Highlights

• Big Five game drives in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve
• Family-friendly camp welcoming children of all ages, with dedicated family suites
• Signature waterhole in front of camp drawing elephants, wild dogs and brown hyena
• Private plunge pool, outdoor shower and wood-burning fireplace in every suite
• Kids' Adventure Safari Club at the on-site Eco House

You Should Know

• Children under 6 are not permitted on game drives, though a family game drive runs after breakfast
• Children under 16 are not permitted on bush walks
• Bush walks are limited to guests aged 16 and older
• Guests aged 60 and above must present a doctor's note confirming good physical health for walking activities
• Peak season runs 20 December to 9 January and carries a higher rate and stricter cancellation terms
• Laundry, spa treatments and premium drinks are charged separately

The Details

Location

Lelapa Camp sits within the 185,000-acre Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa's North West province, close to the Botswana border. Madikwe is malaria-free and home to the Big Five along with rarer species such as African wild dog and brown hyena, making it a strong choice for families and first-time safari-goers. Access is easiest by light aircraft to the Eastern Madikwe Airstrip, with transfers to the lodge included.

Accommodation

The camp has eight open-plan thatched suites and four family suites. Each suite comes with air conditioning, a wood-burning fireplace, king or twin beds, en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, private deck and plunge pool, mini-bar, safe and Wi-Fi. Family suites add an adjoining children's room with bunk or twin beds and a larger double-volume bathroom, sleeping up to four plus one infant in a cot.

Communal Spaces

A large communal pool and lawn face the waterhole, with outdoor lounges, a central firepit, indoor lounge and bar, dining decks and a spacious boma. Guests also have access to the Safari Spa, a light-filled gym overlooking the reserve, a curated boutique and the interactive Eco House for children.

Game Drives

Two game drives a day run in open safari vehicles with FGASA-accredited field guides, joined by refreshments and snacks in the bush. Madikwe delivers reliable Big Five sightings along with regular encounters with African wild dog, cheetah and brown hyena. Guided bush walks are available for guests aged 16 and older. A private open safari vehicle is available on request at an additional daily rate.

Spa

The Safari Spa is set among the trees at the lodge and is considered the finest in Madikwe. Treatments draw on the surrounding bush for a restorative, quiet break between drives. Spa treatments are charged separately from the accommodation rate.

Dining

Meals are served in a rotating cast of settings: the indoor dining room, shaded decks, the lawn beside the waterhole and the outdoor boma. When weather and occupancy allow, guests can enjoy bush breakfasts after the morning drive, picnic lunches and bush dinners under the stars, along with private dining on the suite deck. Cooking leans on fresh South African produce and is paired with a curated list of South African wines, with flexible mealtimes and children's options for families.

Price Includes

• Luxury accommodation in a suite with private plunge pool
• All meals, teas and coffees
• In-room mini-bar
• Inclusive drinks: soft drinks and a selection of beers, spirits and house wines
• Two game drives daily with a FGASA-accredited field guide, plus game drive refreshments and snacks
• Guided bush walks (age 16 and older)
• 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