A One-of-a-kind luxury Madikwe Safari
For every Age, every Moment, every Season
Experience the ultimate malaria-free safari at Madikwe Safari Lodge.
Discover the heartbeat of the Madikwe Game Reserve. Home to the Big Five and the rare African Wild Dog, our luxury lodge offers an authentic African safari experience where world-class comfort meets the untamed wild.
Features
- Malaria-free
- Big Five, wild dog & cheetah
- Two biomes, one reserve
- 350+ bird species
- Low vehicle density
- Year-round destination
Your experiences
A Madikwe safari unfolds across morning and late afternoon-into-the-evening game drives, led by expert guides through a reserve where the Kalahari meets the bush.
On foot, guided bush walks reveal a different layer of the wilderness entirely, slowing the pace and sharpening the senses in a way a vehicle simply can’t. With low vehicle numbers, no day visitors, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, sightings feel unhurried and genuinely yours.
Whether you’re here as a family experiencing the bush for the first time, on honeymoon, or travelling as a couple or with friends, Madikwe has a way of meeting every guest exactly where they are.
Madikwe Safari Lodge is a family of three camps and a private villa, each with its own character but all shaped by the same warm hospitality, thoughtful comforts and access to the best of Madikwe Game Reserve.
Families feel completely at home here, while couples still find the privacy and quiet they want, it’s this adaptability that makes a stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge work so well for every kind of traveller.
With the reserve’s best safari spa, good honest food, and warm, intuitive hosting, your safari feels personal, comfortable, and effortless from the moment you arrive.
Your stay includes
luxury accommodation
Breathtaking safari experiences
Active waterhole views while you dine
Restorative nature, a Spa and a Gym
Additionally, all camps include:
- A deck and plunge pool
- A fully stocked mini-bar
- Air conditioning
- Luxury amenities
- Wifi
- A safe
The camps
Madikwe Safari Lodge rates are fully inclusive, meaning every element of your stay, from meals to safari activities, is taken care of so you can settle in and relax completely. The only extras are optional indulgences: spa treatments, boutique purchases, and premium beverages.
Lelapa Camp, Kopano Camp and Dithaba Camp rates are per person per night.
Elela Villa rates are per unit per night.
EU indicates exclusive use of the camp.
Lelapa Camp
Kopano Camp
Dithaba Camp
Elela Villa
What you get
- Luxury accommodation
- All meals, teas, coffees, game drive refreshments and snacks
- Inclusive drinks and selected snacks (all soft drinks and a selection of beers, spirits, and house wines), and in-room mini bar
- Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, and bush dinners (weather and occupancy dependent)
- Two game drives daily with a FGASA-accredited field guide, and guided bush walks
- Kids’ Adventure Safari Club experiences at the Eco House at Lelapa Camp
- Eastern Madikwe Airstrip transfers
- Wi-Fi in public areas
- Madikwe Game Reserve entrance fee, guest conservation contribution, and landing fees (if arriving by air)
- Premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines, and champagne
- Cigars and cigarettes
- Flights and transfers to and from Madikwe Game Reserve
- Spa treatments
- Safari Boutique purchases
- Private safari vehicle hire
- Exclusive bush breakfasts and dinners
- Babysitting services
- Laundry
- Telephone calls
- Gratuities
For full booking terms and conditions, view our Terms & Conditions page.
Full Terms & ConditionsMadikwe Safari Lodge is located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, near the Botswana border.
You can reach the lodge either by scheduled flight or by self-drive / road transfer.
Flying is the easiest and most time-efficient option, while road travel offers flexibility for those who prefer to drive or are travelling with a tighter budget.
Scheduled flights with Federal Air
Federal Air operates scheduled daily flights from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) directly into Madikwe Game Reserve’s Eastern Airstrip.
- Flight time: Approximately 1 hour
- Departure point: Federal Air’s private terminal at OR Tambo International Airport
- Shuttle: Complimentary shuttle from the main OR Tambo terminal to the Federal Air lounge
- Arrival: Madikwe Eastern Airstrip
- Transfer: Complimentary road transfer from the airstrip to Madikwe Safari Lodge (10 minute drive)
Scheduled departures (subject to change):
- Johannesburg → Madikwe: 10h00 or 13h00
- Madikwe → Johannesburg: 11h30 or 14h30
Our reservations team is happy to assist you with your flights.
Travel FAQS
The easiest and most time-efficient way to reach Madikwe Safari Lodge is by scheduled flight with Federal Air from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport).
Federal Air operates daily flights directly into Madikwe Game Reserve’s Eastern Airstrip, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour. On arrival, guests are met and transferred to the lodge by road (around 10 minutes), which is included.
For guests who prefer to travel by road, self-drive and private road transfers are also possible. Driving from Johannesburg takes approximately 4.5–5 hours, followed by a scenic drive through the reserve to the lodge.
At a glance:
- Fastest & easiest: Fly with Federal Air
- Most flexible: Self-drive or private road transfer
- Transfers from airstrip: Included
Yes. Our reservations team is happy to assist with booking your scheduled Federal Air flights to and from Madikwe Game Reserve.
Once your accommodation is confirmed, we can coordinate the flight booking on your behalf and ensure that timings align smoothly with your safari experience. Final flight details and confirmations will be shared with you before your trip.
Federal Air flights operate from a private terminal near OR Tambo International Airport, with a complimentary 7-minute shuttle transfer provided from/to the main terminal.
We will require a copy of your passport, as well as your incoming and/ or outgoing flight details.
Yes. Federal Air operates small charter aircraft, so strict luggage limits apply to ensure safety and proper weight distribution.
Each passenger may bring:
- 1 × 20kg checked bag
- 1 × 5kg hand luggage
Soft-sided luggage only is required (duffel-style with one flat side). Hard suitcases, large rigid bags, and items such as golf clubs or bulky sporting equipment cannot be accommodated on scheduled flights.
These guidelines help ensure safe operations, comfortable seating, and on-time departures for all passengers. If you’re unsure about your luggage or travelling with specialised items, our reservations team is happy to advise in advance.
Yes. Federal Air operates from a private terminal located near OR Tambo International Airport.
Guests flying with Federal Air do not depart from the main terminal, but a complimentary 10-minute shuttle service is provided from the main OR Tambo terminal to the Federal Air lounge. The transfer is quick and seamless, allowing for a smooth transition between commercial flights and your safari connection.
Clear instructions and timings are shared ahead of travel to ensure an easy arrival experience.
Yes.
If you are flying with Federal Air, you will be met on arrival at Madikwe Game Reserve’s Eastern Airstrip by a member of the Madikwe Safari Lodge team, who will transfer you to the lodge on a short complimentary drive (approximately 10 minutes).
If you are arriving into or departing from OR Tambo International Airport, Federal Air will have a representative to meet you off your inbound flight for your complimentary shuttle between the main airport terminal and their private departure lounge. Clear instructions are shared in advance to ensure a smooth connection between your international or domestic flight and your safari transfer.
Our reservations team is always on hand to assist with timing and logistics, ensuring your journey is seamless from arrival to departure.
Yes. Madikwe Safari Lodge is easily accessible by road and the drive is straightforward with the correct directions.
From Johannesburg, the journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on your departure point. Once inside Madikwe Game Reserve, allow around 45 minutes to reach the lodge, travelling at the reserve speed limit of 40 km/h.
Guests who choose to self-drive are advised to:
- Enter the reserve via Molatedi Gate (recommended)
- Respect gate opening hours and wildlife right of way at all times
- Use Google Maps only to reach the reserve gate
- Avoid Waze, as it may route vehicles onto unsuitable roads
- Follow the lodge’s detailed directions for the final approach, as GPS navigation inside the reserve is unreliable
For those who prefer not to drive, private road transfers can be arranged with trusted third-party providers for a relaxed, door-to-door journey.
Yes. Madikwe Safari Lodge is easily accessible by road from Botswana, with the most common route via Gaborone and the Kopfontein / Tlokweng border post.
From Gaborone, the drive takes approximately 1 hour, depending on border crossing times. After entering South Africa, you will continue on the R49 and enter Madikwe Game Reserve via Abjaterskop Gate, before following the lodge’s in-reserve directions to reach Madikwe Safari Lodge.
Important to note:
- Please allow extra time for border formalities and ensure you have valid passports and vehicle documentation
- Gate hours for Madikwe Game Reserve must be respected
- Once inside the reserve, allow approximately 45 minutes to reach the lodge
- GPS navigation inside the reserve is unreliable
- Waze should not be used, as it may route vehicles onto unsuitable roads
- Follow the lodge’s official directions document carefully, especially once inside the reserve
When planning your journey to Madikwe Safari Lodge, timing is important to ensure a smooth arrival and to make the most of your safari experience.
If you are flying with Federal Air, we recommend aligning your international or domestic flights into and out of OR Tambo International Airport with the scheduled Federal Air departures. Allow sufficient connection time between flights to accommodate airport transfers and check-in at Federal Air’s private terminal.
If you are travelling by road, please plan your journey so that you arrive at the Madikwe Game Reserve gates during opening hours. Once inside the reserve, allow approximately 45 minutes to reach the lodge, travelling at a maximum speed of 40 km/h, with wildlife always having right of way.
Additional considerations:
- Game drives typically depart in the late afternoon; arriving earlier in the day allows time to settle in and potentially join a drive
- Late arrivals may miss scheduled activities, although the team will assist where possible
- Departures should be planned to allow for a relaxed check-out and onward travel, particularly when connecting to flights
Our reservations team is happy to assist with recommended timings and logistics to ensure your arrival and departure are as seamless as possible.
Yes. When entering Madikwe Game Reserve, all guests are required to sign in at the reserve gate as part of the standard access process.
In addition to your lodge accommodation rates, Madikwe Game Reserve charges a once-off entrance fee, as well as a nightly conservation levy. If you are arriving by air, a landing fee also applies. These fees support the ongoing conservation and community initiatives within the reserve.
Reserve fees may either be prepaid with your accommodation or added to your extras account and settled on departure.
Visit our Rates and Promos’ page for a schedule of fees
Madikwe Game Reserve gate hours are from 06:00 to 18:00.
All arrivals must take place within these hours. If you anticipate arriving later, this must be arranged in advance, as access after gate closing times is only permitted under special, pre-approved circumstances.
Rates shown are the lowest available for the current season and exclude park fees and extras. View full rates
Start Your Journey
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Whatever the occasion, you’ll find a home with us
You prefer physical space that feels entirely your own, control over your time and environment, and service that is gentle, intuitive, and low-intervention.
You value emotional ease and discretion, with room to connect meaningfully with the people you’re travelling with.
If you’re celebrating something meaningful, an anniversary, birthday, or engagement, we’re here to help you make it special.
We love assisting with surprises, finding the right setting, and getting everything in place without drawing attention to it.
We’ll guide you through the choices, manage the logistics, and support you quietly in the background so the moment feels effortless, personal, and just right.
We cater for your family
You want connection, comfort, privacy, and seamless shared experiences.
You value quality time, a blend of togetherness and space, and a setting where everyone, regardless of age, truly enjoys themselves.
Family | Space | Connection
Lelapa Camp is the most spacious and flexible of the Madikwe Safari Lodge camps, a warm, friendly environment that welcomes all ages.It is one of the few safari camps in Madikwe Game Reserve truly built around families, with plenty of quiet corners and suite privacy for couples and solo travellers.
All ages welcome
12 suites
signature Waterhole
Spacious & Flexible
Intimate | Cosy | Private Gathering Place
Kopano Camp enjoys just four suites, and is the most intimate and cosy of the camps, perfect for couples, older families, small groups, or guests seeking something quieter and more personal than Lelapa Camp.Enjoy unlimited access to Lelapa Camp’s facilities.
16+ Welcome
4 suites
Active waterhole
Intimately sociable
Secluded | Elevated Views | Adults 16+
Dithaba Camp sits higher on the mountain, giving it a sense of total exclusive escape. Ideal for honeymooners, couples, small groups, writers, retreat-seekers, and any guests wanting solitude, serenity, and uninterrupted space.Enjoy unlimited access to Lelapa Camp’s facilities.
16+ welcome
4 suites
Hilltop View
Exclusively Yours
Exclusive | Private | Fully Serviced
Elela Villa is the most exclusive offering in the Madikwe Safari Lodge family. Ideal for families, groups and private travellers seeking the highest level of privacy, personalisation, and dedicated service.Enjoy unlimited access to all facilities within Kopano and Lelapa Camps.
all ages welcome
3 suite Villa
active waterhole
Your Private Home
Time for Your Best Self
Stay active in the Gym or join a guided walk. Unwind in the Safari Spa, the finest in Madikwe Game Reserve.Enjoy nourishing meals, restorative sleep, real human connection and the steady rhythm of nature all around you. Start your journey
Good food in great places
Beautifully presented, nourishing meals served in imaginative indoor and outdoor settings.Expect flavour, freshness, mindful portions and effortless adaptation to dietary preferences, alongside a curated selection of fine South African wines. Start your journey
For the moments that matter
Families of all ages feel at home here, from babies and young children to teens and multi-gen groups gathering for time together.Children quickly find their sense of freedom, and shared meals and family drives create the kind of memories that stay with you long after the safari ends.
When privacy calls, trusted babysitters step in, allowing parents to rest, reconnect and savour their own moments too. Start your journey
SPACE TO BE ENTIRELY YOURSELF
Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, elopement, honeymooning, travelling solo or simply enjoying life after years together, this is a place made for personal moments.Enjoy private dining, outdoor spaces just for two, or peaceful settings shared.
Come together when it feels right, or savour the ease of time apart. Start your journey
A Beautiful Place to Come Together
From milestone birthdays and intimate weddings to reunions, friend groups and corporate getaways, Madikwe Safari Lodge is made for sharing.Enjoy generous spaces, flexible dining, private drives, and a team who understands how to shape occasions big and small. However you gather, it’s a place where everyone feels looked after. Start your journey
We were a group of 10 – 4 kids and 6 adults. Our guide, Mike, and all the other amazing staff made all the adults and kids in our group feel so welcome. The service there is beyond anything we had imagined.
The folks at Madikwe Safari Lodge blew us away and made our honeymoon completely unforgettable. They notice little things and create special moments tailored to you.
The lodge itself is beautiful and the rooms with the private plunge pool were just spectacular. We can’t wait to return one day!
We stayed as a group of 10 and had an amazing time. All the staff were fantastic and catered to all our needs. The food, facilities, pool area – everything was 5 star.
From the moment we arrived we were welcomed into the lodge like old friends. Nothing was too much hassle, the staff thought of things before we asked.
Great sightings in an awesome vehicle with an excellent guide – thank you Ryan! Every game drive was an adventure with some of the best sightings I have seen in over three decades of visiting the bush!
Our fourth time in Madikwe was beautiful again! The lodge is great, the staff very friendly, the waterhole like a cinema, and the game drives with Dan informative.
