Jaci’s Private Lodge

• More intimate and sociable in feel
• Malaria-free game-viewing in Madikwe
• Great relaxed and friendly ambience
• Reimagined and reopened 1 July 2026

Welcome to the newly reimagined Jaci’s Private Lodge, an intimate sanctuary set on the eastern side of Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. Encounter the magic of Madikwe’s remarkable wildlife on twice-daily game drives, explore the bush on foot or practice your photography from the iconic Terrapin hide. Between adventures, retreat to the pool or enjoy a restorative treatment at the Finfoot Treatment Room. Meals at Jaci’s Private Lodge come from the open plan kitchen, while dinners are eaten outside around the open fire in the ‘boma’ under the stars, or out in the bush at a ‘braai’ surrounded by nature.

Safari Suites

Jaci’s proudly introduces 10 brand-new Safari Suites, each carefully designed to celebrate the wilderness while offering the height of contemporary comfort. Positioned along a year-round riverine that flows directly beneath each room. Every suite enjoys uninterrupted views of the bush, with wildlife often visible from the moment you wake until the stars rise at night.

The design centers around immersion. Floor-to-ceiling glass ensures that no matter where you are — in bed, the sunken lounge, the bath, the shower, or even the toilet — you are always connected to nature. Expansive interiors provide generous living spaces, while private decks invite quiet moments of reflection or game viewing. The sunken lounge offers flexible use, making the suites ideal for couples, friends, or families travelling together.

Finishes are elegant yet authentic, combining natural textures and refined details to create a sense of place that is both luxurious and welcoming. With seamless access to the main lodge areas, guests enjoy the perfect balance of privacy and convenience. These Safari Suites embody the Jaci’s spirit: bold, stylish, and deeply connected to the wilderness. They are designed not just as places to stay, but as unforgettable experiences in their own right.

Child friendly

Jaci’s Private Lodge is particularly known for its family-friendliness. Children of all ages are very welcome and they can accommodate up to two children sharing with their parents. Children from 6 years up can join the adult game drives at Jaci’s Private Lodge.  Childern ages 3 – 5yrs have the option of doing a mid-morning “Jungle Drive” where Mom & Dad are welcome to join. All children of 12 or under eat in the dining room straight after their game drive and then can play in the playroom whilst parents enjoy dinner in the boma. Breakfast and lunch are eaten together as a family.

Family accommodation at Jaci’s Safari Lodge

If you prefer to stay more as a family unit, then we recommend any of the three Villa’s. Jaci’s Madikwe House, Kubu and Nare Villa each offer incredible privacy with your own game vehicles and team.

Jaci’s Madikwe House is the ultimate private safari residence, offering scale, seclusion and sweeping 270-degree views across the game reserve and surrounding vlei. Designed for extended families or groups, the house comprises five luxurious bedrooms spread across the main residence and a private guest cottage. The master bedroom features a super-king or twin bed, indoor fireplace, full en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, and indulgent outdoor bath and shower. Three additional guest bedrooms each offer super-king or twin beds with full en-suite bathrooms, one of which also includes an outdoor shower. The separate guest cottage provides an added layer of privacy, with its own en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, mini fridge, tea and coffee station and private viewing deck. Communal spaces include a fully equipped open-plan kitchen and safari bar, indoor dining and lounge areas, and a dedicated reading and work space known as the Green Room. Outdoors, guests can enjoy an expansive deck with a wood-fired hot tub, dining area, private heated plunge pool and fire pit, all set against uninterrupted bushveld vistas. A private game vehicle, dedicated field guide and a full hospitality team including chef and host ensure a seamless, tailor-made safari experience where every detail is taken care of.

Nare and Kubu Villa

Set along the banks of the Marico River, Kubu Villa is an exclusive-use retreat offering complete privacy, space and personalised safari living. The villa comprises three spacious super-king or twin-bedded bedrooms, each with a full en-suite bathroom, designed for families or groups travelling together. At the heart of the villa is a fully equipped kitchen and safari bar, complemented by generous indoor dining and lounge spaces that flow seamlessly outdoors. The exterior deck features an outdoor dining area, daybed, private heated plunge pool and fire pit, all overlooking the marvellous Marico river. Guests at Kubu Villa enjoy the ultimate in exclusivity, with their own private game vehicle and dedicated field guide, as well as a private hospitality team including a chef and host. Every detail is curated to ensure a relaxed, bespoke safari experience at your own pace.

Carefully combining contemporary design with an eco-friendly bushveld aesthetic, the newly constructed Nare Villa 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.

Finally, Nare Villa is nestled immaculately within its tranquil, natural surroundings. Positioned just a stone’s throw away from its own active waterhole, Nare provides 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.