Madikela Game Lodge

Madikela Game Lodge is situated in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, 32 km outside Vaalwater on the Melkrivier Road, and a comfortable two-hour, 15-minutes drive from Pretoria. It is located on a limestone plateau formed millions of years ago, with the limestone resting on a granite base that has eroded over time, forming amazing rock formations.

The main garden area features a large swimming pool, an 18-hole minigolf course, a jungle gym, and a games room. The accommodation comprises six secluded, thatched, self-catering cottages, each with its own game-viewing deck, a Jacuzzi splash pool, and an enclosed barbecue boma. The Bush Camp, located 80 m from the main swimming pool, consists of four thatched bungalows, each sleeping nine guests, with ladies and gents ablution blocks, hot showers, flushing toilets, and a bush kitchen in the barbecue boma with a large fridge-freezer.

The lodge offers a 4X4 trail that takes approximately five hours to complete, with exit routes to shorten the trail if required. It also features sandstone formations where guests can climb for a 360-degree view of the Waterberg. Game viewing activities include self-driving, cycling, or walking to see animals such as giraffe, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, blesbuck, impala, warthog, and baboons. Buffalo can only be viewed from outside the electrified camp due to safety reasons. Three fully licensed restaurants within 4 km of Madikela offer dining options and the opportunity to view tigers, white lions, leopards, caracals, hyenas, wolves, reptiles, and birds of prey.

Pets are allowed under certain conditions, such as having their own bedding and bowls, staying on a leash at all times, and not being allowed on the beds. There is a limit of two small/medium or one large dog, and owners must clean up after their pets. No music is permitted in the camp to respect guests' need for quiet and privacy. A large thatched lapa with tables, chairs, and a kitchen can accommodate up to 90 people for self-catering events. The Flintstone cottage is the honeymoon cottage, and the Sandstone is the anniversary cottage, both fully equipped for a romantic getaway and located 3 km from the main lodge. The cottages are privately situated approximately 100 meters apart, with bush in between, allowing families and children to explore nature together. Guests are encouraged to bring their bikes for cycling. The rates are subject to the number of guests staying.