After about a five hour drive from Johannesburg, we made it to Madikwe Safari Lodge (very close to the border of Botswana).
This was the first stop for this trip and we were all eager to see animals…really any animals. From the moment that we entered the Madikwe Safari Lodge border we were welcomed by hundreds of animals. On just the drive up to camp, we saw right next to our vehicle: elephants, giraffes, impalas, zebras, wildebeests, and many many more. It was like a Disney movie where the animals heard our excited arrival and they came out of the happy bush, smiling and about to break out in a welcome song. Well, in my mind. Anyway, it was unusual and we ate it up.
When we arrived at the lodge, we were given another celebratory welcome drink (I’m liking this tradition), and we were brought into the breathtaking common area of Madikwe’s Lelapa Lodge.
We were presented with welcome snacks at the common area of the lodge.
Amazing views.
Welcome drinks!
The service has been over-the-top (we’re talking modern-day Downton Abbey South African style). We were escorted to our rooms by the gracious and lovely staff. The room was grander in person than what we saw on the internet. Each room has an indoor shower, bath, outdoor shower, and plunge pool.
Our bed and had a nearby fireplace that served both the sitting area and sleeping area.
So cozy.
Our closet area.
The boys have their own room, we have a common sitting area, fireplace, and a gorgeous bathroom.
Entrance to the boys’ room.
The boys were greeted with twin beds, slippers, and a individual welcome notes. Their room had an amazing thatched roof that they definitely noticed and appreciated.
Turn-down service.
The vanity with a menu of spa treatments available.
A tub with a view. My favorite part was the the special bath salts which were refilled every day.
Double sink right next to the walk-in shower.
A little “window” in the gorgeous wrap-around walk-in shower.
Coffee and tea bar complete with french press and a host of options.
Brian and my bed has a huge window door that can be opened for an indoor-outdoor feel.
This photo was taken from out balcony.
Amazing bird nests all over the property and right on our patio.
Lounge chairs on the deck.
Our in suite plunge pool.
Needless to say that we were extremely impressed by the Madikwe Safari Lodge. We would recommend this lodge to all families, particularly those who have small children needing to room in with mom and dad. This lodge somehow manages to be both luxurious and budget-friendly ( in relation to other safaris of the same caliber). It surpassed our expectations, and that is saying a lot, considering we did extensive research on the lodge prior to making travel arrangements.
You can also check out our Madikwe Safari Lodge game drive review here.
