Madikwe Safari Lodge

What stained my holiday was how much they stressed me at the Kopano lodge where I took an all inclusive safari in late August '24. I got upset because on-site management relented on quoted price, and previously agreed upon service. The quoted price for the safari was inclusive of room, food, game drives, park entry, transfers etc... and associated taxes. However at payment time, Kopano sprung on us a VAT tax of about R14000. Why wasn't it spelled out earlier as a non-included item? Rather strange, since at Bakubung Lodge where we also holidayed, the quoted price had held firm. Stress also arose from having uncooked food and outdoor dining relentlessly pushed on us despite a pre-vacation in writing agreement that all our meals be cooked and served in the lodge dining room at least at insect biting time. Being "encouraged" again and again by Kopano to eat on the outdoor terrace and what was put on our plate, we got STRESS, not relaxation. By the way, meals were individually prepared for the six to eight guests. In the room, the following was no good: - The room lacked adequate lighting for pre-dawn and after dark. - The only sitting in the room is a CONCRETE sofa with a scatter of soft cushions. - The table cloths indoor and outdoor dragged on the floor ......OUCH! - The room filled with smoke coming down the chimney when it was windy, because the fireplace was not closed. To summarize, I had a much better time at the Bakubung safari lodge in Pilanesburg although the game rides there had been of an uneven quality.... but at a quarter of the price! Mainly, it was because of the bait and switch experienced at Kopano.

Wow. What a place. Madikwe safari lodge for four nights was the perfect way to start our trip. All of the staff were super lovely and welcoming. Byron was an unreal guide to be led by and created an experience that I feel was unique to the national park. Can't wait to come back again

What an amazing first safari experience here at Madikwe. Our brilliant guide Nel made sure we saw so many incredible animals and sightings. The lodge itself is beautiful and the rooms with the private plunge pool were just spectacular. We can’t wait to return one day!

This is a really special place. The reserve is a lovely blend of having enough animals that you will regularly see them, without so many that it feels artificial. Every day we went out, we would see something new and interesting. The lodge is beautiful, and the staff are kind and very attentive. Our guide, Nel, was knowledgeable, funny and made the whole experience really special. We learned a lot. We would not hesitate to come back!

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. All the staff were excellent, Priscilla in particular was fantastic, as were all the hosts. Our guide/ driver was Brendan who showed us some of the most incredible things and made every effort to ensure we saw what we’d hoped for. We’re already looking forward to visiting Dithaba again soon! Thank you!

Fantastic stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge. We could not have asked for more. Our ranger Dan was truely wonderful at explaining and teaching us everything about the animals. The lodge is divine and the staff are all incredibly nice. 100% recommened.