For our first trip back to South Africa in three years, we took off into the bush to visit Jaci’s Tree Lodge in Madikwe. While many think of Africa’s National Parks for safari, there are some tremendous private game reserves such as Madikwe that promise to deliver visitors an unforgettable safari. Madikwe is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa and a big five reserve with nearly 60 species of mammals and a population of over 10,000.
One of the pioneers and original lodges in the reserve is the owner-operated safari lodge, Jaci’s Lodge along with the sister property Jaci’s Tree Lodge. It’s a tremendous lodge and we could not think of a better place to go on safari to welcome us back on the continent.
Staying at Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Madikwe is a tremendous reserve located in South Africa’ North West province home to 10,000 animals that are spread out over 60 species including the legendary Big Five. Jaci’s Lodges are two lodges set on the reserve and have serving guests for nearly three decades. Its outstanding service, unique accommodation, and game density reserve make it a fitting member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges.
We stayed at Jaci’s Tree lodge a collection of eight Treehouse suites that are stilted and connected by raised walkways. The separation from the ground and level walkways make it easier for safari-goers with limited mobility. The lodge itself was tastefully decorated in African artifacts, with luxurious touches, and plenty of pops of color. The result is a warm and enveloping hideaway deep in the bush.
We had not returned to South Africa is nearly three years, but it always held a special place in our hearts. After having been banned for an overstayed visa on our exit those three years ago we didn’t believe we could ever return. An immigration lawyer later and a very nervous trip into the back room at Johanessburg airport we made back into South Africa. Our first stop, Jaci’s Tree Lodge in Madikwe.
It turned out to be a tremendous safari for our return to Africa. On our first game drive, we witnessed a fiery sunset over the bushveld, saw the big five, and finished with a gin & tonic. After, all our time away it took the span of a couple of hours to pull at our heartstrings and remind us why we love safari.
The evening and the rest of the week only continued to impress us with the quality of our safari. A beautiful lodge, wonderful food, and great hospitality. Each day we’d start off with a light breakfast, then have a long morning game drive in search of wildlife, followed by a beautiful brunch, siesta, afternoon tea, evening game drive, sundowners, and then dinner. The whole experience was decadent yet retained all of its rustic charms we seek in a safari.
The big draw here is the game drives on the reserve. You can expect to find all of the classic safari animals such as the elephant, lion, hyena, buffalo, rhino, impala, kudu, eland, and leopard. It all takes place on rolling bushveld that borders on the Kalahari desert in Botswana.
A unique feature that is spectacular for photographers or elephant lovers is the submerged Terrapin Hide. We spent two afternoons in the hide when the elephants came around midday to escape the heat and grab a drink of water. At the low angle and surrounded by at least 60 elephants and multiple families was humbling.
On our last evening, we enjoyed the rare experience of a dinner in the bush. A fresh meal cooked over the fire enveloped in nature with wild animals was the perfect close to our days at Jaci’s Tree Lodge.
Rooms at Jaci’s Tree Lodge
The rooms at Jaci’s Tree Lodge are bush villas with an open layout, thatched roofs, and a wide series of windows that flood the room with light. The open bathroom features a large bathtub and outdoor shower so you can bathe under the stars.
Similar to the lodge the rooms are decorated with safari and African artifacts. When paired with the vibrant pops of color it’s attractive and feels right at home in South Africa.
If you want a truly unique experience you can book the star bed. The star bed is a bed on an elevated platform that overlooks the watering hole. It’s an amazing experience where you can sleep under the African stars and spend an evening with wildlife.
The Food at Jaci’s Tree lodge
Jaci’s Tree Lodge had some of the best food we’ve ever had on safari. Every meal came with multiple choices that rotated throughout the week so there was plenty of variety. Even breakfast had a specialty choice like french toast with stewed apples and bacon or avocado toast, which we’re still dreaming about to this day. It was a welcome surprise for a meal that can be pretty standard at many safari lodges.
Even the afternoon tea was a lovely spread of savory items like sliders, samosas, and salad combined with sweets like homemade lemonade, ginger tea, and a fresh-baked cake. You’re truly spoiled for food when staying here and you’ll struggle not to leave a little heavier.
Jaci’s Tree Lodge is about romance and each evening we enjoyed an intimate dinner together. The wait staff and chefs were all fantastic and took such tremendous care of us during the stay. Always greeted with a smile and enjoyed speaking with us.
Accessibility
Jaci’s Lodges are easily accessed via a short bush flight from Johannesburg or a 3½ hour drive. It’s a great place to safari for people with health concerns or children. In regards to children, Jaci’s Tree Lodge is adults only and Jaci’s Lodge allows all ages along who are welcome to stay in one of their family suites.
Guests can also relax as the reserve is not in a malaria zone and the lodge itself has an electric fence that provides potentially dangerous animals. This is all very understandable when you compare to other safari destinations in Southern Africa like Zambia, Namibia or Botswana where you can be many hours in the best-case scenario from a hospital.
Book A Safari in South Africa
Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They made suggestions for camps and lodges then presented you with a large bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.
However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day that way you can select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you through booking your safari. With experts on staff, they can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details much like a travel agent.
What to Pack for an African Safari
Packing the right safari clothes is always a good idea, but it’s never essential because you can wear whatever you want. We also go in-depth on the best women’s safari clothes!
Plan Your Trip to Africa
- Travel Insurance: We don’t travel without travel insurance and neither should you. You never know what can happen while traveling so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Travel Waterbottle: When we’re uncertain about the water supply we use our Grayl Purifier. It’s come in exceptionally handy around Africa.
- Camera Gear: Chances are you’ll want a camera for your trip to Africa. We love the Sony RX100V for a pocket-size camera and the Fujifilm XT-4 for a professional camera. Check out our favorite cameras for Africa.
- Safari Clothes: Lightweight, beige, and moisture-wicking clothing are great for traveling Africa. See our favorite safari clothing here.
- Safari Hat: A good hat is both stylish and functional.
- Safari Bag: A durable bag is ideal for traveling around Africa.
- Safari Pants: We recommend neutral-colored pants as they’re great at hiding dirt and can match most shirt colors.
- Safari Shirt: Shirts like these are lightweight and keep the bugs away!
- Boots: While you don’t need to wear sturdy shoes every day, at least one pair of safari boots will make your trip nicer!
- Travel Adapter: You’ll need a special travel adapter for traveling to Africa. Get one before you get there so you don’t pay a premium on the ground.
