Highlights

• Fully private three-suite villa on exclusive-use basis for up to six guests
• Dedicated butler (baliti), private guide and safari vehicle included
• Infinity pool, boma, firepit and expansive deck overlooking an active waterhole
• Malaria-free Big Five game viewing in Madikwe Game Reserve
• Children of all ages welcome, with flexible safari timings for multi-generational groups

You Should Know

• Villa is booked exclusively, minimum 1 guest, maximum 6 guests
• Rate applies to the whole villa regardless of occupancy
• Children under 16 are not permitted in the Kopano shared living space unless Elela is booked together with exclusive-use Kopano
• Bush walks limited to guests aged 16 and older; guests aged 60 and above require a doctor's note per North West Parks Board regulations
• Madikwe Game Reserve entrance fees, conservation levy and landing fees are charged in addition to the accommodation rate

The Details

Location

Elela Villa sits within Madikwe Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, a 75,000-hectare malaria-free reserve on South Africa's border with Botswana. The villa is reached via the Eastern Madikwe Airstrip, with road transfers from Johannesburg also available.

Accommodation

The villa has three suites: two with king or twin beds and en-suite bathrooms, and a third with king or twin beds and a separate bathroom. Each suite has a wood-burning fireplace, air conditioning, luxury linen and an outdoor shower. Shared spaces include a lounge with wood-burning fireplace under a double-volume thatched roof, a dining room, a kitchenette with mini bar and coffee station, an expansive deck with infinity pool, a firepit and a private boma. The villa overlooks an active waterhole and has its own private entrance, connected to Lelapa and Kopano Camps by winding walkways.

Activities

Elela guests have a private safari vehicle and dedicated guide, so game drive timings can be shaped around the group. Two drives run daily with FGASA-accredited guides, alongside guided bush walks for guests aged 16 and older, stargazing, wildlife lectures and the Kids' Adventure Safari Club at the Eco House at Lelapa Camp. Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and bush dinners are offered subject to weather and occupancy.

Dining

Meals are served privately at the villa, whether in the boma, on the deck above the waterhole or indoors by the fire. Guests are also welcome to dine at the wider Madikwe Safari Lodge, with boma dinners at Lelapa and relaxed deck meals at Kopano. A curated selection of South African wines accompanies each meal, and dietary preferences are handled without fuss.

Wellness

The Safari Spa at Lelapa Camp is a short walk from the villa and offers a full treatment menu. A gym is also available, and guided walks can be arranged for guests who want to stay active between drives.

Price Includes

• Exclusive-use accommodation for up to six guests in a three-suite villa with private plunge pool
• All meals, teas and coffees
• In-room mini bar
• Inclusive drinks: all soft drinks and a selection of beers, spirits and house wines
• Two game drives daily with a FGASA-accredited field guide
• Private safari vehicle and guide
• Game drive refreshments and snacks
• Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and bush dinners, subject to availability
• Kids' Adventure Safari Club experiences at the Eco House
• Eastern Madikwe Airstrip transfers
• Wi-Fi