Facilities & Services

Please note: these are inclusive in price unless otherwise stated.

• Pool: Both lodges have a cooling jungle pool (2 at Safari Lodge), close to the banks of the River. Both the Nare and the Safari Suite at Safari Lodge have private plunge pools also.
• Game Drives: Morning and Evening Game Drives in an open vehicle (children under 8 have their own separate drive arranged).
• Walking Safaris: Available for adults only.
• Health & Beauty: A therapist is on site during high season and guests can also be transported to a Spa within the Reserve.
• Gym: An adult Jungle Gym in on site!

Bars & Restaurants

Atmospheric areas for eating and drinking have been created at both Lodges, with open kitchens, and outdoor Boma’s for eating under the stars. The Bar at the Safari Lodge also has a juke box for lively occasions! Please note that no children under 12 can accompany parents when eating in the Boma for safety reasons.

Overview

The camp has been pioneering family safaris for many years, offering activities such as children’s game drives and bush play areas. The Safari and Nare Suites (located near to Safari Lodge) with several bedrooms offer ideal accommodation for families seeking extended accommodation. Please note there is generally a minimum age of 11 at Tree Lodge.

Looking after younger guests

• Children age 10 years and younger can join their parents on a family safari vehicle (may be shared) for the twice daily drives, whilst those age 11 and above join the main adult drives.
• As children under 5 are not allowed on the family or adult drives, shortened jungle drives are operated once a day after breakfast for this age range (accompanied by a parent).
• Children’s Jungle Gym with trampoline and playroom with a selection of toys and games such as table tennis and football.
• Board games in the main Lodge area to use during the day or in the evening.

Children’s Meals

• Bespoke meals discussed with chef daily.
• Breakfast and lunch are eaten as a family.
• Children age 4 and under are served their meal around 6 pm whilst children age 5 – 10 that have been on the family drive generally eat from a child orientated menu immediately upon return from the evening game drive. If they are still awake after all the fresh air when parents are eating, they sit and play games with the babysitters close by in the lounge area.
• Children aged 11 plus who have accompanied the adults on an evening Game Drive eat with their parents.
• Children under 11 are not generally allowed in the Boma for safety reasons.

Babysitting & Supervised activities

• Babysitting: Experienced Housekeepers look after children and the cost is included in the price (but do allow for a tip).
• In-between game drives additional activities with your Ranger can also be arranged.

Safety

• Animals: The Lodges (and Nare Suite) are fenced together within Madikwe and so you can also walk in safety between the two.
• Water: There are swimming pools on site which is also bordered by a River.
• Height: It is recommended that children under 3 years stay at the Safari Lodge as there are some open balustrades at Tree Lodge.

Room types

The 8 rooms at both camps are similar in size (with larger decks at the Tree Lodge). Please note that there are no telephones and TV’s and guests are encouraged to use the communal areas for drinks and relaxation (although drinks can be ordered for your room and kettles are available on request).

Rooms at the Safari Lodge have large canvas windows, overhead fan and under floor heating and fire for colder months, with rock hewn bath and outside shower. Accommodation at Tree Camp is a fusion of glass, timber and thatch in the tree canopy, on stilts up to 6 metres high with decks and outside showers, incorporating a climate control system.

The Safari Suite, located as part of Safari Lodge, has 2 x double and 2 x twin rooms plus private plunge pool.

The Nare Suite comes complete with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private deck and plunge pool and personal safari vehicle making it ideal for those such as Honeymooners or small groups seeking privacy and exclusivity.

Family

• Rooms can accommodate a maximum of 3 children under 11 in a cot or on a stretcher.
• The Safari Suite is based at Safari Lodge and has 2 x double and 2 x twin bedroom, ideal for families who would like separate rooms with the same building.
• The Nare Suite is also ideal for families, especially when travelling with a child under 5 years as the rate also includes access to your own vehicle and ranger and so kids of all ages are welcome to go on the game drives.

Rates

Rates at Safari and Tree Lodge from £275 per night per adult sharing, inclusive of all meals and game drives (valid from 01/05/12 – 30/06/12).

Rates for the Nare and Safari Suites on application.

Family

• Children under 11 sharing at Safari Lodge, including infants are charged from £115, dependent on Season.
• Children in their own room charged at adult rate but no single supplement on the second suite.
• Safari Suite available at a supplement, please enquire.
• The Nare Suite based on a unit cost as above.

Special Offers

Excluding Christmas and Easter, the first child age 10 years and under sharing with their parents will stay free! (Minimum stay 3 nights applicable). Subsequent children sharing also enjoy a reduced rate.

• Book a minimum of 3 nights stay and the first child 12 yrs and under stays free and 2 additional children 12yrs and under will also pay heavily reduced rates! Valid until 30 June 2012

· Max 3 children per room sharing with parents

Note: Please enquire for rates for different Room Types and Seasons and we will compile a detailed quotation for your stay.

All Lodges in Madikwe make a contribution to the local community by way of a monthly rental fee according to bed numbers and percentage share of profits. The owners Jaci and Jan also believe in training locals staff to take on more senior roles and operate a scheme where a share in the business may be granted for long service. Local children are brought to the lodge on educational visits and donations are made to various organisations.

Fun and Game

Respected travel journalist Will Gray took his 7 year old twins on a safari adventure to Madikwe and Waterberg in the North West. Download his delightful review in the Sunday Times Travel Magazine below (4 pages).

• STTM NW Safari Feature – Page 1
• STTM NW Safari Feature – Page 2
• STTM NW Safari Feature – Page 3
• STTM NW Safari Feature – Page 4

My family and other animals: Taking children on safari

Helen Truszkowski went looking for safety and luxury but with excitement for her family for the Independent on Sunday. Click here if you’d like to read her full feature about safari in the North West.