Madikela Game Lodge

Reviews

• "Dog Friendly"

  15 April 2021

  "We really enjoyed our stay, the cottage might be considered a bit "basic" but that is more than compensated for by the beauty, natural silence, long walks, personal jacuzzi and truly wonderful night sky. We took our two Pekingese dogs with and they loved climbing over the sand stone formations!"

• "Majestic"

  14 July 2019

  "Its a very fascinating and a lot more than expected...private and awesome place for outdoor junkies... would recommend to Everyone!"

• "Enjoyable weekend get-a-way"

  06 July 2019

  "2 Bedroom cottage rather cramped for space. Kids loved the warm jaccuzi. Cottage very cold when we were there in June. Loved the evening fire and clear night sky. Lovely walks especially the rocky outcrops. There is no 4x4 trail as stated on website - needs to be corrected as this was one of the features that attracted us in the first place. But still had a very enjoyable time."

• "Environment"

  25 November 2018

  "Environment is chilled."

• "Rus en vrede"

  08 October 2018

  "Ons het voorwaar 'n baie heerlike naweek deurgebring by Madikela. Die rus en stilte het ons goed gedoen en dit was so lekker om sommer van die stoep af vir die kameelperde en koedoes, wat die watergat besoek, te kyk. Die warmwater sitbad was voorwaar 'n pluspunt."

• "Horrible, Horrible Place."

  02 October 2018

  "The summary of our stay was in short horrible.1. We slept only 1 night of 3 and checked out the very first time we could.2. The facility milk-wood, was very very dirty, the carpet was so dirty we woke up with blocked noses.3. We complained the next morning, there was no apology, no effort to remedy the situation and eventually no refund (Which we are working on)4. The roof must have been fumigated years ago and needs to be replaced completely.5. The sheets were so old and dirty they have all lost color, from table clothes , curtains to bed sheets. 6. The beds must also be 20+ years old at lest.I would not recommend the place to anyone unless there is a serious overhaul of everything including management."

• "Total Relaxation"

  25 June 2018

  "What an awesome 4 days, stunning accommodation and stunning venue. Thank you so much. Will visit again"

• "The nature and quiet atmosphere"

  11 May 2018

  "Every thing was very nice. Only the shower water was cold. Luckily the hot tub was warm at night."

• "Tranquil bush escape"

  01 May 2018

  "This place is a gem - great location for a quick and quiet escape out of the city. Accommodation is relatively basic, but comes with everything you need and the absolute bonus of a jacuzzi. Will definitely be back."

• "WOW, WOW, WOW.........."

  19 March 2018

  "We loved our time spent at Madikela, my wildest expectations was exceeded.....300%. We will definitely visit again"

• "The Amazing nature reserve"

  13 March 2018

  "We loved absolutely everything, from the cottage to all the animals and hosts. Thank you Carol and Chris fro creating this amazing heaven on earth we loved spending our 11 year anniversary there and would def be back. Our favourite place on earth. We saw all the animals, except the Brown Hyena, we had a Black Mamba on our path, he left us alone as we just backed off slowly, wow what an experience. Thank you thank you thank you for this beautiful place you created. I can see you love the animals and the reserve."

• "The sound of lions and jackals in the evening"

  19 February 2018

  "Very relaxing and isoloated"

• "The animals"

  03 January 2018

  "The facilities, ability to take a bush walk with our young children"

• "The beautiful secluded cottage and views."

  13 November 2017

  "Everything about Madikela was super!"

• "Madikela Game Lodge"

  21 September 2017

  "A lot of spiders in die Bush Willow chalet. This means thatthe Thatch roof was not fumigated for a very long time. This place needs an serious upgrade. We have booked for 4 nights, but booked out after 3 nights, because of 8 spiders I had to kill in the first 2 nights. Will Not recommendthis to any person. Terrible if you have a fear for spiders. But we have made the best out of our stay and enjoyed the Jacuzzi."

• "The privacy of the stands"

  07 September 2017

  "The stay was so awesome.Only negative thing is the channels on the TV.Nothing to watch and only cater for a selective group."

• "Happy Anniversary"

  05 September 2017

  "I booked for our anniversary and located the lodge with ease. We were greeted by Zebra, giraffe and other antelope. The unit is very thoughtfully equipped and the view spectacular. We loved the bird bath and all the birds. We would have loved to use the Jacusi but it was a very cold windy weekend. Next time!!"

• "Peace and Beauty!"

  17 July 2017

  "We stayed at Sandstone and it couldn't have been more perfect. It was private, peaceful and beautiful. The accomodation was perfect and had everything you could ask for. The night skies were just amazing! Thank you to Carol and Chris for their help while we were there. Just loved it!"

• "Great weekend"

  22 May 2017

  "Thank you we had a lovely and peacefully weekend. The unit was clean and had everything we needed. We stayed in Sandstone cottage which was very private for a romantic getaway. We loved the warm water jacuzzi/bath. We were woken up by lovely sunrises and a beautiful view. Thanks for an amazing weekend."

• "Relaxing"

  01 May 2017

  "Generally we thought the place was run down and not well maintained at all, the jaccuzi/splash pool was freezing cold, thatch in desperate need of maintenance and everything in the chalet was very old, doesn't seem like any attention is paid to improving the level of luxury at all, very basic necessities are met, carpets we're filthy.. the little garden and deck area looked to be new and well kept and the braai area was cleaned every day by a friendly gentleman, the domestic Maria was friendly and efficient but we felt is in desperate need of a vacuum cleaner for the bedroom carpets.During a walk around the resort we came across the "bush camp" which apparently sleeps 36 people.. it doesn't look like it has been used in years and looking through the windows noticed the mattresses are soiled with rat or squirrel poop, and yet it is still advertised as available accommodation on the site.The resort pool is kept nice and clean but the toilet facilities at the main pool are very run down and dingy, also noticed the large laps area by the main pool looks like it is undergoing maintenance that has stopped some time ago and is just left half done. A lot of broken windows around the resort, in our chalet "milk wood" and in the resort area.Over all disappointed with the lack of interest in maintaining the place, it looks like it possibly was a nice place to stay in its day.. lots of potential"

• "Peace and tranquillity!"

  23 April 2017

  "Had an awesome weekend, just relaxing and enjoying the bush!! Would definitely recommend it to those who want to go away and do as little as possible!!"

• "Complete silence"

  22 March 2017

  "What a fantastic place, complete isolation, we really enjoyed our time there"

• "Heerlik!"

  30 December 2016

  "Ons het die kuier by Madikela baie geniet. Dit is stil en rustig en daar is baie wild. As jy wil afskakel is hierdie die regte plek! Die Bestuur reageer vinnig op klagtes en stel dit dadelik reg. Die akkommodasie is basies maar alles wat jy benodig is daar. As ek 'n aanbeveling kan maak, is dit die verskaffing van ekstra braaigereedskap en - bakke. Dankie dat ons daar kon kuier - ons het julle reeds by vriende en familie aanbeveel en ons sal beslis terugkom!"

• "Nicolien"

  25 October 2016

  "Great..!!. Enjoyed every moment!!! Place equipped with everything. You need only food, little clothing and drinks!! Enjoyed the bird life , game and walks! Recommend to any body that wants a quite weekend!!"

• "ENJOYABLE"

  19 October 2016

  "We had a great time at Madikela - very peaceful and has everything you need."

• "A Quiet Time Out"

  10 August 2016

  "We had an awesome time out in Madikela.<br/><br/>This is a place for Bush Lovers.... Limited Service yet Lots of Privacy and Relaxation.<br/><br/>Loved it"

• "Fantastic stay"

  24 June 2016

  "we stayed for 2 nights and wish we had booked for more. The Sandstone unit was perfect and so well thought out, extremely clean and had everything that we needed. Beautiful view and getaway spot!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>"

• "Riaan"

  03 May 2016

  "Good day. The bush atmosphere and the lapa area with the fireplace are absolutely fantastic. we spent most of time outside. The game viewing was ok. The Jacuzzi is really a waste of time and no dishes to put braai meat in. The dstv bouquet can also be cancelled."

• "Madikela Game Lodge"

  08 February 2016

  "We spent the last weekend at Madikela Lodge and it has to be one of the best places we have visited in all our travels.<div><br /></div><div>We stayed at the Flintstone chalet and it was perfect. Beautiful view of the mountains and very private. The chalet was clean, everything worked and the highlight has to be the splash pool that was heated with a panoramic view of the bush.</div><div><br /></div><div>Took my bicycle and rode in the park and saw plenty game. We will definitely be going back there again soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Justin</div>"

• "Madikela=magic"

  07 January 2016

  "<p>Madikela is a magic place for anyone that need rest for the body and soul.Wespent 7 nights there!</p><p>Whether you are walking, cycling, going on a game driveor just relaxing watching the giraffe and zebra feeding fromyour own privateviewing deck, or taking a dip in your own jacuzzi, you will definitely go homewell rested</p><p>The chalets are far enough apart not to see yourneighbor.</p><p>Thanks, Madikela - you wil definitely see me again!</p>"

• "our stay madikela game lodge"

  27 December 2015

  "We enjoyed our stay and hoping to come back in the near future."

• "Not Happy :-("

  01 December 2015

  "<p>When you have to open the entry gate to the resort yourself ... 1st clue things are not going to go well .</p><p>The cottages do not have views as shown on website <br></br>I don't know why the place is called GAME LODGE ?? There is NO GAME to view .. you are surrounded by unkept bush .. The owners are total not interested in the well being of their guests . Once the key was collected we never saw or heard from them again .. Not even garbage was collected .. disgusting .. Oh and the Jacuzzi .. don't be fooled is a square hole in the ground .. There is no shop for basic anything .. I will NEVER Book there again .. SafriNow - you should seriously send out people to view before you sell on their behalf .. My trust in Safari bookings also tainted by this expierience .</p><p ></br></p>"

• "Excellent value"

  02 November 2015

  "This was a memorable stay, peaceful and a great venue to get away. Excellent value for money - we will definitely be back."

• "You should experience it for your self"

  18 May 2015

  "What a beautiful place, nature at its finest. If you want tranquility at a good price, this is the place for you. The whole trip to the "Flinstones" chalets was breathtaking, when you stop at the parking for your car, go explore first. You walk through the bush between these rocks sculpted by "mothernature" that are truly amazing. The chalets it self is stunning &amp; modern, the pictures on site do not serve justice to your accommodation. The reserve is stunning with very friendly giraffes grating you behind all the bends.<div>Thank you for everything.</div>"

• "Milkwood"

  12 May 2015

  "The weekend started off well, we arrived, unpacked, relaxed, started to braai... and then we locked ourselves out! Thanks to the very understanding and helpful people of Madikela Lodge, who kindly gave us the spare key, we quickly forgot about our embarrassment. <br /><br />We had a fantastic weekend away and enjoyed some walking and driving around the lodge. We braai'd every night and then made a nice fire and just relaxed and chatted until the fire died.<br />The hot splash pool was not so hot, so we switched it off and rather enjoyed the sounds of nature... nice!<br />"

• "Very nice"

  07 April 2015

  "The place generally looks like it could do with a bit of renovation in the common areas, but overall very pleasant stay, cottages were comfortable,cozyand secluded,with all you need. Wonderful settings with animals, kids enjoyed it very much. Would go back and recommend. Only suggestion management could be a little bit more engaging with customers and give advice to maximize their experience."

• "Good"

  02 February 2015

  "It was nice and quiet. I really enjoyed my stay there. The kids loved the splash pool and the other facilities."

• "Amazing!"

  14 January 2015

  "Ek sal definitief Madikela aan beveel vir almal wat 'n wegbreek nodig het van die stad. Ek en my verloofde het die beste naweek weg gehad. Dit is lekker privaat. Al wat hulle genoem het op die blad was daar en nog vele meer. Ons sien julle definitief binnekort weer!!!"

• "Lekker ontspanne"

  29 December 2014

  "Dit was ons 2de besoek daar en ons sal defnitief weer gaan. Ons 3 kinders(2x4jr en 1x9jr) het dit net so baie geniet terwyl pa en ma lekker kan sit en ontspan terwyl hulle in die hot splash pool baljaar. Daar is die skoonste sand vir die kinders om in te speel ( nes seesand nog skoner). Behalwe dat die matte so n bietjie van n stofsuig benodig en die yskas so n bietjie lank neem om koud te maak was als verder 100 persent. Ons het ons kuier daar baie geniet en Madikela ons sal baie baie graag weer van julle akkomodasie gebruik wil maak."

• "Brilliant Bush Experience"

  09 December 2014

  "The lovely unspoiled nature and the ability to walk amongst the game was magnificent, and being able to unwind in your own private Jacuzzi was revitalizing. I will most definitely visit again."

• "Flintstone Cottage"

  01 December 2014

  "This is really an amazing place. I have surprised my wife with a romantic weekend alone and Madikela did fulfill all my explorations. This was really awesome, especially the peace and quiet moments in the Jacuzzi surrounded by nature. We were so sad to leave but we have already decided to come back next year.Thank you, Quintin & Annelien."

• "Relaxing and Peaceful"

  24 November 2014

  "We really enjoyed our stay, if you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful breakaway, this is the perfect place. The boys (8 and 2) enjoyed the splash pool. Will definitely be back."

• "Winter Break at Madikela"

  14 July 2014

  "We had a great, relaxing time, outside facilities are lovely, beautiful deck and jacuzzi. Unfortunately we were disappointed in the kitchen area as the photo's showed a stove, we only had a small 2 plate "hotplate". The seating area inside was also a disappointment. Due to winter we had to be inside after sun-set thus not so comfortable to watch TV around a table with plastic chairs."

• "Very good rest"

  21 June 2014

  "Thank you to Madikela for a peaceful stay. Just to recharge your batteries again. We really enjoyed the stay and will return. Just a note, please update the photo on SafariNow's website. It is a bit misleading."

• "Peaceful and quite"

  17 June 2014

  "A nice quaint chalet. Everything you will need for a quite get-a-way weekend. Very clean basic chalet. Relaxed quite a lot with a the peace and quite. Chalets are far enough apart to enjoy privacy"

• "AWESOME TRANQUILITY"

  13 May 2014

  "If you looking for peace and quiet and privacy this is the place for you. The chalets are so far apart it feels like you alone in the bushveld. You don't see your next door neighbours at all. TOTAL PRIVACY.Spend private romantic moments in your own warm water jacuzzi. Take all supplies with as Vaalwater Spar is 34km away. Not that far if you want to take a drive though. Wood is available for purchase at reception. All roads within the game reserve are well kept and easily traveled with smaller vehicles. Don't expect full luxury inside the chalets, but if you looking for peace, privacy and tranquility what is provided for within the chalets is all you going to need. You won't want for anything to make life comfortable for you. Fully recommended. We will go back."

• "Nice but..."

  23 December 2013

  "The stay was absolutely wonderful! I was extremely disappointed when we were told to leave at 9:00 yesterday morning after we were told that we only needed to leave at 12:00! The time we had to leave was written on the map and we were not made aware of it! That really was disappointing and were not handled correctly! It really spoilt the weekend for us!"

• "Pure Bushveld"

  16 December 2013

  "We really enjoyed our stay and visit to Madikela Lodge. Our accommodation was very neat and clean and well maintained. We also enjoyed the game drives and saw a variety of game. Surely would visit again in the future. Putt-Putt and ablution facilities at swimming pool need attention."

• "Lovely area"

  25 September 2013

  "A lovely area outside and far enough from other houses to enjoy nature.The bungalow is sparsely decorated and the TV the smallest ever seen. Impossible to see from the bed. No heaters provided and it was really cold. Bathroom is nice. Game not abundant and scratches everywhere because branches not cut back."

• "Madikel game lodge"

  04 July 2013

  "Madikela Game Lodge is over-rated."

• "Relaxing time"

  25 June 2013

  "Thank you so much for an awesome weekend away, we were so impressed with everything, it's so pretty and relaxing also neat and tidy! We will definitely visit Madikela again! I actually can't wait! A little gemstone!"

• "Nice and quiet"

  18 June 2013

  "Nice and quiet. Chalets could be serviced. Lovely outside braai and game viewing deck, just sorry the inside of chalets doesn't match the outside area. Animals in very good condition."

• "Weekend breakaway - too short"

  10 June 2013

  "Great place to just relax and do nothing! Great outdoor facility at each chalet - LOVE the Jaccuzi! You will see as again, maybe in the summer this time!"

• "Engagement weekend"

  27 May 2013

  "What a lovely experience at Madikela. With a perfect Jacuzzi experience under the full moon, sunrise with Milo, perfect Champagne breakfast completed with an engagement. So perfect!"

• "Madikela Game Lodge"

  08 April 2013

  "What an extraordinary experience. From the very private lodge/chalet to the wild animals, visiting the whole weekend. We will definitely return, but next time we will stay longer. I recommend Madikela to any one at any time."

• "Good accommodation, no game"

  08 April 2013

  "The accommodation was clean was well equipped. The only problem was that the geyser only had enough water for one hot shower. I think the heated pool is using the water, even though we switched it off in advance to have a shower, but did not help. The units were not serviced at all even though we were there during the week, only the braai was cleaned. The farm has very little game which was disappointing."

• "Great value for money"

  26 February 2013

  "We had a lovely few days in really peaceful surroundings. The fact that the lodge only has a few chalets which are strategically spaced out, adds to the privacy and enjoyment. Great value for money. Loved the jacuzzi. We will certainly go back."

• "Will be back"

  18 February 2013

  "It was great, we will come back."

• "Home from home"

  21 November 2012

  "Thank you very much for the stay. It really felt like we owned the bush! What a lovely and peaceful break."

• "Good"

  07 November 2012

  "Lovely place, although quite a small farm/reserve. Was great to cycle around the farm looking at the animals and birds. Lovely chalet, beautifully clean on arrival. Unfortunately, nobody serviced the chalet during our 2 night stay - would be good to have the refuse removed and the braai cleaned at least?! Also be warned - the road from Nylstroom to Vaalwater is awful - plan to take at least 1 hour!"

• "We will be back!"

  29 October 2012

  "We used the lodge for our wedding anniversary. It was the ideal place to go to to get away and spend some quality time together. The place is peaceful and the location of the chalet and the facilities (like the hot tub) was very romantic and private. The reserve is well looked after and ecologicaly pristine. We will be back!"

• "Lovely but too short"

  10 September 2012

  "We had a lovely, although very short, stay. Accommodation was clean, comfortable and very pleasant. Thank you."

• "Nice"

  25 July 2012

  "Our family stayed at madikela for 4 days. Nice quant place with scatterings of game. We had nag apies visit us twice. A great family retreat for a quick weekend getaway."

• "Very nice"

  09 July 2012

  "Very peaceful, quiet, secluded and private. Loved it.(The hot Jacuzzi was lovely). Wildlife few and hardly any birds, however if a person wants to get away from the city's hustle and bustle, this is the place to visit."

• "Private"

  02 May 2012

  "Amazingly private and beautiful. Will defenitely go back in near future."

• "Great weekend break"

  23 April 2012

  "A great place to spend a quiet weekend in a tranquil setting. Sitting in the jacuzzi, whilst having the campfire going, and staring at the night sky was a great highlight! Friendly and helpful staff, and cosey cottage added to the experience. Thank you Carol and Madikela for a relaxing break."

• "Wow!"

  02 April 2012

  "Pictures do not do justice to this establishment. We travel (my fiance and me) a lot and I must say this is one of the few lodges that have cleanliness and convince on lock down. 5 Star service quality hands down. For those who are too lazy to walk or go for a game drive, sit on the wooden deck with a drink in your hand and just watch animals pass by. I also have to add that it is one of the places where I had a decent sleep thanks to the tranquility it possesses. My fiance and my sister could not get enough of the Jacuzzi. The hosts were more than welcoming. Definitely value for money, we are going back again without a doubt."

• "Loved it"

  06 January 2012

  "Loved the place! Really great value for money and quiet. Friendly assistance at all times. Beautiful views."