Jaci’s Safari Lodge

Jaci’s Safari Lodge is set right in the heart of the sprawling 75,000-hectare conservation of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Jaci’s Safari Lodge offers a haven of tranquillity for those looking to shake off the stress of city life. Located just four hours from Johannesburg, this colourful lodge boasts spacious rooms with breath-taking views across a quiet stream.

Travellers enjoy thrilling early morning and late afternoon safari drives through the untamed African wilderness of the Madikwe Game Reserve. Jaci's Safari Lodge provides photographic insights for guests to learn about photography and how to best capture iconic safari images. Equipment is provided and guests are guided by the lodge's photographic expert.

Jaci's Safari Lodge offers various choices of room types some of which are suitable for couples as well honeymooners making for a special celebration whilst other rooms accommodate families and small groups of friends travelling together. These include the Jaci’s Tented Suites, Star Bed Suites, and the Jaci’s Nare Suite.

Jaci’s six air-conditioned Tented Suites are decorated with bright colours which are beautifully combined with African textures. From the private viewing decks, guests enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the African bushveld. The Star Bed Suites provide the ultimate romantic escape. Built over two levels, these are suitable for special occasions and honeymooners. Jaci’s Nare Suite which accommodates up to six guests, namely four adults and two children. It is suitable for families or groups who travel together. Featuring a master and guest bedroom, this suite is complete with an open-plan bathroom (generous stone bath) and an outdoor shower.

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.

The diverse habitat in the reserve, from acacia, savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species such as springbok, gemsbok, sable and impala. The birdlife is also spectacular, and this is one of the few South African private game reserves that are malaria free.