Cordelia, one of LaTrove’s seasoned leisure travel specialists, recently ventured to the breathtaking Jaci’s Tree Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve, tucked away in the northwestern corner of South Africa. Known for its pristine landscapes and Big Five game sightings, Madikwe holds an undeniable charm, and Jaci’s blends perfectly into its untamed beauty. From rare wildlife sightings to candlelit dinners under the stars, her experience was nothing short of magical.

The Treehouses

After being met at the airstrip and driven across the bush to Jaci’s Tree Lodge, I was welcomed with fresh juice, a warm hand towel and beaming smiles before being led to my treehouse suite, perched above the ground and surrounded by leafy canopy.

My stay began in one of Jaci’s enchanting treehouses, tucked high among the trees. Connected by elevated walkways, the treehouses each boast magnificent views into the surrounding riverine forest, as well as glimpses across the famous Marico River. The suite was a peaceful sanctuary, boasting an outdoor shower with views into the bush, and a luxurious free-standing bath set by wide open floor to ceiling windows, which provided the perfect setting to unwind. Every detail was crafted for comfort and immersion in nature, exuding an understated air of luxury that whispers, not shouts. I could’ve stayed in that bath for hours, just listening to the sounds of the bush and watching the light shift through the leaves.
‍

Dining 

One thing I didn't necessarily expect was how much dining at Jaci’s would become a highlight of the entire safari experience. Every meal felt like a journey through flavors and textures, where South African flair met modern culinary creativity. From fine dining dinners under the stars to bush braais deep in the reserve!

One night, upon return from a thrilling game drive, we were led by candlelight into the bush where we joined fellow guests for a feast in the traditional boma. Surrounded by crackling firelight, the rhythmic sounds of the evening bush activity, and a sky scattered with stars, the atmosphere was as rich as the food. We were served grilled meats cooked on the bbq in front of us, an assortment of salads and vegetables, homemade breads and delicious deserts. It was more than just a meal, it was an experience. The passion of the chefs, the beautiful outdoor setting, the laughter and the stories shared from our game drives that day; it all felt incredibly special. 

No matter the location, whether a breakfast overlooking the waterhole, a surprise lunch out in the bush, or a fireside dinner, Jaci’s delivered unforgettable safari-style dining with warmth, heart, and unmistakable flair.
‍

Into the Wild: Game Drives in Madikwe

Of course, no visit to Jaci’s Tree Lodge would be complete without experiencing the magic of the Madikwe wilderness from the back of an open safari vehicle. Everyday I joined both morning and afternoon game drives and each one delivered something entirely new and unforgettable.

Led by Jaci’s experienced and passionate field guides, the game drives took me across rolling savannahs, riverbeds, and rocky outcrops, all within one of South Africa’s most diverse and ecologically rich reserves.

On one unforgettable morning, we were lucky enough to follow a pack of endangered African wild dogs, which had recently been spotted residing nearby. What followed was nothing short of exhilarating - we arrived just in time to watch the pack (including the newly born pups) emerge from the bush - sleek, alert, and almost ghostlike in their movement. The wild dogs played and communicated with one another in a scene that felt both intimate and rare. As one of Africa’s most threatened predators, seeing them in the wild was a true privilege.

Every game drive truly revealed something new and astonishing. We didn’t just see the wildlife, we witnessed raw, unscripted moments of nature in motion. One morning we watched a majestic lion pair in a powerful display of courtship, their deep, guttural calls echoing across the plains; a primal, unforgettable sound. Later that same day our guide expertly tracked the action as a tense standoff unfolded between a lion and a buffalo. Dust swirled, hooves thundered, and for a few heart-stopping moments I held my breath as predator and prey faced off in the wild.

But there were softer scenes too; a pair of baby rhinos trotting beside their mother, elephants lumbering past the vehicle with a quiet grace, giraffes browsing treetops, herds of zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, impala, and kudu grazing nearby. Spotted hyenas skulked in the shadows, and even a cheetah was seen basking in the sun, draped lazily across a tree branch. And then there were the birds…everywhere. From soaring eagles to the flicker of a lilac-breasted roller catching the sun mid-flight, Madikwe’s skies were as alive as the land.It felt like being dropped into a nature documentary, but better, because we were living it!

As the sun began to set each evening, the vehicle would stop in the middle of nowhere, yet somehow, exactly the right place, for gin and tonics in the golden light, with sweeping views and the quiet thrill of the wild all around.

It wasn’t just what I saw, but it was how it made me feel - completely present, totally alive, and so deeply connected to the environment we were in.
‍

One of the highlights? The Terrapin Hide.

Hidden away at water level, this unique water-level viewing spot nestled beside a waterhole gives guests a front-row seat to watch herds of elephants slowly wander down to drink, just meters away. One morning I was in the hide when suddenly, eyes peeking just above the surface, the resident alligator made its slow, graceful appearance, barely disturbing the water’s surface!

Whether you dream of watching elephants from a hidden hide, dining under the stars, or witnessing Africa’s most iconic wildlife up close, LaTrove Travel is here to make it happen.

‍

Get in touch with us today to begin planning your bespoke safari journey to Jaci’s Tree Lodge or beyond.

Start your enquiry now by submitting our Trip Request Form.

‍

‍

‍

‍