About Jamala Madikwe:
The exclusive and glamorous Jamala Madikwe is tucked beneath a canopy of ancient leadwood trees overlooking the open plains of the Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve.
This beautifully appointed, elegant lodge successfully blends colonial style and authentic African- inspired decor, and is suited to travellers looking for a very exclusive safari experience!
The contemporary stone and timber main lodge is located adjacent to a waterhole that attracts a wealth of wildlife, and expansive patios and viewing decks with ample seating optimise these breathtaking views. The spacious and comfortable lounge contains plenty of well-cushioned chairs and sofas, as well as a fireplace for chilly winter evenings. A small, but well-stocked library- featuring a laddered bookcase- can be found next to the lounge. A second lounge area leads out onto a viewing deck and is the perfect spot for viewing wildlife! There is a dining area as well, in addition to a traditional outdoor boma which is perfect for evening dinners under a starry night sky. The lodge bar and sparkling swimming pool are the perfect place for guests to relax with a refreshing drink and soak up the sun. The main lodge also features a watchtower which offers views for miles across the Madikwe wilderness.
Following the contours of the pan, and connected to the main lodge by beautifully maintained meandering pathways, five exclusive freestanding villas offer guests superlative luxury and total privacy. Each thatched, air-conditioned villa enjoys stunning views of the savannah plains leading up to Jamala Madikwe’s private waterhole, as well as a separate lounge, dining room, dressing room, bedroom and bathroom. Individual rim-flow pools and salas with expansive wooden decks and private outdoor showers make the most of the panoramic views.
Guests can look forward to twice-daily game drives at dawn and dusk, led by experienced guides in open safari vehicles. These passionate guides willingly share their extensive knowledge of, and entertaining stories about the African wilderness while on drive. Guests can anticipate beautiful sunrises and sunsets under incredible African skies whilst enjoying incredible encounters with African wildlife.
In between game drives, guests can relax with an indulgent spa treatment at the Royal Spa or work up a sweat on the treadmill in the gym. A pool safari offers the perfect way to keep cool and refreshed while viewing wildlife at the waterhole just metres away from the lodge’s large swimming pool. The pool deck also offers a wide range of refreshing drinks available from the open-air bar. If guests don’t fancy getting their feet wet, they can enjoy a sofa safari from the lodge’s viewing deck- all while sipping on a gin and tonic and nibbling on tasty canapes!
Jamala Madikwe has been awarded numerous awards for its outstanding cuisine prepared by the lodge’s executive chefs. Breakfast is served daily at the main lodge after morning game drive and usually finishes around 11 am and consists strictly of beautifully plated food. A relaxed high tea with numerous sweet and savory treats is served in the afternoon just before the evening game drive. Upon returning to the lodge, guests can indulge in an intimate table for two, under the stars, in one of the numerous beautiful dining locations such as the outdoor boma, the romantic watchtower, or the candle and starlit pool deck overlooking the Jamala Madikwe waterhole.
Owner-managed and run, the magnificent Jamala Madikwe offers a highly exclusive African bush experience, where personal service and attention to detail are the cornerstones of every waking moment.
Rooms:
This beautiful lodge includes guest accommodation comprising 5 exclusive and private Jamala Madikwe Villas that subtly follow the contours of the land alongside the pan. Each thatched, ultra-luxurious, air-conditioned villa is furnished with a comfortable King-size four-poster bed, swathed in mosquito netting, that overlooks the savannah and the waterhole. A walk-in shower, a luxurious bath, a double vanity and a toilet are featured in the spacious en-suite bathroom, and, for guests’ convenience, there is a walk-in dressing room. Fluffy bath and swimming towels, as well as exclusive bathroom amenities, are provided.
The Colonial-inspired villas include an elegant dining area, and a comfortable lounge with beautiful artwork adorning the walls and a fireplace for those chilly winter evenings. Complimentary amenities include a mini-bar as well as a tea and coffee station.
The large wooden stacking doors open up onto an expansive deck with luxurious outdoor facilities such as a private rim-flow pool, an outdoor shower and a sala with sun loungers.
