Jaci's Safari Lodge

Important Notice: Lodge Closed Until Further Notice
Jaci's Safari Lodge is temporarily closed due to flood damage until further notice.

Right in the heart of the sprawling 75,000 hectare conservation of the malaria-free Madikwe, Jaci’s Safari Lodge offers a haven of tranquillity for those looking to shake off the stress of city life.

Spacious rooms with breath taking views across a quiet stream accommodate guests who are not on safari or taking high tea from the comfortable lounge of the main lodge. With the decadent accommodation of Jaci’s located a mere four hour’s drive from Johannesburg, unwinding in the bush has never been easier or more luxurious.

Travellers enjoy thrilling early morning and late afternoon safari drives through the untamed African wilderness at Madikwe. Jaci's Safari Lodge provides photographic insights for guests to learn about photography and how to best capture iconic safari images. Equipment is provided and guests are guided by the lodge's photographic expert.

The unique photographic hide, which is called the Terrapin Hide, is submerged with a water-level viewing window. From here, guests may observe the wildlife at the waterhole from very close distances. Great pictures can be taken here. During the exciting walking safaris, one learns about the smaller creatures as well as plants and birds in the reserve. The smells and sounds may be taken in to complete the safari experience.

Jaci's Safari Lodge offers various choices of room types some of which are suitable for couples as well honeymooners making for a special celebration whilst other rooms accommodate families and small groups of friends travelling together.

Jaci’s Tented Suites are decorated with bright colours which are beautifully combined with African textures. There are six of these tented style rooms featuring a private outdoor shower as well as a unique handcrafted-mosaic indoor bath. Air conditioning and ceiling fans are available in these rooms. From the private viewing decks, guests enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the African bushveld.

Star Bed Suites provide the ultimate in romantic and private safari accommodation. Built over two levels, these are suitable for special occasions and honeymooners. The bushveld ambience is perfectly completed with the bursts of colours used as well as the authentic decor and bold furniture pieces.

Guests have the opportunity to either sleep indoors or under the starlit sky. This suite features two king-size beds, outdoor shower and indoor bathroom, a lounge area, as well as a private safari bar and a lovely viewing deck.

Jaci’s Nare Suite which accommodates up to six guests, namely four adults and two children. It is suitable for families or groups who travel together. Featuring a master and guest bedroom, this suite is complete with an open-plan bathroom (generous stone bath) and an outdoor shower. The upstairs loft is suitable for children to enjoy. Guests staying in the Nare Suite enjoy the convenience of a private wildlife viewing vehicle for the duration of their stay.

Jaci’s Safari Suite sleeps up to eight guests, namely four adults and four children. It features bright colours which are beautifully combined with African textures. This safari hideaway offers a master bedroom and adjoining children’s room sharing an outdoor shower and open-plan bathroom from where views into the bushveld can be enjoyed. Across the passage is a lounge with a guest room. This suite features an upstairs loft. Guests staying in this suite type have a private wildlife viewing vehicle available during their stay.

About Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe, a South African private game reserve created in 1991 from 75,000 ha of farmland, which had been extensively degraded by overgrazing, was chosen as the site of Operation Phoenix. The government-sponsored, biggest-ever game- relocation programme in Africa involved re-stocking and conserving flora and wildlife, which had long since disappeared from the region.

Ten thousand animals of 27 major species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant, have been re-introduced to the Madikwe Game Reserve over a six year period with animals coming from various reserves and breeding centres and game viewing is now at its prime.

Northwest Parks Board (formerly Bop Parks) has adhered to a strict policy of introducing only those species, which once occurred in the area). Madikwe is run as a three-way partnership between the State, the local communities and the private sector.

Madikwe, therefore, should not be looked at as solely a protected area or tourism destination, the reserve acts as a major social and economic core and engine around which the development of the region can be based.

The name of Operation Phoenix is appropriate: like the mythical bird that burnt itself to a crisp on the pyre and then rose from the ashes to live again with new vigour, nature has regained a stronghold on the land and the programme has been hugely successful.

Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the country's fourth largest game reserve. It is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana in the north, the spectacular Dwarsberg Mountains to the south, the Marico river to the east.

The diverse habitat in the reserve, from acacia, savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species such as springbok, gemsbok, sable and impala. The birdlife is also spectacular, and this is one of the few South African private game reserves that are malaria free.