Best hotels in Madikwe

This lodge is currently closed due to recent flooding Madikwe River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Groot Marico River in the heart of the 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve. Located between Sun City and Botswana, and only 350 km from OR Tambo International Airport, this is an easily accessible safari experience that is certainly easily enjoyable. Choose one of 16 split-level river front chalets, all with incredible views of the surrounding landscape and snuffling wildlife, add fine-dining, superior service and excellent safari drives in the Big Five reserve, and this is an all-round wonderful safari for families, couples or small groups.

Morukuru River House, one of three exclusive-use lodges in the Morukuru collection, lies apart from its counterparts in a private area within the large Madikwe Game Reserve. It has its own distinctive style (read glamorous, chic and super-comfortable), own safari vehicles, staff and attractions. River House lies on the banks of the Marico River, and the sounds of the water bubbling past are soporific – you'll sleep like a baby. This is Big Five country, and your private ranger knows the bushveld and its occupants like the back of his hand.

Set on the banks of the Marico River in Madikwe, one of South Africa's largest malaria-free reserves, Jaci's Private Lodge has just been through a proper glow-up: earthy tones, sunken lounges and hides positioned to put you at eye level with whatever's come down for a drink. Children of all ages are actually welcome here, not merely tolerated, and with ten redesigned suites alongside three private villas, it flexes easily between a honeymoon for two and a reunion for twenty. This is Big Five country with the Kalahari's edge for a neighbour, and not a malaria pill in sight.

This small safari lodge is situated in an exclusive concession of the vast Madikwe Game Reserve, which spans a staggering 75,000 hectares in the remote northern reaches of South Africa. The reserve is known for its rugged scenery, permanent waterways and pockets of lush indigenous forests, with open plains and a truly isolated wilderness feel. Makanyane lies on the banks of the Marico River, and this beautiful bush retreat has a natural feeling of laid-back luxury, with clever eco-friendly designs that make the most of its wild riverine setting.

Morukuru Farm House is one of three luxury, exclusive-use lodges on a private property within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The Marico River runs through the reserve, and super-stylish Farm House lies on its banks. The lodge's property is fenced, although non-threatening game species roam here, so it's the perfect destination if you're travelling with children. Indoors all is modern African contemporary – very chic but wonderfully homely. The owners and staff are extraordinarly friendly, and Madikwe, which can be explored at your leisure, is home to the Big Five and a host of other wildlife. You'll be back!

This intimate and service-focused lodge is set in a group of leadwood trees in the southeastern corner of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Overlooking the plains and a bustling waterhole frequented by elephants, zebra, giraffes and rhinos, Jamala Madikwe will indulge you with safari drives that bring you face to face with wild dogs, lion, cheetah, buffalo and a host of other species, excellent birdwatching and award-winning cuisine.

Tucked under the leafy canopy of an ancient Morukuru tree on the banks of the Marico River in the Madikwe Game Reserve, lies this perfectly decadent, ultra-luxurious home. Ideal for honeymooners, couples or a small family, Owner’s House has two huge en-suite bedrooms surrounded by decks and shared indoor and outdoor spaces. Your own private butler, chef, game ranger and nanny will ensure that your family’s every whim is catered for. Morukuru invites you to do whatever you want, whenever you want, making this the ultimate tailored safari holiday experience.

Tuningi Safari Lodge is one of the few ultra luxurious camps created with families in mind. A maximum of sixteen guests can be accommodated in the wonderfully spacious rooms and suites, which are split between the main area and the smaller and totally private Little Tuningi for optimum exclusivity. Traditional safari style flows throughout the camps – the use of natural materials, chunky timber furnishings, thatched roofs and exposed beams blend perfectly with the rugged landscape. The lodge is situated in a private section of the vast Madikwe Game Reserve, and this region is renowned for its exciting game viewing.

This beautiful lodge is situated on a rocky outcrop in the central region of the vast Madikwe Game Reserve, which is fast becoming one of South Africa's top malaria-free wildlife destinations. Ten private suites, plus the separate sole-use villa at Little Madikwe Hills, are scattered amongst huge boulders and magnificent Tamboti trees facing out across open plains. It’s a superb choice for a luxurious safari in this scenic northern part of South Africa, which borders Botswana. Expect world-class hospitality, absolute luxury and premium game viewing across a diverse landscape of rugged hills, arid open savannas and lush riverine forests.

Four-hour's drive north of Johannesburg on the Botswana border, Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa's largest Big Five reserves that also offers a chance to see wild dog and cheetah. Molori Safari Lodge is set on thorn-scrub hillside with views across the valley toward the Dwarsberg Mountains, and the landscape is as beautiful and dynamic as the wildlife. But what really sets Molori apart is the fantastic attention to detail. From the wakeup calls by your private butler, to creative, personally-tailored meals, and star-gazing safaris in the evening, Molori has artfully integrated high-end hospitality with traditional touches to create the creme de la creme of safari.

Impodimo Game Lodge is perched on a rocky ridge overlooking the stunning bushveld landscape of Madikwe Private Game Reserve. The property, which traces Botswana's southern border, boasts diverse terrain, from expansive grasslands, to sloping mountains and rocky outcrops. The wildlife is similarly diverse with all of the Big Five, plus cheetah and good numbers of wild dogs. Impodimo's homely grounds offer supreme privacy and luxury; it is also uniquely equipped for families traveling with young children (it also happens to be malaria-free), with a menu of child-centered activities to keep the kiddies busy.

Overlooking the thorn-thicketed and grassland valley in the western Madikwe Game Reserve, Buffalo Ridge is a pretty perch indeed. It is in fact the first wholly-owned, community-based lodge to be developed in South Africa and when you're back at base, there's a homely atmosphere that's hard to beat. More broadly, this region of northern South Africa represents an important transition zone between the Kalahari thronveld and lowveld bushveld and there's a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetah, hyena and wild dog, to be spotted. It's also only a four-hour drive from Johannesburg (or a fifty-minute flight) and completely malaria-free, making it a great choice for an easy jaunt into the bush.

Carefully combining contemporary design with an eco-friendly bushveld aesthetic, Nare Villa is an idyllic, private safari haven for families and groups. The suite luxuriously accommodates up to 6 guests on an exclusive-use basis. Nare Villa is nestled within its tranquil, natural surroundings, positioned just a stone’s throw away from its own active private waterhole, providing endless opportunities to view an array of wildlife passing through the area.