Jaci’s Tree Lodge – Our Remote Oasis in Madikwe

We lead safari groups and have been on over 30 safaris staying at dozens of lodges. We rate Jaci’s Tree Lodge right up at the top. The staff works hard to serve you. We don’t know how they train their team, but they do it well.

Meals is excellent and varies each day. Chef Beatrix and her team prepare feasts you would not expect being so remote. The ‘high tea’ snacks are simply amazing.

The Chalets are really large feeling with a true Africa vibe yet contemporary at the same time. My clients and I always love this lodge and the nice rooms. Each room has a private view and boasts both an outdoor shower and indoor soak tub. Couples love the two large copper sinks. The rooms are bright and airy and have overhead fans, heaters and air conditioning. Everything from the bottle of sherry in the recessed ‘cubby’ to the amenities on the desk top are so well thought out.

Game drives are excellent as they have several very experienced guides. The ‘big 5’ are a small challenge as this reserve does not have the most chill leopards and Cape buffalo are not always seen, but the big Kalahari maned lions make up for it. We saw plenty of species here including cheetah, lions, elephant, kudu, springbok, hyena, wild dog, waterbuck, impala, etc. We have two game drives each day. At sunset, we stop for refreshments (known as sundowners) before we do our night game drive back to the lodge. These late drives can provide amazing moments in the bush!

 

The ‘Terrapin Hide’ water level hide is always a special treat for clients wanting unique photos and the ‘Star Bed’ on a platform at the lodge waterhole is also quite interesting.