and at the same time intimate feel.

There is a Nespresso coffee machine, delicious sherry and a generously filled mini-bar in the suite.

Waterbuck Private Camp

The Waterbuck Camp overlooks a dry riverbed, has four bedrooms and can sleep up to eight people. It has a pool and a vast garden. This private villa offers privacy and pure luxury!

The camp has its own private game vehicle, ranger, tracker, chef, and housekeeper. 

Sunrise Safari

You have to get up early for the morning game drive. After a wake-up call, a fresh cup of coffee and a small snack in the library we left the lodge just before sunrise at 5:00 am (5:30 am in the winter). Actually, we were just hoping to see a few Impala antelope – but once again the safari gods smiled upon us, and we saw so much more!

Sunrise in the African bush is a fantastic experience and worth getting up early for. The animals are more active in the morning, so the chances of some rare animal sightings are better. Just remember to dress warmly, especially in winter.

How sweet and perfect are these young nyalas!

After listening to all sorts of beautiful birds, zebras, nyalas and loads of interesting information and stories from our ranger Neil, we made our first Big 5 sighting.

We found Ntumbi, a beautiful leopard lady, busy feasting on her freshly caught prey in a small embankment. Neil drove down the slope, and we had a fantastic view of the leopardess. The leopards here are used to the jeeps and therefore simply cannot be bothered by their presence.

Ntumbi even brought her prey up into a big mopane tree right next to us.

Just when we thought it could not get any better, Ntumbi’s 9-month-old boy appeared and lay down on the ground next to the jeep, watching us. What a breathtaking experience to be able to look such a magnificent creature directly in the eyes. Unforgettable!

In awe, we spent a small eternity watching the leopards. Luckily, there were not many jeeps driving around, so we had time to take in the moment. Brilliant!

Lazy and full, Ntumbi was just hanging in the beautiful mopane tree.

After this amazing experience, we had a small breakfast with fresh coffee and hot chocolate in a dry riverbed in the middle of the African bush.

Freshly brewed bush coffee with Amarula – there is hardly anything better!

On the way back to the camp we even discovered some rhinos – great that they are protected here!

At around 9:00 we happily returned to camp, having experienced a wealth of wildlife sightings and ready to enjoy a hearty breakfast at the restaurant. If you want to, you can go on a guided bush walk afterwards.

Restaurant

The spacious restaurant serves delicious, tasty meals by the log fire or on the large terrace overlooking the waterhole.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served buffet style. Scrumptious, warm egg dishes are made to order.

Lunch

After relaxing for a while in your exquisite villa or enjoying a spa treatment, lunch is served between 13:30 and 15:00 with a beautiful view of the bush and the possibility of seeing some wildlife.

Sunset Safari

After a cup of afternoon coffee or tea in the library, we went on our next safari in the afternoon at 16:00 (15:30 in the winter).

The excitement when leaving is always tangible; you never know what you might see this time round. 

We saw many animals on our afternoon game drive: impalas, kudu, giraffes, buffalos, wildebeests, rhinos, leopards and elephants.

These little elephant bulls gave us quite a show – so sweet. Annoyed, they ran towards the vehicle, angrily threw branches around, then tried to hide and even struck an impressive pose – incredibly cute!

But when the elephant mom got impatient, our ranger wisely decided it was time to move on.

We also saw Ntumbi and her cub again in the same spot as earlier the morning, still nibbling on their prey.

With a little luck, you can also see lions, cheetahs, hyenas and larger antelope like roan, eland, and tsessebe.

Lady luck was on our side, as we spotted yet another leopard. In the beautiful light of the sunset, we watched Marula and her 4-month-old cub.

Nothing is more amazing than having sundowners in the bush. With a gin & tonic in hand and some South African snacks like Biltong, nuts and dried fruit, we enjoyed the sunset.

At about 7 pm we went back to the camp. There we were warmly welcomed with a small aperitif.

Bar

After a refreshing drink at the bar, once you have had the opportunity to freshen up in your villa, it was dinner time.

Dinner

In the private dining room with its stunning chandelier and romantic fireplace, sumptuous meals are served matched with iconic South African wines.

Dinner served by the open fire under the starry African sky is especially romantic. 

This is how you imagine Africa! Heavenly!

Social commitment & animal conservation

Apart from animal conservation, Kings Camp also strives to help the surrounding communities in cultural, environmental and economic terms. The Timbavati Foundation supports local sustainability programs that involve 29 high schools and an ever-growing number of primary schools in the area. 

Honeymoon & Wedding

Kings Camp offers a perfect and stylish bush setting for proposing, hosting a wedding with a colonial charm or enjoying a romantic honeymoon. Wedding ceremonies take place in the middle of the African wilderness in a dry riverbed.

Wedding Package from 1550 EUR (further information >>)

  • Wedding ceremony in a dry riverbed in the heart of the bushveld
  • Local flowers of your choice for the bridal bouquet and the bridal table
  • Sparkling wine for the bridal couple
  • Single layer wedding cake with a topping of your choice
  • Local Shangaan dancers to perform at the ceremony or reception
  • Wedding turndown for the bridal couple
  • Gift for the bridal couple, courtesy of Kings Camp

Spa

In addition to a fitness room, there is also a beautiful spa. You can treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a regenerating beauty treatment at the spa or for ultimate privacy, in the comfort of your suite.

Conclusion

From the warm welcome to the farewell, we felt very much at home at Kings Camp. The suites are exquisite and offer loads of privacy. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and the staff incredibly kind. Thanks to our excellent guide Neil and his tracker Donald, we had amazing and unforgettable safaris and wildlife sightings. The lodge is truly a haven where you can experience the African bush in refined luxury. The ambiance is wonderfully relaxing! If you would like to enjoy a unique, extraordinary African bush experience, we highly recommend this lodge!

Room: Six Luxury Suites, one Family Suite and two Honeymoon Suites with Pool
Flight: Flight nonstop from Frankfurt to Johannesburg in 10 and a half hours with South African Airways; the flight to Hoedspruit with SA Express takes about 50 minutes
Transfer: from Hoedspruit about 1 hour drive to the lodge
Air Temperature: 25 – 40 degrees Celsius in summer, 5 – 25 degrees Celsius in winter
Time difference: none
Best travel time: Summer is from September to April: it is very hot with high rainfall. Winter is from May to August: it does not rain, but it is considerably colder at night.
Vaccinations: Tetanus,   Diphtheria,   Poliomyelitis,   Hepatitis A, rabies and hepatitis B (for long-term stays), adequate malaria precautions are advisable
Price: From 620 EUR per person per night in a Luxury Suite.  This fee includes all meals, tea & coffee, mini bar, game drives, all beverages (excluding premier wines), laundry service,  wireless Internet access
Note: Only children above the age of six are allowed
Special offers: 8-Night Luxury Bush Trilogy from 6700 EUR per person including flights (3 Nights Madikwe Hills | 3 Nights Leopard Hills | 2 Nights Kings Camp)
Specialties: Exciting safaris with great rangers, wonderful wildlife experiences also at the lodge, super-friendly staff, luxurious suites, delicious cuisine, extremely relaxing atmosphere
Perfect for: Couples, adventurers, peace seekers, romantics, nature lovers, animal lovers, and families


KINGS CAMP
Private Game Reserve
+27 (0)13 751 1621
+27 (0)82 675 6539
book@kingscamp.com
www.kingscamp.com

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Do you like this article? Then make our day, and share it!
___________________________________________________________

Please note: Our stay was sponsored by Kings Camp. Thank you so much!
Nevertheless, the opinions voiced in this article are 100% our own!  

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