Dining

Madikwe Safari Lodge offers a variety of dining experiences, rather than a single fixed dining format.

Depending on the day and the camp you’re staying in, meals may be enjoyed:

• In the main lodge dining areas
• Outdoors in a boma
• On a deck overlooking the bush
• As a bush breakfast or bush dinner during a game drive

Dining locations are chosen based on safari timing, weather conditions and the overall guest experience, creating variety while keeping the day running smoothly.

For many guests, dining quietly in the bush – surrounded by the sounds and scents of the reserve – becomes one of the most memorable moments of their safari.

A bush breakfast or bush dinner is a meal enjoyed at a designated location in the reserve during a game drive, rather than at the lodge.

These locations are carefully selected for guest comfort and safety, and the experience is fully supported by a professional service team. Your guide remains present throughout, and all logistics are handled discreetly in the background.

Bush breakfasts usually take place in the morning after the drive, while bush dinners are arranged in the early evening. These experiences are weather- and logistics-dependent and are arranged at the lodge’s discretion, so they cannot be guaranteed on every stay.

Yes. Private dining can be arranged in a variety of settings, subject to availability and weather conditions.

This may include dining:

• On your private deck or suite veranda
• In a quiet area of the lodge

For guests staying at Elela Villa, dining is always private, with meals enjoyed exclusively within the villa or in its outdoor spaces.

Private dining is particularly popular for couples, families or guests celebrating a special occasion. Requests can be discussed with the team during your stay, though availability outside of Elela Villa is managed alongside safari schedules and operational considerations.

Yes. The kitchen team can accommodate a range of dietary sensitivities, including lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance and food allergies, provided these are communicated in advance.

Dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, halaal or kosher meals can also be accommodated, subject to prior notice and ingredient availability.

Because Madikwe Safari Lodge operates in a remote safari environment, we strongly recommend sharing all dietary requirements and preferences with the reservations team before arrival to ensure they can be planned for appropriately.

Yes. Children are well catered for with dedicated kids’ menus designed to balance familiarity, flexibility and nourishment.

For lunch and dinner, options include child-friendly favourites such as grilled chicken or fish, beef fillet, burgers, toasted sandwiches, pasta dishes, lasagne and build-your-own pizza, alongside simpler, healthier choices like a wellness bowl with fresh vegetables.

There is also a selection of kids’ smoothies and milkshakes, as well as a few classic desserts such as vanilla ice cream, chocolate brownies and frozen fruit lollies – offering treats without overwhelming younger guests.

Menus and portion sizes can be adapted to suit different ages, and mealtimes are kept flexible where possible. If your child has specific dietary needs or preferences, we recommend sharing these in advance so the kitchen team can plan accordingly.

Yes. Menus can be thoughtfully tailored for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or private group dinners, provided arrangements are discussed in advance.

The kitchen team can work within the seasonal menu to adjust dishes, create a more personalised dining flow, or plan a special meal in an appropriate setting. Requests are considered alongside safari schedules, guest numbers and operational logistics, so availability may vary.

If you’re celebrating a particular occasion during your stay, we recommend letting the reservations team know ahead of time so it can be planned for as smoothly as possible.

Yes, depending on where you are staying.

• Guests staying at Kopano Camp are welcome to dine at Lelapa Camp.
• Guests staying at Dithaba Camp or Elela Villa may dine at Kopano Camp or Lelapa Camp (as long as children are over the age of 16).

Across Madikwe Safari Lodge, boma dinners and poolside lunches overlooking the waterhole at Lelapa Camp are particularly popular dining experiences and are enjoyed by guests from all camps when available.

As dining is carefully coordinated across the lodge, meals at another camp are subject to availability, guest numbers and the dining setup on the day. Requests can be discussed with the team during your stay and will be accommodated where possible, in line with safari schedules and operational flow.

A selection of house beverages is included with your stay, including wines, spirits, beers, cocktails and soft drinks.

The wine offering focuses primarily on South African wines, selected to complement the lodge’s menus and dining style. Premium wines, champagnes and certain speciality spirits may be available at an additional cost.

Purified drinking water, both still and sparkling, is available in public spaces across all camps, allowing guests to refill their bottles at leisure throughout the day. Tea, coffee and non-alcoholic options are also readily available.

Yes. All meals and snacks are included as part of your stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge.

This includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Treats on game drives, including a morning coffee stop and afternoon sundowners
• High tea served in the afternoon before safari
• In-room minibar snacks

House beverages are included throughout your stay, with premium drinks available at an additional cost. All dining and refreshment experiences are delivered in line with safari schedules and the overall rhythm of the lodge.