Jamala Madikwe

Having been met by Federal Airlines staff on arrival from London, I was quickly transferred by minibus to their Private Terminal at O.R. Tambo Effortless check in, with a small lounge for drinks and food. Escorted then to the waiting Pilatus aircraft and just an hour later were landing on the dirt strip at Madikwe East. The Manager/Owner Rodney Steyn was seeing off some guests, so he personally met and welcomed everyone one of us upon arrival. Literally within minutes luggage was removed from the plane and loaded onto the Land cruiser, and we were off to the Lodge. The drive was a safari in itself, spotting elephants, giraffe and zebra and many birds on the way! Cold towels and a welcome drink greeted our arrival, and paperwork was swiftly dealt with. There are just five luxury Villas at Jamala Madikwe, so everything is very personal. The day's routine is explained, from an early morning game drive, lavish breakfast with food cooked to order, late afternoon game drive, and a stunning three course dinner. I was escorted to my Villa and shown around the inside and outside, having features explained. From the private pool, outside showers, complimentary drinks in the fridge, red & white wine, tea & coffee facilities, shower, bath tub with salts and bubbles for relaxing, a huge double bed with mosquito net (which i suspect is more for show as Madikwe is in a malarial free area). Ample power points thoroughout to to recharge devices. Air conditioning was not needed being early winter, but a hearty log fire was lit whilst at dinner. Comfy sofas to relax and read beside the fire late into the evening. Every conceivable item appeared to have been thought of, in fact I believe some guests are happy just to relax and watch game from their Villa, and only come out for dining. There is a well equipped bar where guests mingle before dinner in front of a large fire, a library and drawing room again with roaring fires. Every evening a different venue is utilised outside or inside the Lodge for dining. The cuisine is exceptional, in terms of quality and presentation. Complimentary drinks are available at all times. Tables are impeccably laid even with candlesticks. There is a small pool, sun loungers, suncreams, a gym, health spa, all overlooking a huge watering hole where game pass through constantly. A true spectacle. I could write endlessly eschewing the virtues of this establishment, but the one thing that sets Jamala Madikwe apart from other Lodges are the fantastic dedicated and loyal team of staff to wait upon your every whim. Nico the GM and Chef Jacques are at the top of their game. Lazarus was my superb ranger. There are so many other individuals that I could mention. A big thank you for making this my best Game Lodge in maybe over fifty stays throughout Africa.

My wife and I have had the extreme privilege of staying in luxury game lodges in many African countries...... and we've been back to Jamala nine times!!! This lodge perfectly ticks all the boxes: superb and spacious accommodation, world class cuisine, charming and wonderful staff ....and of course the beautiful bush and plentiful big 5 game.

This place feels like a temple to nature. The housing is super, luxurious and very focused on silence, peace and privacy. The staff feel like family, they are warm, caring and committed. The environment could not have been better chosen. The communal building is a luxurious villa with a terrace at a watering hole for the animals. As you eat, a procession of elephants comes drinking at the puddle to make way for zebras or impalas or buffalo.... Twice a day you can go on safari with friendly rangers who were born and raised in the region. They recognize the traces of the wild and read them as a comic strip. Especially the evening ride is breathtaking in the setting sun that sucks on the branches of the photogenic tree remains. For me this was possibly my last trip but it is the journey that has made my life full. This is such a must. If in doubt, choose this one. This is enjoyment.