Impodimo Game Lodge

Perched on a rocky ridge overlooking the Madikwe Game Reserve, Impodimo Game Lodge is an intimate luxury safari retreat offering spectacular views, exceptional wildlife and a peaceful escape into the African bush.

Located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s largest private wildlife reserves, Impodimo is an excellent choice for a last-minute bush break. The reserve is home to the Big Five, African wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas and an abundance of plains game and birdlife.

The lodge’s elevated position, natural spring and tranquil waterhole create a beautiful setting for relaxing between game drives. Cool off in the rock pool, unwind in the sala overlooking the waterhole, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the bush.

Accommodation includes five Luxury Suites and three Premium Luxury Suites, all offering spacious interiors, fireplaces, air conditioning, full en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and private decks overlooking the Madikwe wilderness. The Premium Luxury Suites add a private temperature-controlled outdoor tub – perfect for unwinding after a day in the bush.

For a more exclusive bush escape, the Deluxe Safari Suite accommodates up to four adults and two children and features two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge and dining area, private boma and plunge pool. Guests staying in the suite can enjoy the services of a private guide, tracker, chef, butler and dedicated safari vehicle for a completely personalised safari experience.

Safari is at the heart of every stay at Impodimo. Set out on early morning and afternoon game drives with experienced rangers and highly skilled trackers, searching for the reserve's incredible wildlife. From Big Five encounters to the thrill of tracking African wild dogs, every drive offers a new adventure.

About Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe, a South African private game reserve created in 1991 from 75,000 ha of farmland, which had been extensively degraded by overgrazing, was chosen as the site of Operation Phoenix. The government-sponsored, biggest-ever game- relocation programme in Africa involved re-stocking and conserving flora and wildlife, which had long since disappeared from the region.

Ten thousand animals of 27 major species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant, have been re-introduced to the Madikwe Game Reserve over a six year period with animals coming from various reserves and breeding centres and game viewing is now at its prime.

Northwest Parks Board (formerly Bop Parks) has adhered to a strict policy of introducing only those species, which once occurred in the area). Madikwe is run as a three-way partnership between the State, the local communities and the private sector.

Madikwe, therefore, should not be looked at as solely a protected area or tourism destination, the reserve acts as a major social and economic core and engine around which the development of the region can be based.

The name of Operation Phoenix is appropriate: like the mythical bird that burnt itself to a crisp on the pyre and then rose from the ashes to live again with new vigour, nature has regained a stronghold on the land and the programme has been hugely successful.

Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the country's fourth largest game reserve. It is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana in the north, the spectacular Dwarsberg Mountains to the south, the Marico river to the east.