Jaci’s Private Lodge blends intimate luxury, family-inspired hospitality, and remarkable wildlife experiences in the heart of Madikwe.

Safari Suites

Safari Suites

Immersed in the bush, Jaci’s Private Lodge boasts six elegant Safari Suites, offering a classic safari stay for couples. Each suite features a private viewing deck, sunken lounge, en-suite bathroom, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, creating a comfortable retreat surrounded by the sights and sounds of Madikwe.

Safari Suite Expeditions

Safari Suite Expeditions

Designed for families and couples travelling together, the four Safari Suite Expeditions at Jaci’s Private Lodge offer the same spacious layout and amenities as the Safari Suites, with added flexibility for children. Up to two children can be accommodated on specially designed expedition beds created from the suite’s sunken lounge, while private decks, en-suite bathrooms, and bush views ensure a comfortable safari experience.

Private Villa

The Nare Villa

Positioned above its own private waterhole, the Nare Villa at Jaci’s Private Lodge offers an exclusive-use safari retreat for up to six guests. The villa features three en-suite bedrooms, indoor-outdoor living spaces, a private heated pool, a dedicated team, and a private game-viewing vehicle. Elephants are often seen gathering at the waterhole below, creating exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities from the villa itself.

Private Villa

The Kubu Villa

Set above the Marico River, the Kubu Villa is a newly rebuilt exclusive-use villa designed for families and groups at Jaci’s Private Lodge. Accommodating up to six guests across three bedrooms, the villa features layered decks, a private pool, generous living spaces, and a dedicated team throughout the stay, offering privacy and comfort in a riverside setting.

Set within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Jaci’s Private Lodge offers an intimate safari experience shaped by warm hospitality, thoughtful design, and a deep connection to the surrounding wilderness. The lodge features a collection of elegant Safari Suites and exclusive-use villas, each designed to provide comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted views of the bush.

Guests can choose between the lodge’s spacious Safari Suites, the exclusive Nare Villa overlooking its own private waterhole, or Kubu Villa, which enjoys an elevated position above the Marico River. Private decks, generous living spaces, and carefully considered details create a relaxed atmosphere where the natural beauty of Madikwe takes centre stage.

Combining exceptional wildlife viewing with personalised service and understated luxury, Jaci’s Private Lodge provides a welcoming retreat for couples, families, and small groups seeking an authentic safari experience in one of South Africa’s premier Big Five reserves.

From R 15,120
per person per night
  • Lowest Price Guaranteed

  • Local Experts

  • Personal Travel Concierge

Accommodation

Set within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Jaci’s Private Lodge offers a collection of accommodation options designed to suit couples, families, and small groups. From elegant safari suites immersed in the bush to exclusive-use villas overlooking the Marico River and private waterholes, each space combines comfort, privacy, and a strong connection to the surrounding wilderness. Thoughtfully designed interiors, generous living areas, and dedicated guest experiences create a safari stay that feels both personal and refined.

Safari Suites

Designed for couples seeking a classic safari retreat, the Safari Suites are positioned within the bush and offer an intimate setting from which to experience Madikwe. Spacious interiors, private outdoor areas, and seamless indoor-outdoor living allow guests to enjoy the sights and sounds of the reserve in complete comfort.

  • Six private suites
  • Accommodates up to two guests
  • Private viewing deck overlooking the reserve
  • Sunken lounge area
  • King or twin bed configuration
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Bath with a view
  • Air conditioning and ceiling fans
  • Mini bar
  • Tea and coffee station
  • Wi-Fi access
  • In-room safe
  • Bathrobes
  • Eco-friendly amenities
  • Mosquito nets
  • 220V power outlets

Safari Suite Expeditions

Ideal for families or couples travelling together, the Safari Suite Expeditions offer the same spacious layout and comforts as the Safari Suites, with additional flexibility for children. The suites are thoughtfully positioned to allow families and companions to stay close together while enjoying privacy and comfort.

  • Four family-friendly suites
  • Accommodates two adults and up to two children
  • Specially designed expedition beds for children
  • Private viewing deck with bush views
  • Sunken lounge area
  • King or twin bed configuration
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Bath with a view
  • Air conditioning and ceiling fans
  • Mini bar
  • Tea and coffee station
  • Wi-Fi access
  • In-room safe
  • Bathrobes
  • Eco-friendly amenities
  • Mosquito nets
  • 220V power outlets

Nare Villa

Positioned above its own private waterhole, Nare Villa offers an exclusive-use safari experience for families and groups. The villa combines generous indoor and outdoor living spaces with complete privacy, while regular wildlife activity around the waterhole creates exceptional viewing opportunities directly from the villa.

  • Exclusive-use villa
  • Three en-suite bedrooms
  • Accommodates up to six guests
  • Elevated position overlooking a private waterhole
  • Private heated swimming pool
  • Indoor and outdoor living spaces
  • Dedicated lodge team
  • Private game-viewing vehicle
  • Ideal for families and groups seeking privacy and flexibility

Kubu Villa

Overlooking the Marico River, Kubu Villa provides an exclusive-use retreat for families and small groups. Recently rebuilt, the villa offers spacious accommodation, layered viewing decks, and private facilities designed for guests seeking a more secluded safari experience.

  • Exclusive-use villa
  • Three bedrooms
  • Accommodates up to six guests
  • Elevated position above the Marico River
  • Layered viewing decks
  • Private swimming pool
  • Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas
  • Dedicated lodge team
  • Designed for families and groups seeking privacy and exclusivity

Main Lodge Facilities

The main lodge serves as the social heart of Jaci’s Private Lodge, offering a collection of welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces where guests can relax between safari activities. Open decks, comfortable lounges, and uninterrupted bush views create a relaxed atmosphere, while a range of facilities cater to both relaxation and discovery.

  • Main lodge with open-air decks and lounges
  • Safari Bar serving drinks and sundowners
  • Jan’s Wine Room featuring a curated collection of South African wines
  • Curio Shop showcasing locally crafted items and safari essentials
  • Private Dining Room for exclusive dining experiences
  • Main swimming pool
  • Elevated Thutlwa Deck with panoramic reserve views
  • Terrapin Hide for eye-level wildlife viewing and photography
  • Naledi Sleepout experience overlooking a waterhole
  • Finfoot Treatment Room offering massage treatments
  • Wi-Fi throughout the lodge
  • Gym Box available for in-villa or on-request workouts

Cuisine

Dining at Jaci’s Private Lodge is designed to complement the rhythm of a safari day, with meals enjoyed in a variety of scenic settings throughout the property. Guests begin their mornings with freshly brewed coffee and light refreshments before heading out on game drive, returning later for a generous breakfast served in the heart of the lodge. Light lunches provide a relaxed midday dining experience, while afternoon game drives are accompanied by sundowners and snacks enjoyed in the bush.

Evenings bring an opportunity to gather around the table and reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters over carefully prepared dinners. Depending on the weather and occasion, meals may be served on elevated viewing decks, beneath the stars, or around the fire in the lodge’s riverside boma. These changing locations add a sense of occasion to every dining experience while maintaining the lodge’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The culinary offering celebrates fresh ingredients and flavourful cuisine, complemented by a thoughtfully curated selection of South African wines available in Jan’s Wine Room. House spirits, craft beers, soft drinks, teas, and coffees are also included. Guests with specific dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences, can be accommodated with advance notice, ensuring a personalised dining experience throughout their stay.

One of the lodge’s distinctive traditions is the serving of its signature Cheeky Chili before selected fire-cooked meals, adding a memorable touch to evenings spent around the flames and under the African sky.

Activities

Jaci’s Private Lodge offers a variety of experiences designed to showcase the wildlife, landscapes, and night skies of Madikwe. Activities cater to couples, families, photographers, bird enthusiasts, and conservation-minded travellers, with opportunities to engage with the reserve in different ways throughout the day.

  • Twice-daily game drives with expert guides
  • Morning coffee stops during game drives
  • Afternoon sundowner stops
  • Wildlife photography opportunities
  • Access to the Terrapin Hide
  • Birdwatching with more than 350 recorded bird species in the reserve
  • Stargazing experiences
  • River walks within the lodge’s fenced property
  • Bush walks (subject to availability and additional cost)
  • Conservation safari experiences, including participation in selected wildlife conservation initiatives (additional cost)
  • Massage treatments at the Finfoot Treatment Room
  • Junior Ranger programme
  • Safari Pups activities for younger guests
  • Greenhouse visits for children
  • Family-focused safari experiences and flexible activities for villa guests

Rate Inclusions

Safari Suites

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Twice-daily game drives (sunrise/sunset stops)
  • All meals daily
  • Local & specialty teas + fabulous filter coffee
  • Select local house drinks, including SA wines, spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Access to Thutlwa Deck, Terrapin hide and Naledi Sleepout
  • Eco-friendly amenities
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Transfers to/from Eastern Airstrip
  • 15% VAT

Nare & Kubu Villa

  • Exclusive use of the Nare/Kubu Villa
  • Private game drive vehicle & private field guide
  • Private hospitality team, including chef and host
  • Twice-daily game drives (sunrise/sunset stops)
  • All meals daily
  • Local & specialty teas + fabulous filter coffee
  • Select local house drinks, including SA wines, spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Access to Thutlwa Deck, Terrapin hide and Naledi Sleepout
  • Eco-friendly amenities
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Transfers to/from Eastern Airstrip
  • 15% VAT

Child Policy

Jaci’s Private Lodge welcomes children of all ages.

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