Situated in the malaria-free private game reserve of Madikwe - which is just an hour's flight from Johannesburg - award-winning Royal Madikwe is a small and private safari camp that is perfect for couples but that can also be booked for exclusive use by your family or a group of your friends. The spacious, thatched lodge is luxuriously decorated with natural elements such as wood and stone, as well as tasteful African elements.

The lounge, dining room and well-appointed library lead to broad elevated decks that overlook the popular waterhole. Search at dawn and dusk for the spectacular variety of wildlife with your expert ranger - especially endangered African wild dogs and cheetahs - before spending the hottest part of the day lazing around the swimming pool or your private plunge pool, preferably with an iced drink from one of the bars.

Royal Madikwe welcomes children of all ages, offering an environment where they feel at home as well as an exciting children's programme where they learn about their natural surroundings. The Clubhouse Family Suite houses two adults and two children in perfect comfort, and childminding services can be arranged. Keen astronomers can book a session with an expert stargazer to study the southern stars in advance.

Highlights

• Located in the game-rich Madikwe Game Reserve
• Child-friendly luxury lodge with an emphasis on family safaris
• Watch the waterhole from the lodge
• Outstanding game viewing
• Complimentary Wi-Fi & air conditioning
• Outdoor rain showers & private plunge pools
• Daily children's programme

Activities

• ANIMAL TRACKING EXPERIENCE
• BUSH DINING
• GAME DRIVES
• HIGH TEA ON OFFER
• PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS
• GUIDED WALKS
• NIGHT DRIVES
• STAR GAZING

Originally designed for exclusive use, communal areas edge towards the intimate. Personalised service, elegant décor and a charming pool area overlooking a striking, oft-frequented watering hole.

Rooms

Luxury Double Suite

There are five Luxury Suites at Royal Madikwe, both of which are perfect for a romantic getaway for couples seeking a peaceful haven in the bush. The suites feature large 4-poster beds swathed in mosquito netting; en suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor rain showers; air conditioning; and a log-burning fireplace - perfect for snuggling up in front of during crisp winter evenings.

Outside, all have private elevated sun decks and exclusive plunge pools. There are also complimentary Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations and mini-bars with hot beverage stations.

Facilities

Enjoy a good book from the library as you sit out on the upper viewing deck spotting the wildlife that come to the waterhole for a drink.

Cool off during the day in the lodge's swimming pool, relaxing in the outside sitting area, or on the shady veranda as you gaze out on the stunning landscape in the distance.

Sit out by the boma in the evening with a drink from the outdoor bar as you look up at the night sky, and get a closer look at the stars above by pre-booking an evening with an expert local astronomer.

Royal Madikwe offers a daily children's programme that includes crafts (making African beaded necklaces or face and T-shirt painting), cooking (decorating doughnuts or making pizzas) and bush skills (track animals at the waterhole or learn how to bake in the wilderness with the chef).

Dining

From a well-timed light breakfast in the bush to a substantial brunch and imaginative high tea, you are kept well-fed by the willing staff at Royal Madikwe. Using only the best ingredients, they create sophisticated, yet wholesome cuisine. Dinner is an elegant affair with beautifully presented and delicious meals served under the African night sky, overlooking the waterhole or in the stylish dining room. Each African-inspired dish is accompanied by the best South African wines from the lodge's well-stocked cellar. Expect homemade ginger beer, tasty soups, delicate canapes and decadent desserts made with produce from the kitchen garden.