The Royal Madikwe, Madikwe | Timbuktu Travel
Madikwe

The Royal Madikwe

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Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About The Royal Madikwe

Intimacy and romance prevail at this six-room lodge on the western side of Madikwe.
The award-winning Royal Madikwe Safari Lodge lies in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve, a reserve dense in wildlife including the Big Five, wild dogs and cheetah. Although a lovely retreat for families or friends, it truly is the ideal spot for couples to soak up the splendour of the African bush. Run by a close-knit, experienced team, the service is second to none and you’ll quite literally have everything you need – and a little bit more. Alongside uber-comfortable accommodation, spectacular wildlife encounters and delectable cuisine, inspired by Africa’s diverse cultures and cosmopolitan influences, this is a great choice in Madikwe for a touch of luxury and a spot of romance...
From $1.1K per person/per night
Safari
5 Rooms
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Property details

The property

The interiors are mainly inspired by nature. Clean natural hues and rich organic textures are infused with bright splashes of tribal colours. The Royal Clubhouse consists of a stylish lounge, a dining room and a library which lead to elevated decks with sweeping views of the African bush. A tranquil infinity pool overlooks the waterhole giving way to lush surroundings. There is a TV Lounge with satellite TV, a boma for outdoor dinners and an gift shop.

The rooms

Royal Madikwe can accommodate 14 people in 5 beautifully appointed units - a family villa and 4 suites. The suites consist of a Luxury Double Suite, ideal for couples, a luxury Twin Suite -perfect for friends or older siblings, and a Honeymoon Suite for romantic getaways. The spacious two-bedroom Emperor Suite and the Royal Villa have two bedrooms and cater for families. Guests can enjoy the exclusivity of a private pool, game-viewing deck, fireplace, en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower.

Activities

Days are designed around guests' preferences with the guidance of experienced staff. There are early morning and sunset game drives in an open vehicle, led by an experienced ranger. Bush walks provide the opportunity to get closer to your surroundings, and gain interesting knowledge of the smaller creatures and plant life within the reserve. Drumming, Zulu Dancing, star-gazing and massages are some of the other activities offered. For children, Royal Madikwe has many fun activities to keep them entertained.

What you'll love

What you'll love

The privacy. Each room has a private plunge pool, a coffee machine and a fully-laden minibar, so get ready to cocoon yourself away for hours on end...
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

If big cats are your thing, book now! The Royal sits on a dolomite ridge on the western side of the reserve, which (rumour has it) tends to have better leopard sightings than the eastern side.
Something to think about

Something to think about

Just a note that this side of the reserve has pumped waterholes. They attract plenty of wildlife, particularly at the drier times of year, but they aren't naturally-occurring.

South Africa

Madikwe Game Reserve

It’s easily accessible, malaria-free and you’ll spot the Big Five – what’s not to love?