A Little Slice of Magic at Madikwe Hills

After breakfast on our last morning at Tuningi, we packed up, said our goodbyes, and climbed back onto the game viewer with Ashley for the first leg of our journey. He drove us halfway across the reserve, where we swapped vehicles, shared hugs all round, and headed west through the valley towards Madikwe Hills with our new guide, Brian, and tracker Max.

We arrived to warm smiles, cold drinks, and an easy introduction from Hannes and the team. Madikwe Hills is built into a rocky outcrop, with wooden walkways winding between huge boulders and trees. It feels private without feeling formal, like the lodge has grown naturally out of the landscape rather than been placed on top of it.

After a quick freshen-up in our suite, we headed down for lunch overlooking the waterhole, which quickly became clear was an elephant hotspot. They came and went all day, and at one point we even watched an elephant lean over and drink straight from the pool. Only in Africa.

Our suite was spacious and calm, with a private deck, plunge pool, and wide-open views across the reserve. One of those rooms where you instantly slow down. We spent the early afternoon reading, chatting, and enjoying the quiet before heading down for high tea here it was all about iced coffees, sweet treats, and the familiar pre-drive excitement.

Our first afternoon game drive with Brian and Max set the tone straight away. Max has been at Madikwe Hills for 21 years, and paired with Brian’s knowledge, the two of them were such a great team. Less than half an hour into the drive, we found a pack of wild dogs resting in the grass. We sat with them for ages, watching them stretch, play, and interact in that wonderfully chaotic way wild dogs do. A really special sighting.

As the light softened, we stopped for sundowners. Gin and tonics in hand, snacks laid out, and the sky slowly shifting from warm orange to soft pink. Back at camp, we freshened up and headed to the boma for dinner. Firelight, traditional food, singing, dancing, and that unmistakable bush atmosphere made the evening feel so special. I even tried blesbok fillet for the first time (and loved it). At Madikwe Hills, boma dinners are shared only with your guide, which adds such a personal touch.

The next morning we swapped the vehicle for a guided bush walk with Brian. After a few days of game drives, it felt good to stretch our legs and slow things down. We learned about tracks, insects, dung beetles, and all the small details that are so easy to miss when you’re in the vehicle. Breakfast afterwards was served on the main deck, once again with elephants wandering past. Fresh fruit, yoghurt, pastries, cheeses, and a made-to-order hot breakfast, all enjoyed while watching elephants at the waterhole. Safari at its best.

The rest of the day was ours to relax, so we booked spa treatments and Sonja was incredible! One of those massages that leaves you feeling completely reset. Before we knew it, it was time for high tea again and our final afternoon game drive. We shared the vehicle with a few other guests, which was lovely, spotting elephants and plains game before stopping for one last sundowner and, of course, another G&T.

Dinner that evening was served on the main deck, a delicious three-course meal under the stars, the lodge lights glowing around us, and the sounds of the bush carrying through the warm air. A perfect final night.

On our last morning, we took it slow, squeezed in a gym session, and then headed down for breakfast. Madikwe Hills really do go above and beyond to make your stay feel special. I had mentioned that it was Nina’s birthday, and when we arrived there were mimosas poured and chocolate cake waiting for us. The perfect way to start the day. After heartfelt goodbyes, we headed to the western airstrip for our Federal Air flight back to Johannesburg, feeling full, happy, and very grateful for our time at Madikwe Hills.

Madikwe Hills is a lodge that blends wild landscapes with warm hospitality and pure comfort. It was the perfect ending to our time in Madikwe Game Reserve.