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Fit for royalty and the discerning safari-goer, Jamala Madikwe, Royal Safari Lodge sets a high-standard when it comes to owner-managed malaria-free luxury safari lodges. Offering an intimate safari experience in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Jamala is just the ticket for multigenerational travellers, honeymooners, and those seeking an intimate safari experience. At Exclusive Journeys, we offer a tailor-made Madikwe safari package for this premier lodge in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve.

The Madikwe Game Reserve

Before we delve into the details of Jamala, let’s explore the its inimitable location in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve. Located close to the border of Botswana and a mere 4.5 hour easy drive from O.R Tambo, means that Madikwe is an easily accessible Big 5 reserve. Although relatively unknown, it rivals many reserves in South Africa with its bounty of wildlife. The Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth largest in South Africa, and has recently gained in popularity because of its malaria-free status. For families, having the option of Big 5 malaria-free game reserve to indulge in their safari dreams is a huge drawcard.

Madikwe’s spectacular location close to the Botswana border means that the flora and fauna of the area is unique. Characterised by endless grasslands dotted with bouldering inselbergs and patches of woodlands, and flanked by the looming Dwarsberg mountains; Madikwe provides the perfect habitat for predators to thrive. Habitats include riparian vegetation lining the banks of the banks of a perennial river, thornveld, Kalahari bushveld, and mixed ‘veld.

The reserve sprawls across 680 square kilometres of unique terrain, with the majority of lodges huddled around the western sector of the park.

Jamala Madikwe Aerial

Jamala Madikwe Game Drives

Wildlife in the Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe’s claim to fame is it’s prolific African wild dog population, many of which were translocated to the reserve in 1994. The area remains a protectorate for the dogs, whose numbers are high. The reserve is one of the best ecologically diverse areas in South Africa, making it the perfect place for the Big 5 to roam free. Safari-goers can spot cheetah, caracal, leopard, lion, serval and the Cape fox. In addition, there are abundant herds of both elephant and buffalo roaming in large numbers.  Birders will delight in knowing that there are over 315 species in the reserve, including species like waders, passerines, and giant raptors. Local specials include the Gabar goshawk, brown snake eagle, African fish eagle, and the steppe buzzard.

Malaria-free luxury safari lodges

There are a host of safari lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve, yet the reserve remains uncrowded and less-explored than other destinations in South Africa. Most malaria-free luxury safari lodges are of a luxurious standard, and Jamala Madikwe is no different.

Jamala Madikwe Waterhole

Lodgings at Jamala Madikwe, Royal Safari Lodge

Jamala Madikwe offers the ultimate in luxury lodgings. From a spa treatment area to a viewing tower, swimming pool, outdoor boma area, curio shop, and the incredible gin deck bar; Jamala has everything covered. Fussy foodies will delight in knowing that head chef Chef Jacques Sansom delivers carefully curated dishes to the table. Cuisine here is as superb as the game viewing experience. The food was voted as one of the top safari dining places in 2019.

In total, there are just 5 safari villas which means an intimate and personalised safari experience. Each of the villas is freestanding and comes complete with private rim-flow swimming pools, indoor and outdoor showers, and an extravagant outdoor area with private dining facilities. All villas have a view of the waterhole and surrounding savannah, which means you never have to leave your luxurious villa.

Activities

Visitors to Jamala can enjoy two game drives a day, which take place when the predators are most active. Morning game drives depart early-usually at first light. Evening game drives tend to depart in the late afternoon, making their way well into the night. Morning drives stop for coffee, while evening drives stop in a special spot for sundowners. Game drives usually last about 3-hours. For those looking to skip a game drive or two, the pool safari experience is the

A unique experience to Jamala Madikwe the pool safari. Refresh, relax and revitalize at our large swimming pool situated at the edge of the Jamala waterhole under an ancient Leadwood tree.

 

Jamala Madikwe Accommodation Bathroom

Jamala Madikwe Accommodation Deck

Jamala Madikwe Rooms

Jamala Madikwe Spa Treatments

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