We arrived to the beautiful Madikwe Safari Lodge and were escorted to our bungalow to freshen up. You can see more pictures of our room and our review of accommodations here.
Well, what can one expect on game drives?
The day we arrived at the lodge we were eager to go on a game drive. We took in the views from our room, splashed water on our faces, and rushed back to the common space to meet for tea and snacks before our evening bush drive.
I still want the recipe for the tea. They give you the perfect snack to hold you over until dinner.
Andre sweetly laid out the safety precautions to our littlest team members. (He and his wife come across as gentle and responsive parents to their children. That being said, he is an AMAZING guide to have when on safari with children):
Andre took is on some amazing safaris where we saw some of the most exotic and slightly dangerous creatures in their natural habitat. We also cannot stress that he was every bit as impressive as a host to us in the area. Dealing our groups issues (illness, stress, and scheduling issues) in a way that made us all feel safe, cared for, and heard. He went out of his way as someone who lives in this remote area to also make us feel like it was our home, too.
It was mid-February and by the time we had completed out stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge we had seen 4 of the big 5 ((minus the leopard) and many many, more amazing creatures.
Impala
Africa Elephant
Wildebeest
An amazing encounter with an elephant. We had to stop taking pictures and stay perfectly still once it approached the vehicle. It was “nose to nose” with us. An amazing connective moment initiated by the elephant that we will never forget. We absolutely loved have Andre as our guide, we don’t think we would have been able to experience something like that if it was not him leading us.
Wild boar
Lion!
AMAZING bird spotted at the top of the tree one evening. They made a perfect silhouette.
Elephant family!
Amazing.
White Rhino
Zebra at dusk.
Giraffe at dusk.
Andre, Brian, and Aram.
Probably my favorite part of the safari experience is when we pulled over for sundowners in the bush.
They pick a spot that is picturesque during dusk, pull out a table, and allow the group to get out and experience the bush on foot with a drink. This should not be confused with an on-foot safari (but that is also amazing), you stay close to your vehicle and socialize in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Shannon ordering a drink. Andre played bartender.
Our group enjoying life.
Aram couldn’t handle the time change on day 1, but he was with us in a dreamy spirit.
Evening safaris come to a close and you are escorted back to the lodge to get freshened up for dinner. We would always get ready then meet-up in the lounge for drinks.
While we were gone on our evening game drives the staff would be working away to surprise us with something beautiful. The main table would be filled with candles or they would lead us down to a beautiful boma (African barbecue). We were always amazed, surprised, and delighted by what we experienced.
Also, it is important to note that the food is excellent here. I am extremely picky, so please don’t take these words lightly. (Also, all good restrictions are taken extremely seriously and the chef has amazing options for EVERYONE.)
Sadly, because Aram became extremely ill after day 1 of this journey (we think he contracted salmonella from something he ate on the drive up to Madikwe from Johannesburg), I did not get to take as many photos of this gorgeous place as I would have preferred. I do apologize!
As far as morning game drives, you can pretty much expect the same sort of luxury adventure. The goal is the find a various array of animals. Some are more active in the early morning!
My favorite part is the morning pre-breakfast breakfast (seriously, it is like a full meal) served at the morning stop in the bush:
We want to thank again the team from Destination Southern Africa for putting together or travel itinerary!
