Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province is becoming one of South Africa's largest safari destinations. As one of the largest game reserves in South Africa, it offers Big 5 game viewing in a malaria-free zone. Since I hadn't been to that side of the country before, I figured I'd take a weekend visit.
A poor choice of flight left me very little time to collect my rented car and drive out of Johannesburg city before the afternoon's highest traffic congestion. When I slipped out where the congestion started, I had 3 ½ hours of easy driving on a good tarred road to get to the western entrance to Madikwe Game Reserve at Wonderboom gate. The friendly security guard at the gate welcomed and welcomed me. After logging in, I walked into the game reserve and enjoyed my own little game drive on my way to my lodge where I would stay one night. Ah! How nice it was to be back in the bush! Peace and quiet!
Upon arriving at the beautiful Impodimo Game Lodge, Steve, the owner, gave me a warm welcome and offered a cool cocktail to quench my thirst. The security guard at Wonderboom Gate announced my arrival at Impodimo Lodge, so Steve was at the entrance to the lodge waiting for me when I arrived. My luggage was transferred to my luxury suite and Steve gave me a quick orientation tour of the lodge.
My late arrival meant I missed the afternoon game drive and sundowner drinks in the bush. All game cabins are booked all inclusive including all meals, 2 game runs per day. Day, and some cabins include drinks. My drinks for dinner were enjoyed on the balcony overlooking the open plains of forest and grassland below. A popular watering hole near the lodge kept us entertained as game wandered in to drink. A delicious dinner was enjoyed in a traditional boma where our dinner tables were placed around a roaring fireplace under the clear African sky.
The non-fenced camp meant that I required an escort to my room by an armed game ranger. What a luxury! I felt like a real lady! My luxury suite had its own private deck overlooking the open play area, a large colorful double bed, covered with mosquito nets, a beautiful bathroom and a large outdoor shower.
An early morning wake up made me jump into excitement. It has been many years since I was last in the bushveld surrounded by game. I was looking forward to the game with open vehicle. We enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and some delicious snacks before heading out to the drive. Roddy, our chatty game ranger, made sure we enjoyed a great gaming experience with patches of lion, elephant, hyena, black rhino, black-backed jackal and many very colorful bird species.
We returned to the lodge to enjoy a full breakfast buffet, beautifully arranged in the bar area by the swimming pool. As we sat down with our first serving, a small herd of elephants rushed up to the swimming pool just meters away from us and started drinking out of the pool. Wow! What a meeting! Who needs a game drive when you can sit in the comfort of the lodge and watch the game come to you?
I decided to vary my stay in Madikwe by including 2 different cabins to stay at Surfing. After breakfast at Impodimo and some time with the Ellies, I then made my way to Mateya Lodge, a 5 star experience like no other! With immaculate attention to detail, the cottage is intricately designed, boasts magnificent arts and crafts from across Africa and offers 6 star service! Exquisite!
Upon arrival, I was welcomed with warm towels and an exotic cocktail, my rented car driven to the parking lot and my luggage transported to my package. I was invited to lunch on the deck overlooking open plains and a watering hole where the game roamed freely.
After lunch, I was led along a raised wooden bridge to my private suite. It was more like a house! It was huge! The spacious, beautifully decorated bedroom opened up to my own private deck and skips pool overlooking the open plains where the game roamed. The bathroom, almost the size of the bedroom, complete with all the luxury to fit a queen!
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