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Massai_1 (Carsten M.)
Visited:
November 2014
Reviewed: May 25, 2015
dfross
US
Visited:
April 2015
Reviewed: Jun 30, 2015
Email dfross | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
More than a dream come true.
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morning at the lodge began with an incredible roar of a lion awakening us at 3 a.m. Jamala Lodge, even though the price may seem expensive at first glance, is truly a bargain. An enormous chalet with bedroom looking out at the water hole, a beautiful bath, a plunge pool and totally private outdoor shower, a fully stocked (and included) mini bar, two three hour plus game drives a day with the best tracker one could hope for, and amazing food every day, throughout the day. All alcohol was included, and surprises every day with specialty cocktails presented at the end of an evening game drive. Madikwe Game Reserve, and Jamala Lodge will give you memories to treasure for the rest of your life.
Michael and Jennene
NZ
Visited:
May 2015
Reviewed: Jul 5, 2015
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exciting day trip to Madikwe Game Reserve
In New Zealand we don't have big game so it has always been a dream to visit a wild game park if I ever managed to visit Africa. That dream came true in 2014 when during a business trip I did a day trip to Madikwe Game Reserve and then in May of 2015 another business trip to Botswana allowed me a return visit, taking along two work collegues. The experience on both occasions was one of total excitement and nervous exhilaration. To sit in an open sided vehicle within feet of large game like lions, cheetahs, rhino and giraffe is a chance of a lifetime. On both trips to the reserve, Franco our guide from Buffalo Ridge was just awesome, his wealth of knowledge about all the reserve's game and animal's habits was truly amazing and then to sit and watch the sun go down with a glass of wine, some nibbles and share a chat, just priceless.
RJK 671
US
Visited:
May 2017
Reviewed: Jun 9, 2017
Email RJK 671 | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Madikwe Game Reserve offers an excellent safari experience!
We received a great treat when the rangers managed to locate a pair of lionesses with two cubs. It was amazing how close we were to these creatures. Our drive was filled with impala, wildebeest, giraffes, and more. Our Ranger, Steph , was fantastic. She really knows her stuff about the animals as well as the trees and landscape. She has a true passion for nature and wildlife and it shows. She had caught a brief glance at a leopard, and did her utmost to locate it.
The weather was spectacular and just the beginning of the dry winter
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season. The previous rains were plentiful and the grass was still very tall, which probably contributed to the difficulties finding the leopard, and probably concealed some other animals. Regardless, we still saw plenty of wildlife. Our first day concluded with an amazing dinner that included some delicious impala.Day two begin with morning coffee, then loading up for another drive. Our first catch was a lone Cape buffalo. The morning was not as productive, but Steph still managed to find us a pair of elephant bulls put on a sparring match. Aside from the animals, the landscape is so beautiful. After we returned to the lodge we had a wonderful lunch before our departure. While heading back to my cabin to pack, I noticed a white rhino by water. It was a lucky catch and allowed me to finish my safari adventure with seeing four of the Big Five! The elusive leopard gives me a good reason to come back.
One great thing about our safari in Madikwe is that it is advertised as Malaria free. I highly recommend the dry winter season, at least during May. It was a little chilly for some, but you can always put on more layers and our lodge had blankets available in the Landcruiser. The vehicles are open top.
With a short weekend stay, we were limited as to how far from the lodge our safari could go. Safaris of a longer duration likely offer a chance at exploring more of the huge reserve. The rangers all communicate via radio, and are good about sharing information with each other so all visitors can get a chance to see rare animals.
I would highly recommend the Madikwe Game Reserve and hope to go there again. The Tau Game Lodge, the lodging accommodations, their Rangers, meals, and people are all first class.
Amanda Detmer
US
Visited:
May 2019
Reviewed: May 29, 2019
Email Amanda Detmer | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an incredible time! Madikwe is the perfect place to go to see a lot of animals in a peaceful manner. It’s not overcrowded; you only see a few other game cars while on the drives which is nice because it may only be you and the animals at times. We saw at least 10 different animals and even group of female lions eating on a zebra! Everyone at Madikwe is incredibly friendly with lots of knowledge on the reserve, it’s history, and the animals. We stayed at the Bush Lodge, and it was an incredible experience. I strongly recommend staying with the Bush family. They are very warm welcoming and professional. The weather in the month of May was great; chilly in the mornings and evenings, but it was bearable with a jacket and pants. Middays were perfect! We had a great time at Madikwe through SafariWithUs bookings.
Melanie
HK
Visited:
February 2023
Reviewed: Feb 20, 2023
Email Melanie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We loved Madikwe and all it represents. Our wild dog sighting, watching the dogs keep a hyena from their zebra kill, was a special experience.
Kirsty
AU
Visited:
September 2023
Reviewed: Sep 26, 2023
Email Kirsty | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Madikwe is a game reserve that really does have it all. I have now been there 3 times, have stayed in 3 different lodges and had a different experience each time. Highly recommend.
Julie
US
Visited:
May 2024
Reviewed: May 16, 2024
Email Julie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical experience with the best staff
I can’t say enough positive things about this place. From the beautiful game drives to the fantastic service and the food . We did not want to leave . An experience we’ll never forget !
Kristin
GB
Visited:
April 2011
Reviewed: May 29, 2012
Experience level: first safari
A life-changing experience that left a bit of my heart in Africa and that I will never forget!
The wildlife of the reserve was plentiful and we were always able to get quite close to most animals on every drive (morning, afternoon, night). The scenery was stunning -- I'll never forget sitting a top the hill as the sun rose and drinking coffee, listening to the sound of the bush coming alive. The weather was perfect in April - not too hot, not too cold. I really enjoyed the guide comments and character and how they shared so much knowledge about the animal's behavior, droppings, tracks, etc.
Sumarie Slabber
ZA
Visited:
November 2015
Reviewed: Nov 21, 2015
Email Sumarie Slabber | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris