About Lelapa:
Madikwe Safari Lodge-Lelapa is one of four properties known collectively as Madikwe Safari Lodge and all four properties are situated in the central-eastern region of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve-one of South Africa’s largest Big 5 game reserves.
Lelapa, which is Setswana for “family”, offers an excellent option for most types of traveller, but it is particularly fabulous for families.
Set amongst rolling lawns and accessed via a tidy gravel driveway, Lelapa Lodge is a classic timber, stone, and thatch building, which contains a spacious and airy reception area flowing through to a comfortable lounge with a cosy fireplace, and armchairs and sofas set around an ornate coffee table.The beautifully appointed, open- sided lodge features African- inspired decor with many natural materials used in its construction and has an expansive wooden deck where guests can relax and enjoy amazing views over the reserve while tucking in to a delicious meal! The lodge gift shop stocks clothing, curios, books, art prints, and more, and the sparkling lodge pool is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink while the kids splash about and make new friends.
Each of the twelve air-conditioned suites is comfortable, spacious and ever respectful of the natural environment beyond. Each suite boasts an indoor and outdoor shower, private plunge pool and wood-burning fireplace, as well as a private deck offering stunning views of the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Activities available at Lelapa include morning and afternoon game drives led by experienced guides in open safari vehicles, ensuring incredible wildlife encounters in the spectacular and diverse Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. Guided bush-walks offer guests the perfect opportunity to explore the bush on a more intimate level and to focus on the smaller creatures and plants that make up the African bushveld. Guests can also enjoy star-gazing; birding; conservation activities; indulgent spa treatments and more.
Lelapa Lodge offers a varied and wonderful range of activities for children to enjoy. In addition to family vehicle safaris for the younger children, kids can participate in activities such as bush orientation, bug CSI, track pack with Plaster of Paris, dung tracking, baking in the lodge’s kitchen, making pizzas in the boma, star gazing, and games nights. Drawing, painting, and model making are available in Lelapa’s Eco House, which provides both education and entertainment. (Adults are welcome to participate too!)
The warm hospitality and exclusive accommodation, as well as the incredible children’s programme at Lelapa Lodge, ensures a spectacular family safari experience.
Rooms:
Guest accommodation at Lelapa consists of 12 thatched air-conditioned suites, set a good distance apart from each other to offer ample privacy and accessed from the main lodge via neat little tracks. Constructed from natural materials such as timber, stone, and thatch, these luxurious suites blend seamlessly into the surrounding bushveld.
Each suite is spacious and airy and has comfortable extra- length King-size beds (or twin extra-length singles). The lounge features a comfortable sofa, mini bar and storage space, as well as a fireplace- perfect for chilly winter evenings! The luxurious en-suite bathroom area has a separate flush toilet, twin washbasins, a luxurious bath, and a shower. On the outdoor viewing deck, there is an outdoor shower, and a private plunge pool. All suites are beautifully decorated in natural, African-inspired colours, with four suites being Family Suites that feature a second bedroom with children’s bunk beds, and sleeper couch.