Overview

Jaci’s Private Lodge is an intimate safari retreat located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s leading Big Five wildlife destinations. Reopening in July 2026 following a full rebuild, the lodge offers a refined yet relaxed safari experience designed for couples, families and small groups seeking both privacy and exceptional wildlife encounters.

The lodge features Safari Suites and family-friendly Safari Suite Expeditions, along with the exclusive Kubu Villa, Nare Villa and Jaci’s Madikwe House for guests seeking private accommodation. Each space blends contemporary comfort with natural textures and expansive views of the surrounding bushveld.

Guests enjoy twice-daily guided game drives led by experienced rangers, exploring Madikwe’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, African wild dogs and a remarkable variety of birdlife. Between game drives, guests can relax around the lodge’s central pool, enjoy seasonal cuisine inspired by South African flavours, and take in the peaceful rhythm of the bush.

Combining warm hospitality, stylish design and exceptional wildlife viewing, Jaci’s Private Lodge offers a memorable and authentic safari experience in one of South Africa’s most celebrated private reserves.

About the Madikwe Game Reserve

Set along South Africa’s north-western border with Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the country’s largest and most rewarding safari destinations. Spanning over 75,000 hectares of diverse wilderness, this malaria-free reserve offers an exceptional Big 5 safari experience within a landscape of open plains, rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and riverine forests.

Madikwe is renowned not only for its impressive wildlife sightings but also for its conservation success story. Established through the groundbreaking Operation Phoenix, thousands of animals were reintroduced into the area, transforming former farmland into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Today, the reserve is home to an abundance of species, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, as well as the endangered African wild dog - one of Madikwe’s most celebrated highlights.

The reserve’s exclusive-use model ensures a more private and uncrowded safari experience compared to many other game reserves in South Africa. With no day visitors allowed, guests can enjoy intimate game drives, guided bush walks, and uninterrupted sightings in a truly tranquil setting.

Easily accessible by road or a short flight from Johannesburg, Madikwe Game Reserve is the ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality, malaria-free safari combined with outstanding wildlife, privacy, and luxury.

Reserve

Name

Jaci's Private Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, North West
Size

75,000 hectares

Children

Children of all ages are welcome at Jaci’s Private Lodge
The Safari Suite Expeditions are specifically designed for families and can accommodate 2 adults and up to 2 children sharing
Child sharing rates available on request

Fast Facts

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Why We Love It

Located in Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s premier malaria-free Big Five safari destinations
Stylish Safari Suites and family-friendly Safari Suite Expeditions offering comfort and privacy in the bush for both couples and families
Family friendly, with children program and activities
Easily accessible from Johannesburg, with both road transfers and short charter flights available
Unique viewing decks and hides for great game viewing and relaxing from the lodge

Gallery

jacis-private-lodge-new-images-2026-madikwe-special-offers-bushbreaks (21)

Details

6 Safari Suites
4 Safari Suite Expeditions
1 x Nare Villa (Max 6 guests)
1 x Kubu Villa (Max 6 guests)
1 x Madikwe House (Max 10 guests)
Beds: 10
Bathrooms: 10
Setting: Overlooking a natural waterhole

Activities

Included activities

Twice-daily guided game drives in Madikwe Game Reserve
Viewing decks and hides
Gym boxes for in-room exercising
River path walking route
Child-friendly safari activities and bumbles for younger guests
Birdwatching
Sundowners in the bush
Stargazing

Additional activities (on request / additional cost)

Bush walks (subject to availability and age restrictions)
Private safari vehicles
Specialised photographic safaris
Spa treatments

Children

Children of all ages are welcome at Jaci’s Private Lodge
The Safari Suite Expeditions are specifically designed for families and can accommodate 2 adults and up to 2 children sharing
Child sharing rates available on request

Children Game Drive Policy

Children 6 years and older are permitted on scheduled game drives
Ages 0 - 5 years can enjoy a 'bumble' (45 minute game drive) with their parents and game ranger after breakfast
Private vehicles can be arranged for families with younger children, subject to availability and an additional cost

Guests per Safari Vehicle

6 Guests (8 when children are included)

Gallery

Featured Rates

From

R 8,660
Per person per night sharing
Normal selling rate

R 15,750
Save up to

Save 45%
Rules

Book within 60 days of travel
Validity Date

Valid from 1 July 2026 until 18 December 2026

Prices are indicative. Please contact us for a comprehensive quotation.

Rates Include

Luxury accommodation in a Safari Suite
All meals daily
Local and specialty teas and freshly brewed filter coffee
Eco-friendly in-room amenities
Twice-daily game drives including sunrise/sunset stops and night drives
Access to Thutlwa Deck, Terrapin Hide and Naledi Sleepout
Transfers to and from Eastern Airstrip (FedAir/private charter flights)
Complimentary Wi-Fi access

Important Notes

The following fees are applicable to all guests staying within the Madikwe Game Reserve:

Park Fees of R 200 per adult & R 100 per child, per stay.
For guests flying in, Landing Fees of R 280 per adult & R 180 per child, per stay.
A Madikwe Guest Conservation Contribution Fee: R 260 per adult & R 130 per child, per night (SADC Residents)
A Government Bed Levy: R 10 per person per night.
All fees quoted are subject to change & will either be pre-paid or settled directly to the Lodge on departure.

Madikwe Game Reserve Gate Times:

Opening time: 06:00
Closing time: 16:00
Please note that guests arriving after 18:00 will not be able to enter the reserve.

Closest Airport

Johannesburg - OR Tambo International Airport

Drive Time

4 hours from Johannesburg

Reserve

Name

Jaci's Private Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, North West
Size

75,000 hectares

Location

Jaci's Private Lodge, Madikwe, South Africa

Get Directions

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Terms and Conditions

All rates quoted are per person per night sharing, unless otherwise stated
Please chat to one of our Game Lodge experts for the single accommodation & child rates
Our 'From' rate reflected is only an indication of the property's pricing. Once we have your exact dates, we will send through a detailed quotation
A number of our rates quoted are based on specials for SADC Residents
All accommodation will be subject to availability
All rates quoted are based on a minimum stay of two nights
Any applicable Conservation Levies & Park Fees will be quoted as an additional amount
When we specify ‘Off Road’, this applies to Big 5 sightings only
Bush Walks will often need to be pre-booked
Childminding is generally at an additional cost
Lunch on arrival day must be pre-booked (served between 13:00–14:00)
For our comprehensive T's & C's, please see the link: Terms & Conditions

Children

Children of all ages are welcome at Jaci’s Private Lodge
The Safari Suite Expeditions are specifically designed for families and can accommodate 2 adults and up to 2 children sharing
Child sharing rates available on request

Jaci's Private Lodge