Kyla visits Jaci’s Safari Lodge in Madikwe

On the 21st August, I woke up bright and early to catch my 08:50 flight from Cape Town Airport to Johannesburg Airport.

After landing at 10:50, I collected my bags and headed to the arrivals hall, where a representative from Ilios Travel was waiting for me and other members of the trade.

By 11:45, we were all set and ready for our long-awaited two-night stay at the newly rebuilt and reimagined Jaci’s Safari Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve.

The usual 4 to 4½ hour drive took us just over five hours, as we hit some traffic in Johannesburg. Nonetheless, we made it to Jaci’s, eager for our upcoming stay.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by warm smiles from the staff and heated, scented cloths to wipe away the exhaustion from the long journey.

We were escorted to the vibrant and welcoming lounge, where we signed in. Our bags were taken to our rooms while we made our way to the Thutlwa Deck, meaning “Giraffe”.

The deck was designed to allow guests to see the reserve from a giraffe’s perspective. Here, welcome drinks and snacks were served while the team gave us an introduction to the history of Jaci’s, which first opened in 2000.

The lodge sadly flooded during the last heavy rains, but instead of giving up hope and closing their doors, the owners of Jaci’s, Jaci and Jan, together with the amazing lodge team, decided to rebuild and create something even more spectacular.

The lodge comprises 10 suites, one of which is wheelchair accessible. Suite 1 is located right by the main area.

Suites 1 to 6 are spaced apart from one another, whereas Suites 7 & 8 and 9 & 10 are located next to each other, making them ideal for friends and families travelling together. These suites can accommodate up to two adults and two children under the age of 12 on extra beds.

Although these suites are right next to one another, they still provide plenty of privacy, making them equally suitable for couples.

Then there are the three villas: Kubu Villa and Nare Villa, which can each accommodate up to six people, and Jaci’s Madikwe House, which can accommodate up to 10 people. The villas are ideal for larger families and groups of friends travelling together. Each villa has a private pool and comes with a private vehicle and chef.

Guests can either enjoy the privacy of their villa or make use of the main lodge area and facilities.

Jaci’s Safari Lodge welcomes all types of travellers, from couples and friends to families and solo travellers.

Children of all ages are welcome, but children under the age of six are not permitted on regular game drives. The lodge has childminders available so that parents can still enjoy their game drives. After breakfast, parents can join their children on a two-hour bumble drive.

The lodge is fully fenced, so guests can enjoy a 2 km walk along the River Walk Path, which takes you around the lodge.

There are also two pools with loungers, where you can sit back and relax. If, however, you want to see more game activity, the lodge has a lookout deck and a hide. There is also a sleep-out deck for those seeking the thrill of sleeping out in nature, surrounded by wildlife.

The lodge does not have a gym, but on request they will provide you with a gym box containing weights and a skipping rope. The box itself can also be used as a bench.

For those wanting to spoil themselves, spa treatments can be enjoyed at Finfoot Spa or in the privacy of your room.

The safari experience in Madikwe Game Reserve was, as always, spectacular.

I was able to go on game drives with two different guides during my stay, and each showed immense passion and enthusiasm. They taught us so much, from wildlife to the stars, the moon and the history of the reserve.

We saw an abundance of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, impalas, kudu, black and white rhinos, and so much more.

During our morning coffee and tea stops and afternoon drinks stops, the rangers entertained us with riddles and games, which not only made us laugh but also created a stronger bond between the rangers and our group.

And, of course, I cannot forget the food!

The chefs at Jaci’s certainly know how to leave you full, but still wanting more. Each meal is carefully curated, and the chefs ensure that all dietary requirements are catered for.

On our first night, we enjoyed a three-course Indian-inspired meal, while on the second night we had a boma dinner with an assortment of different meats and side dishes.

Then, sadly, the 23rd came around and we had to say goodbye to our newfound family at Jaci’s. It was a bittersweet goodbye.

Our amazing rangers took us to the airstrip, where we boarded a one-hour charter flight with Federal Airlines back to Johannesburg.

Our pilot and co-pilot flew us over the reserve, giving us one last chance to spot some animals from above, before bringing us safely back to OR Tambo.

Upon arrival at the Federal Air Lounge, the team assisted us off the aircraft and onto the shuttle. The drive from the lounge to the main airport terminal takes approximately 10 minutes.

A huge thank you to the entire Jaci’s Safari Lodge team for the warm hospitality and for making our stay so memorable. It was truly special to experience the newly reimagined lodge and everything it has to offer.

Also, a big thank you to the Federal Airlines team for the wonderful flight back to Johannesburg and for taking such great care of us throughout the journey.

It was an incredible few days in Madikwe and definitely an experience I won’t forget! 😊