WAVEJourney’s South African Safari at Madikwe Safari Lodge
WAVEJourney’s South African Safari at Madikwe Safari Lodge
Lions at Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Ultimate Adrenaline Meets Ultimate Luxury at Madikwe Safari Lodge
By Vivienne Chapleo and Jill Hoelting
Tearing flesh, crunching bones, the two largest lions in Africa are so close to the safari jeep that I find my heart pounding from the adrenalin rush. Our ranger, Paul, has positioned us within 15-feet of the two brothers and their fresh Wildebeest kill. It’s not everyday you get this close to one of Africa’s “Big 5” (lions, elephants, water buffalo, rhino and leopard) while indulging all of your senses in ultimate luxury.
Lions at Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Eager to come face-to-face with the elusive leopard and scarcely seen wild dogs, we had chosen to visit the 76,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve (a 4-hour drive northwest of Johannesburg and bordering Botswana) – and being a malaria-free reserve was a definite bonus.
WAVEJourney’s South African Safari at Madikwe Safari Lodge
Our three-day stay in the reserve at &Beyond’s Madikwe Safari Lodge, made us believe we’d died and been reincarnated as royalty. From our first encounter with our camp Manager, Solomon (he welcomed us with twinkling eyes, a sparkling smile and deep, beautiful voice), to our tear-filled good-byes with soft-spoken and always attentive Rebecca, our butler, the service was impeccable.
&Beyond Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Sophisticated African design boasting earthy hues of amber and mocha and thatched roofs, gives the lodge a feeling of the romance that is “Africa”!
&Beyond Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Our separate and private suite allowed relaxation and supreme comfort – a circular fireplace in the bedroom, indoor and outdoor showers (watched only by the many varieties of bird life), French doors open onto a wooden deck, with sweeping views of rolling hills and game-filled plains, giving access to our own private plunge pool (watch for the very large bull elephant who roams close to camp and uses the plunge pools as his own private watering hole).
Plunge Pool at &Beyond Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
While excitement and adventure abounds on twice-daily game viewing outings with &Beyond’s experienced and very knowledgeable rangers (as part of the rangers training, they are left in the bush with only a map and water bottle – no firearms – and they have to find their way back to camp), you’ll never go hungry or thirsty with the delicious Pan-African cuisine (from pancake bush breakfasts, sundowners in the bush, braai in the boma, to intimate candlelit dinners on the lodge viewing decks), from your point of arrival until you are bid farewell (with a bag of goodies tucked under your arm for your onward journey).
Game Drives at &Beyond Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Game Drives at &Beyond Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Rates: ALL INCLUSIVE RATES FOR THIS UNIQUE CC AFRICA EXPERIENCE INCLUDE:
– Luxurious accommodation
– Three delicious meals daily including all teas and coffees
– House wines, local brand spirits and beers, soft drinks and bottled water
– Two scheduled game-drives daily in 4×4 safari vehicles, accompanied by an experienced CC Africa ranger
– Laundry service
– Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance
– VAT / Taxes
Game Drives at &Beyond Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Rates: ZAR 2500 – ZAR 2950 per person per night sharing – To check exchange rates: www.xe.com
Contact: &Beyond Africa’s Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa: http://www.andbeyondafrica.com/
Jill on a Game Drive at &Beyond Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
Note: WAVEJourney were guests of &Beyond at Madikwe Safari Lodge in February 2007.
