Our Malaria Free Family Safari, is a tour that is just perfect for the whole family. The trip starts at OR Tambo Airport, where you’ll collect your rental vehicle and head to the enchanting Madikwe Game Reserve for a malaria-free holiday. Nestled within this wildlife haven is the exquisite Madikwe Lelapa Lodge, which will be your home away from home during your tour. Lelapa Lodge also caters to young travellers, by offering tech-free zones like the Eco House and adventurous activities at the Safari Club. Your days spent on this tour will be filled with incredible wildlife encounters, from early morning safaris to bush walks and stargazing. Your journey concludes with your heart and your camera filled with memories as you depart from Johannesburg, leaving behind the beauty of Madikwe until your next safari.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

Itinerary

Day 1 | Madikwe Game Reserve

On arrival at OR Tambo Airport, collect your rental vehicle and make your way to Madikwe Lelapa Lodge, which is part of Madikwe Safari lodge. Once you have settled in to the lodge, spend the afternoon relaxing before setting out on a late afternoon / early evening game drive

Dinner is served once you are back at the lodge

Overnight at Madikwe Safari Lodge on a full board basis

Day 2 & 3 | Madikwe Game Reserve

There are two game drives on offer – one early in the morning and then the late afternoon / early evening game drive. Bush walks are also offered, as well as star gazing

Lelapa Lodge is the family friendly lodge and the lodge has a strong focus on children. Eco House is the kids’ territory (parents are welcome). It’s tech-free and offers activities to keep kids engaged and entertained.

The Safari Club is adventure from the morning till evening. It creates mini-guides when the children search around the lodge for animal tracks. There are surprise treasure hunts, rock-painting, cup-cake decorating and dress-ups.

The chef also invited the children into the kitchen to make their own pizza, as well as designing menu’s that are family focused, with children’s meal plated creatively to add to the adventure

It is important to note that should children be younger than 6yrs of age, a private vehicle will need to be booked (at an additional cost). Alternatively, there are childminders available to look after the little ones

Overnight at Madikwe Safari Lodge on a full board basis

Day 4 | Departure

After breakfast, and once you have checked out of the lodge, make your way back to Johannesburg for your onward arrangements

DETAILS

COST

From: ZAR 36,000.00 Per Adult Sharing
From: ZAR 18,000.00 Per Child 6-15 yrs of age
Children 0-5 yrs stay free of charge

INCLUDED

3 Nights accommodation at Madikwe Lelapa Safari Lodge
All meals, as well as teas/coffees
Mini bar in rooms
Inclusive drinks and selected snacks (all soft drinks and a selection of beers, spirits & house wines)
Two game drives daily with a FGASA-accredited field guide
Game drives refreshments and snacks
Eastern Madikwe Airstrip transfers
Two game drives daily
Bush walks
Stargazing
Wildlife lectures
Bush breakfasts/picnic lunches & bush dinners
Kids Adventure Safari Club experiences

NOT-INCLUDED

Flights
Car rental (while we are happy to include this for you, it is our experience that there are better options available when booking your car rental together with International flights)
Travel insurance
Optional excursions, including a private game drive vehicle
Expenses of a personal nature
Visa fees (where applicable)
Airport taxes
Souvenirs
Drinks not mentioned
Spa treatments
Guest conservation contribution
Landing fees if arriving by air
Recovery & rebuilding fee
Childminders

ACCOMMODATION

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge is known for its family friendly offering and is found in the malaria-free big 5 game reserve in Madikwe. Quality family time is what they focus on. Experienced child-minders are available to look after the children, allowing parents to enjoy some quality time together.

Madikwe’s wooded-hills give way to flat savannah plains, characterized by deep-red earth and sekelbos thickets extending into the dryer yellow-sanded Kalahari plains as you make your way west into the 75 000-hectare reserve. A beautiful diversity of biomes roamed freely by Africa’s notorious Big Five as well as many other mammal species.

Lelapa Lodge

Lelapa’s family suites provide comfort and luxury for every age group – rooms are designed to allow for ample personal space while still encouraging togetherness. The kids en-suite bedroom is a cheerful place packed with games and toys to let the imagination run wild. Parents may end up feeling a little jealous.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a safari family-friendly?

Madikwe Game Reserve is malaria-free, making it a safe choice for families with young children. Lelapa Lodge caters specifically to families, by having amenities like children’s menus, babysitting services (upon request), and exciting activities at the Eco House and Safari Club.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Madikwe?

Madikwe is home to a wonderful range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) as well as cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of birdlife. You might even spot some endangered species like wild dogs and black rhinos.

What are the advantages of a malaria-free safari?

Madikwe, being malaria-free eliminates the need for anti-malarial medication, which can have side effects and may not be suitable for young children. This allows families to relax and enjoy their safari experience without worry.

What's the weather like in Madikwe?

Madikwe experiences a subtropical climate with warm to hot days and cooler nights. The summer months (November-March) can be hot and rainy, while winter (June-August) offers dry and sunny days with cool nights. The best time for wildlife viewing generally coincides with the dry season (May-September).

Is Madikwe a good safari?

Madikwe is one of the best places in South Africa to have a safari. The wildlife viewing opportunities are exceptional and accommodation includes a variety of luxury options. Madikwe is also a lot quieter, which makes it popular among those who want a more exclusive experience.