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GBP (£)

GBP (£)
US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Luxury Safari Lodge
South Africa

Lelapa Safari Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve

HIGHLIGHTS
GALLERY
GOOD TO KNOW
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Highlights

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Lelapa Lodge is perfect for families, offering spacious accommodations and a relaxed environment where both adults and children feel at home.
Exceptional Wildlife Encounters: Situated in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, the lodge provides unparalleled opportunities to see the Big Five, along with rare species like African wild dogs.
Eco-Friendly Design: Built with sustainability in mind, Lelapa Lodge seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, promoting conservation while offering modern comfort.
Interactive Kids’ Programme: Children can immerse themselves in nature with activities like bush tracking, bug catching, and crafting, ensuring a fun and educational experience.
Luxurious Suites: Each suite boasts a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and stunning views, offering guests a serene retreat in the bush.
Warm Hospitality: True to its name, meaning “family” in Setswana, Lelapa Lodge provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere with attentive, personalised service.

Gallery

Good to know

How to get there

Madikwe has a private airstrip making access to the lodge simple. The flight time from Johannesburg is approximately one hour.

Are children welcome?

Lelapa Lodge offers a comprehensive Kids’ Programme designed to educate and entertain young explorers, ensuring a memorable safari experience for the entire family. Key components of the programme include:

Eco House: Serving as the hub for children’s activities, the Eco House is a tech-free environment filled with games, toys, and African artefacts. Here, children engage in interactive learning about wildlife and nature, fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
Safari Club: This adventure transforms kids into mini-guides as they explore the lodge surroundings, searching for animal tracks, participating in treasure hunts, and engaging in activities like rock painting and cupcake decorating. Evening events may include pizza making and movies under the stars, creating a fun and educational experience.
Family Game Drives: Specially tailored game drives are available for families with young children, allowing them to experience the excitement of wildlife viewing in a safe and accommodating setting.
Family Suites: Lelapa Lodge’s family suites are equipped with children’s bedrooms featuring bunk beds, games, and toys, providing a comfortable and stimulating environment for young safari-goers.

Giving back

Lelapa Lodge, part of Madikwe Safari Lodge, is deeply committed to sustainability and conservation within the Madikwe Game Reserve. Their sustainability initiatives include:

Community-Based Wildlife Conservation: Madikwe operates a pioneering model that involves collaboration between the state, private sector, and local communities. This approach ensures that wildlife tourism benefits economic growth and job creation in the region, with concession fees reinvested into conservation and community development projects.
Conservation Safaris: Guests at Madikwe Safari Lodge can participate in conservation activities, such as predator collaring and tracking, which are essential for monitoring and preserving key species within the reserve. These immersive experiences provide a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation efforts.
Eco-Friendly Design: The lodge’s architecture and operations are designed to minimize environmental impact, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings while prioritizing sustainability.
Educational Initiatives: Through interactive programs like the Kids’ Eco-House, the lodge educates younger guests about wildlife and the importance of conservation, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards.

Wildlife you are likely to see

Big Five:

Lions: Often spotted in prides across the reserve, sometimes engaging in dramatic hunts.
Leopards: Elusive but regularly seen with the help of experienced guides.
Elephants: Large herds are frequently observed at waterholes or moving through the bush.
Rhinos: Both black and white rhinos thrive in Madikwe due to robust conservation efforts.
Buffalo: Often found in herds grazing or near water sources.

Rare and Endangered Species:

African Wild Dogs: Madikwe is one of the best places in South Africa to see these highly endangered predators in their natural habitat.
Cheetahs: Occasionally seen hunting in the open savannahs.
Brown Hyenas: A unique predator regularly spotted in the reserve.

Plains Game:

Zebras and Giraffes: Common sightings grazing or browsing across the plains.
Antelope Species: Includes impala, kudu, eland, waterbuck, and the striking gemsbok (oryx).

Birdlife:

Raptors: Martial eagles, bateleurs, and vultures are frequently seen.
Colourful Birds: Rollers, bee-eaters, and sunbirds bring vibrant colour to the reserve.
Waterbirds: Herons and kingfishers are often found near dams and waterholes.

Nocturnal Wildlife:

Aardvarks, Civets, and Genets: Possible sightings during night drives.
Porcupines and Pangolins: Rare but occasionally spotted with luck.

Reptiles:

Monitor Lizards and Turtles: Common near water.
Snakes: Including pythons and cobras, are rarely seen but present.

Why we love Lelapa Safari Lodge

This has to be one of the most amazing destinations for a family holiday. The property is perfect for kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained and give parents a holiday too.