Immerse yourself in the splendour of Madikwe Game Reserve from the comfort of your private deck in one of Lelapa’s luxury suites. Each suite offers breathtaking views, where the enchantment of the wilderness unfolds before your eyes. Your suite also boasts an outdoor shower and a refreshing plunge pool, elevating your safari experience to one of pure indulgence.

Lelapa understands the importance of family time. Four of our suites are thoughtfully designed for families with young children, offering both shared and private spaces to ensure that everyone enjoys total comfort and convenience. Each family suite features a dedicated kids’ room complete with bunk beds, cosy gown and slipper sets, and bedside hot-chocolate mugs. An assortment of toys, games, and books ensures that the young ones are entertained throughout their stay. While the children delight in their own adventures, parents can savour precious moments of solitude or opt for some socialising.

As the first golden rays of the sunrise gently grace the eastern hills of the Madikwe Game Reserve, our guests, invigorated by their morning coffee, eagerly set forth with their guide. The air is alive with the melodious chorus of awakening birds, their songs a harmonious prelude to the exploration that awaits. With the landscape stretching out before them, they embark on a journey filled with anticipation, ready to uncover the secrets of the wilderness.

In the crisp, chilled morning air, the suspense builds as they wonder which majestic creatures will reveal themselves in the coolness of the dawn. Our expert trackers, skilled in the art of observation, are likely to lead you to a close encounter with big game, where you can almost taste the musky scent in the air or feel the resonance of a powerful roar deep within your own chest.

Yet, no morning safari is truly complete without a pause to savour the moment. Amidst the pristine wilderness, a tranquil stop is made for coffee and Amarula, accompanied by a selection of traditional South African rusks and muffins. It’s a moment of connection with the land and its wonders, a cherished interlude that lingers long after the adventure has ended.

As the sun gracefully descends, casting elongated shadows across the vast Madikwe plains, the enchantment of the night begins to stir. It’s a time when the world transitions, and the nocturnal creatures emerge from their slumber. African sunsets in this realm are nothing short of spiritual experiences, with a canvas of colours that dance across the horizon – shades of blue, violet, pink, orange, and red that paint the sky in breathtaking harmony.

It’s the perfect moment to unwind with a sundowner, immersing yourself in the symphony of sights and sounds that accompany this ethereal transformation. As the sun bids adieu, the first stars emerge, and the predators of the night, including lion, leopard, spotted, and brown hyena, harness the moonlight to embark on their quest for potential prey.

Other fascinating creatures, such as porcupines, bushbabies, and honey badgers, rouse from their daytime retreats, embarking on their nocturnal foraging adventures. Gleaming green and yellow eyes pierce the darkness, offering tantalising hints of their presence. Alarm calls from monkeys or the frantic cries of francolins as they seek higher ground for safety provide additional clues to the nocturnal drama unfolding in the wilderness.

While vehicle-based safaris offer their own allure, allowing you to cover more ground and potentially spot more game, there’s an entirely different dimension to explore when you step into the heart of the African bushveld on foot. It’s an experience that quickens the pulse, a thrilling adventure that unveils the finer nuances often overlooked from the confines of a game-viewer.

Walking in the African wilderness is an immersion that awakens the senses to their fullest. Here, you can not only see but also smell, hear, and even physically touch your surroundings. You tread in the very footsteps of the animals, forging a direct connection with their world. The encounter with larger mammals takes on an exhilarating quality when experienced on foot, a sensation that defies description.

Madikwe Game Reserve, with its rich tapestry of flora and condensed biomes, combined with its unique location, beckons to bird enthusiasts from around the world. Over 350 species of birds flock to this region, making it an absolute haven for birders. A weekend visit during the summer months promises encounters with an astonishing 180 to 200 species, while a winter sojourn can reveal around 120 to 150 species during your stay.

As you explore the arid plains of the reserve, you may chance upon some of the special avian treasures that call this place home. Keep an eye out for the Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, the regal Kori Bustard, the elusive Temminck’s Courser, and the elegant White Stork. The Double-banded Courser and Burchell’s Courser have also graced this landscape, while the Bronze-winged Courser becomes a common sight during the summer months, especially in the more wooded areas.

Madikwe’s charm extends to the birdlife around the lodge as well, where the aptly named Southern Pied Babbler is a constant and cheerful presence. You may also encounter other bushveld species such as the Paradise Flycatcher, the Acacia Pied Barbet, the resplendent Green-winged Pytilia, and several delightful Waxbill species.

For raptor enthusiasts, Madikwe is a veritable paradise. The skies here are graced by a variety of eagles, goshawks, and vultures, some of which are endangered, offering birders the chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

When it comes to showing your love and appreciation and commemorating life’s significant milestones, few places can match the inspiring, intimate, and adventure-filled ambiance of Madikwe Lelapa Lodge. Nestled in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, nature has meticulously crafted the perfect picturesque backdrop for you and your loved ones to rejoice and celebrate. Be it a birthday, engagement, wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary, we at Madikwe Lelapa Lodge provide the ultimate setting. Our offerings are enhanced with delectable cuisine, top-notch service, and a sprinkle of indulgences that will transform your special occasion into an unforgettable experience. Come and make your memories with us!

The culinary journey at Madikwe Lelapa Lodge is an experience that stands out on its own! Our chefs’ masterful integration of local flavours and techniques with international cuisines creates a world-class dining adventure. The beautiful surroundings and inviting atmosphere of the lodge only heighten the pleasure of dining, making it even more satisfying and memorable. Complemented by a selection of South Africa’s finest wines and other exquisite beverages, dining at Madikwe Lelapa Lodge transcends a mere meal and becomes an adventure in taste and elegance. Join us for an unforgettable gastronomic experience amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Madikwe Game Reserve.