Safari Experiences

Family & Group Safaris

With twice daily game drives, family-style dining experiences and convenient accommodation options, all family members are assured to get the most out of their Madikwe safari adventure.

Carefully combining contemporary design with an eco-friendly bushveld aesthetic, the newly constructed Nare Suite is an idyllic, private safari haven for families and groups. The suite has recently been masterfully rebuilt, and now luxuriously accommodates up to 6 guests on an exclusive-use basis.

Nare Suite is nestled immaculately within its tranquil, natural surroundings, positioned just a stone’s throw away from its own active waterhole, providing endless opportunities to view an array of wildlife passing through the area.

With your own game drive vehicle and field guide, Jaci’s famous outdoor dining experiences and the impressively spacious Nare Suite as your private safari base, all members of your group are assured to get the most out of their Madikwe adventure.

Jaci’s Safari Lodge offers a refreshing, authentic safari space in which to unwind. Here, guests can experience some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife from our eclectic, down-to-earth bushveld haven.

The Safari Suite is ideal for larger families or groups (Ideally four adults and four children) The expansive custom-built deck features a central fire pit and spacious seating area, leading on to a partially covered starpod and private swimming pool, surrounded by majestic Tamboti Trees and overlooking the famous Marico River.

The secluded Safari Suite is comfortably decorated in bright, bold colours, vibrant textures, tones and custom finishes. With your own game drive vehicle and field guide, Jaci’s famous outdoor dining experiences and the home-away-from-home Safari Suite as your private bushveld base, it’s quite simply the perfect, exclusive-use safari hideaway.

Your bushveld home-away-from-home, Jan and Jaci’s House is now available for exclusive-use bookings! This safari hideaway, showcasing the van Heterens’ love for travel, is peppered with bursts of colour and personality. Ideal for up to 10 guests, the house comes complete with a private chef, housekeeper, waitron, swimming pool, KolKol hot tub and pizza oven as well as a private game viewing vehicle and field guide.

Jaci’s Madikwe House boasts spectacular views into the reserve from the expansive deck, often providing frequent sightings of elephant herds heading to and from the waterhole, waterbuck grazing under the trees and bushbuck wandering by…

The Main Lodge at Jaci’s Safari Lodge features an impressively spacious, open-plan lounge, a glorious copper fireplace and bar, chef’s kitchen, and dining areas – all proudly reflecting our trademark colourful decor and customary South African atmosphere.

The Tented Suites, with thatched roofs, low stone walls, private outside showers and viewing decks, canvas panels and large hand-mosaiced baths, seamlessly let “The Great Outdoors” in. Decorated in vibrant colours and African textures, each of the six safari-tent-style suites provide an ideal “glamping” base for your Madikwe safari adventure.

Children 12 years old and under can be accommodated on camp-style stretcher beds in the Tented Suites.

Please note: Children are not accommodated at Jaci’s Tree Lodge.
At Jaci’s Lodges, persons 12 years old and younger are considered children, while persons 13 years old and above are considered adults and are charged at the applicable adult guest rate.
Children 12 years old and under can be accommodated on camp-style stretcher beds in the Tented Suites at Jaci’s Safari Lodge.
Children 5 years old and under who are accommodated on camp-style stretcher beds in the Tented Suites, are not permitted on regular safari morning and afternoon / evening game drives.
Terms and conditions apply.

Wedding Safaris

Say “I DO” against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas and the gorgeous bushveld, with your closest family and friends. Surrounded by nothing but Mother Nature, with the setting African sun as your witness, the special events crew at Jaci’s Lodges will do their very best to make sure that your wild wedding is a most memorable affair.

Our wedding packages include an option of either an Intimate Wedding for 2-10 guests or a Grand Wedding for 10-50 guests, but we welcome the opportunity to work with you to tailor-make your dreams of a wild safari wedding a reality!

Use of game drive vehicles to be scheduled between standard game-drive times. Additional services are available on request and are quoted separately. Flower choice is dependent on season and availability. Package offers are exclusive of accommodation.

Wedding Packages PDF

Photographic Safaris

The photographic offering at Jaci’s Lodges is carefully thought out and designed to accommodate photographers of all levels with all camera types, from amateur snappers to specialised wildlife professionals who want to capture once-in-a-lifetime images.

For guests’ convenience, our photographic equipment is also available to hire. Whether you require a camera for a particular day’s safari drives or would like to make use of one for the duration of your stay, we are happy to be able to offer our guests quality photographic equipment rental.

Camera kit for hire

  • Canon 7Dii’s
  • 100-400mm lenses
  • Gimpro game viewer mounts
  • R1250.00 per camera per day, which consists of an evening and a morning drive.

Please Note:

Photographic Safaris are subject to prior arrangement and availability.
Camera kit hire is subject to additional costs and availability.
Terms and conditions apply.

Conservation Safaris

Conservation safaris at Jaci’s Lodges are designed to help everyday bush lovers contribute to on-the-ground wildlife conservation efforts taking place in the greater Madikwe Game Reserve. This initiative includes exhilarating involvement in wildlife safeguarding efforts within the reserve, such as notching and microchipping rhino, collaring elephants, branding lions and gathering information for North West Parks Board field rangers to help effectively manage Madikwe’s core species of lion and rhino and African wild dog relocation.

Each conservation safari is led by a team of professionals, including:

  • A wildlife veterinarian with specific training in immobilising wild animals, with knowledge of their habitat, stress levels and other factors that may affect the outcome of darting procedures.
  • A helicopter pilot skilled in low-level flying, who enables the vet a clear and steady shot.
  • Field rangers who assist the team in doing the job quickly and efficiently, helping gather essential data and recording the details of each animal, contributing to the successful outcome of a conservation safari.

Please note: Certain safari activities may be restricted due to COVID-19 protocols.
Conservation Safaris are subject to additional costs, availability and prior arrangement.

Yoga Safaris with Alonga

Date: 22nd – 28th Feb 2024

In collaboration with Alonga, Jaci’s Lodges is proud to host this unique experience to unwind, explore, learn and enjoy. Our yoga safari retreats are filled with adventure, hands-on workshops, mindful movements, meditation and delicious meals, all the while being surrounded by the serenity of the South African wilderness, in the magical Madikwe Game Reserve.

What is included:

  • 6 night accommodation
  • A daily game drive, including either sunset / sunrise stops
  • Daily professional-led Yoga, Meditation & Breathwork classes
  • Participation in Ayurvedic workshops
  • Traditional outdoor and fireside dining as often as possible
  • All meals daily
  • Select local house drinks
  • Access to the Main Lodge and swimming pool areas, as well as Thutlwa Lookout, at Jaci’s Safari Lodge

Click here to contact the Alonga team for more information and to find out when the next Yoga Safari Retreat will be hosted at Jaci’s.

Yoga Safari Retreats are subject to prior arrangement and availability.
This offer is exclusive of all travel and any other additional costs.
The inclusions listed above are subject to change and are only applicable when booking at full rates.
Terms and conditions apply.

Activities & Facilities

Bird watching

More than 350 species of birds have been recorded in Madikwe. The birds are attracted by the reserve’s trees and wild grasses, making Jaci’s Lodges a veritable paradise for  bird watchers..

Bush boules

Instructions, equipment and a designated playing area are available for guests staying at Jaci’s Tree Lodge.

Bushveld gym

A selection of outdoor gym equipment, installed along our river path, is available to all guests.

Children to be accommodated by an adult at all times.

Jaci’s cheeky chilli

Preparing your Jaci’s Cheeky Chilli prior to a fire-cooked meal, is a nightly ritual around our dinner tables and involves a special preparation technique, which we love to teach you!

Outdoor dining

We encourage you to embrace enjoying your meals under the stars as often as possible. This traditional South African way of dining truly enhances your Jaci’s Lodges safari experience.

Swimming pools

With idyllic, shaded swimming pool areas at both Jaci’s Tree Lodge and Jaci’s Safari Lodge, guests can enjoy a welcome respite from the bushveld heat.

Children are not allowed near the swimming pool areas unless supervised by an adult. There are steps and shallow areas inside of the pool, diving is not permitted.

Safari walks

Accompanied by an expert walking-trails guide from Jaci’s Lodges, you can explore parts of Madikwe on foot. Safari walks are subject to the availability of our qualified, on-site trails guide. The duration of walks may vary due to number of guests, weather conditions and game drive schedules.

Please note: Safari Walks are subject to availability of our qualified trails guide and prior arrangement.
Children under the age of 16 are not accommodated on safari walks. Persons over the age of 60 need a written Doctor’s Bill of Health before being permitted on safari walks.

Massage therapy

Our trained and talented massage therapists are proud entrepreneurs from our local community. They successfully run their own business and are excited to offer our guests a sublime selection of classic massage treatments with an African twist. Select treatments and book appointments with our on-site therapists.

Subject to additional costs and therapists’ availability.

Massage Menu PDF
River path walk

Enjoy a stroll along the famous Marico River between Jaci’s Safari and Jaci’s Tree Lodges. The beautiful endemic forest boasts an array of bird life as well as the chance to spot elephants swimming in the famous Marico River. Our outdoor bush gym equipment is located along this path.

Children to be accommodated by an adult at all times.

Stargazing

Our unspoilt bushveld location allows for the best star-views at night. Whether on night drive, from your private deck or the main lodge, the sky-scape will leave you star-struck! Our knowledgeable guides would love to point out the constellations and other astronomical delights.

What should I pack for my safari at Jaci’s?

  • Comfortable shoes (closed for safari walks and sandals for around the lodge)
  • Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and swimming costume
  • Warm rain jacket and gloves (depending on season)
  • Binoculars and camera, charger and international adapters
  • Re-usable or sufficient disposable face masks, biodegradable, washable and reusable fabric is preferred
  • There are specific travel requirements for children 18 years and under to enter South Africa, so please ensure you are aware of these and have the original, valid documentation.