Last Word Madikwe

The waterhole was a daily highlight. On our arrival we saw two rhinos, and plenty of other animals appeared during our stay. Ronnie led all our game drives, where we saw four of the Big Five and learned a lot about the reserve's animals, birds and plants. Thanks so much, Ronnie! The lodge was spotless, with lots of lovely products for guests to use. The food was excellent, and Sam, Keira, Tataum, Max, Thabang, Jodi and Roxan took especially good care of our group's allergies and dietary needs. We’re very grateful. One small suggestion: a gym or fitness area would be welcome, since the three-course meals and limited activity made the stay pretty indulgent. The yoga mats in the rooms were a nice bonus. We had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend booking here.

The waterhole was astonishing to watch, especially when a baby elephant slipped at the edge and the other elephants reacted around it. There was so much wildlife on the reserve: zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, rhino, kudu, springbok, elephants and two prides of lions. We saw lion cubs with the full pride and a male lion. Our guide, StJohn, knew an incredible amount about the wildlife, so we saw plenty and learned a lot too. The food and service were excellent, and the staff were so friendly and helpful that nothing felt like too much trouble. The rooms are spacious, with water, ice, tea, coffee, wine, gin and a well-stocked fridge, though the staff were so attentive we only really needed the water and ice. The bathrooms were a little tired, but we were told they're due to be upgraded in the next few months. An amazing three days.

We stayed in the villa, which was breathtaking and full of thoughtful touches. The nightly turndown included little stories left on our bed. The staff made us feel like family from the moment we arrived and kept going out of their way to help. For my husband's birthday, they surprised him with a cake and sang to him in the local language. Such a heartfelt gesture. The food was delicious, and the wait staff made each meal feel special with their friendly, attentive service. Our game drives were magnificent. Our guide's passion and knowledge made every outing exciting, and he was determined to help us see the animals. Madikwe was unforgettable from start to finish.

With only five rooms, it feels private, close-knit and genuinely authentic. We spent ages watching animals at the waterhole, and got a close look through the hide tunnel. Evenings by the fire playing board games were lovely, too. The guide put so much effort into finding animals, and his passion for the work made the whole safari mesmerizing. The food was delicious and the staff were lovely. An absolutely unforgettable stay.