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Jaci’s Private Lodge

Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Where bold colours, big skies and unforgettable family safaris meet in a malaria-free wilderness

At a glance

Set along the banks of the Marico River in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Jaci’s Private Lodge is a vibrant, character-filled safari retreat designed for families, multi-generational groups and celebratory travel. The lodge combines uninterrupted views of Big 5 games and wetlands with a completely fenced property for added peace of mind.

Families enjoy exclusive-use villas with private chefs and guides, immersive wildlife experiences, and playful touches that make Jaci’s especially magical for children.

Madikwe is home to Africa’s “Top 10” — the Big Five plus cheetah, wild dog, hyena, hippo and giraffe — providing exceptional game viewing across 75,000 hectares.

Why families love it

Family-run atmosphere with bold design and welcoming spaces

Exclusive-use villas with private chef, guide & vehicle

Malaria-free area with fully fenced lodge grounds for peace of mind

Kids of all ages welcome in villas and allowed on private game drives

Jaci’s Pups Club with activity packs, Junior Ranger course & nature-based learning

Jungle Drive, gentle river walks & wildlife viewing designed for younger explorers

Family-friendly dining with flexible menus

Terrapin photographic hide for unforgettable wildlife moments (open 24 hrs)

Where you'll stay

Jaci’s offers exclusive-use villas, a 10-suite main lodge, and the iconic Madikwe House, each designed for privacy, comfort and full immersion in the bush.

From £/night*

*Prices from are indicative only - see Terms & Conditions for details.

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View Room Types

Safari Suites (Main Lodge)

For small families or couples who want lodge facilities with private space.

Each of the 10 suites includes:

  • King/Twin bedroom (sleeps 2 adults + 2 children on expedition beds)

  • Bathroom with bath, shower & WC

  • Sunken lounge (converted into kids’ beds for ages 6–12)

  • Outdoor viewing deck overlooking the game reserve

  • Air-conditioning, ceiling fan & coffee station

Suites are set along a permanent stream flowing into the Marico River, with 6 single units and 2 pairs ideal for families seeking rooms close together.

Exclusive-Use Villas

Perfect for families wanting total freedom, tailored service & private safari experiences.

Nare Villa – Sleeps 6

  • 3 en-suite bedrooms with indoor–outdoor living

  • Private heated plunge pool & extensive deck

  • Overlooks a permanent waterhole; exceptional wildlife viewing

  • Fully equipped kitchen, safari bar & outdoor dining

  • Includes private chef, dedicated ranger & private vehicle

Kubu Villa – Sleeps 6

  • 3 en-suite bedrooms with river views of the Marico river

  • Private heated pool and spacious lounge/dining areas

  • Firepit, deck and family-friendly indoor spaces

  • Private chef, ranger & hospitality team

Jaci’s Madikwe House – Sleeps 10

  • 4 bedrooms in the main house + 1 separate en-suite cottage

  • Private pool, decked fire pit, pizza oven and wood-fired hot tub

  • Generous indoor/outdoor living with open-plan kitchen

  • Designed for multi-generational stays

  • Dedicated chef, host & private game vehicle

Dining for all ages

Meals at Jaci’s are vibrant, generous and inspired by South African flavours.
Families enjoy:

  • Chef-led open-fire cooking, uniquely set on one of the lookout decks (breakfasts, lunches & dinners hosted here seasonally)

  • Flexible mealtimes for children

  • Fun, kid-friendly menus

  • Private dining in villas or at secluded lodge locations

  • Sundowners with snacks at scenic bush stops

Private chefs in the villas tailor meals entirely to family preferences.

Experiences for all ages

Safari Activities

  • Twice-daily private game drives for villa guests

  • Scheduled morning & evening drives for suite guests

  • Night drives (villa guests)

  • Wildlife-rich waterholes, river views & surrounding game reserve

For Children

From the Jaci’s Pups programme:

  • Pups Club Hamper on arrival with themed activities

  • Junior Ranger Course — spoor tracking, bird calls, Setswana language basics

  • Jungle Drive (ages 0–5, suite guests)

  • Gentle river walks with guides

  • Family games at the lodge

Unique Lodge Experiences

  • Terrapin Hide — submerged, 270° waterhole-level photographic hide.

  • Tlou Deck — meals & sundowners overlooking wetlands, often visited by elephants and other wildlife

  • Naledi Sleepout — romantic starlit sleepout with hot tub (best for parents on a night off)

Wellness for parents

  • Waterside decks for downtime between drives

  • Main lodge areas with sunken lounges, safari lounge & bar

  • Private pools in all villas + shared lodge pool

  • In-villa massages available on request

Family Logistics

Malaria-free reserve

55-minute flight from Johannesburg to Eastern Airstrip + 15-minute transfer

3.5–4 hrs drive from Johannesburg

Fully fenced lodge for peace of mind with young children

Babysitting available on request

Packed children’s activities for downtime

Villa guests enjoy private chef, ranger & 4×4 — ideal for flexible schedules

Family Suite Exclusives

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Exclusive perks designed to make your family feel truly welcome — from personalised gifts for little travellers to complimentary activities and flexible check-in options.

Booking via The Family Suite includes:

TFS Exclusive Credit: £100 (or equivalent in local currency) towards a family experience

*Subject to Terms & Conditions

Children’s ‘Pups packs’ on arrival