A family-owned lodge in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, where the focus is on connection to people and place
Lounge, bar and dining spaces, traditional boma, swimming pool, spa treatment room, and photographer’s hide
Ten Safari Suites, 3-bedroom Nare Villa, 3-bedroom Kubu Villa, and the completely private 5-bedroom Jaci’s Madikwe House
Game drives, walking safaris, private dining, birding, sleep-outs, and a children’s programme
The activities at Jaci’s are focused on wildlife viewing in biodiverse Madikwe Game Reserve, and they include game drives, walks, and birding.
These take place in the morning and afternoon, and they’re led by expert professional guides. Madikwe Game Reserve is home to a thriving wildlife population, including all Big Five species, as well as hippo, cheetah, giraffe, African wild dog, and hyena. This malaria-free terrain is rich and varied, combining South African bushveld with riverbanks, mountains, and open plains.
Embark on an insightful walking safari on one of the Madikwe trails, where your professional guide will point out the smaller, less obvious details of this fascinating ecosystem. Stop to gaze at a unique bird or brightly coloured butterfly, learn about the indigenous trees and plant life, identify fresh animal tracks, or listen out for subtle sounds that tell you there’s life close by!
Dining is fundamental to the Jaci’s experience, with guests encouraged to enjoy meals in different locations during their stay. Whether you’re fireside in the boma, on one of the open-air decks overlooking the bush, or at a cosy candlelit table for two, the staff ensure the ambience is as memorable as the cuisine.
Madikwe Game Reserve is a spectacular birding destination with more than 350 recorded species. Bring your binoculars and look out for raptors, martial eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, carmine bee-eaters, and the impressive kori bustard, to name a few.
Elevated above a waterhole, the Naledi sleep-out is a wonderfully atmospheric, lantern-lit space, where guests sleep beneath the stars on a canopied king-sized bed, with a wood-fired hot tub on the deck for the ultimate bush experience.
Jaci’s welcomes children wholeheartedly, providing plenty to keep them entertained! The ranger course encourages them to tick off animal sightings on a checklist, learn bird calls, and identify spoor. In addition to safari activities, the lodge offers games, treasure hunts, and greenhouse visits in which children learn about recycling, watering, and growing produce.
Jaci’s is located in the east of South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve. There are daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to Madikwe’s Eastern Airstrip, which take just under an hour. The flight is followed by a 15-minute game drive to the lodge. We can also arrange private air charters.
Overlooking the Marico River, the thoughtfully designed communal areas at Jaci’s provide plenty of indoor and outdoor lounging and dining space.
Living area
Firepit
Hide
Swimming pool
Spa
Elevated look-out decks allow guests to remain closely connected with nature, while the traditional open-air boma is the perfect spot to gather around the campfire after dark. Whether you’re congregating under the stars for an African braai or relaxing in the safari lounge to admire the views, the lodge is characterised by its laidback atmosphere, friendly staff, and understated luxury. There’s a hide in the middle of the waterhole, bringing you directly to water level with the wildlife – an amazing opportunity for keen photographers! Between safari adventures, take a cooling dip at the main pool, or indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the spa room. For the adventurous at heart, the sleep-out offers full immersion in nature, where creature comforts include a canopied bed, a wood-fired hot tub, and an outdoor shower.
The accommodation at Jaci’s blends contemporary style with the natural beauty of the bush.
Bath
Shower
Air Conditioning
Overhead fan
Wifi
It consists of ten luxury suites, two 3-bedroom villas, and the expansive Jaci’s Madikwe House. Each suite is designed with soft, neutral tones, large picture windows, and sliding doors that open onto a private, sunken outdoor lounge. The interiors offer a choice of king or twin beds, and each features an open-plan bathroom with a freestanding bath, a separate shower, and twin vanity units. Modern essentials include air conditioning, ceiling fans, and Wi-Fi. For families, four of these suites are specifically designed to accommodate two children aged between 6 and 12 years old. The Nare and Kubu villas upgrade the experience further with three gorgeous en-suite bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, indoor/outdoor dining spaces, and heated plunge pools, all accompanied by a dedicated chef, a private host, and a personal game-viewing vehicle. Completing the picture is Jaci’s Madikwe House, a 5-bedroom residence with a separate guest cottage, and a private deck with a wood-fired hot tub and a fire-pit for the ultimate wilderness experience.
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