If you’ve been dreaming of going on an African safari, you’ll want to check out the Madikwe Safari Lodge – Kopano. The beautiful property, located right inside the game reserve, is one that you could spend days at.
The lodge is one thing, but the experience you’ll get on your African safari is what makes this place unique.
The Lodge
Arriving at Madikwe Game Reserve, which is north of Johannesburg in South Africa, put me in awe all on its own. But coupled with Madikwe Safari Lodge, I suddenly was in an entirely different world. When I stepped onto the lodge’s property, I couldn’t think of another place I had stayed before that was similar or could even be compared to this luxury lodge.
Nothing lies between you and the raw nature beyond.
The lodge transmits a sense of peace to those that come and go, giving them a temporary home in the middle of an African game reserve. Nestled just a 10 minute ride from the eastern air strip, it sits on the side of a little hill.
Each lodge comes with a nice sitting area outside (obviously off the ground so you don’t get eaten by a lion). It also has an outdoor shower and pool, indoor shower and bathtub, a fireplace, and a small living room area.
It has a rustic feel to it, but is pure luxury.
Kopano is adult only and holds only 4 suites, creating an intimate space for guests to relax or explore the rest of the property. The property boasts two other kid-friendly properties within walking distance.
The main pool also resides at Lelapa Lodge with a watering hole situated conveniently across from the pool. You’ll see many animals flock to around noon each day.
The Experience: African Safari
The people who work at Kopano are hands down the friendliest and most genuinely caring people I have encountered in a hotel setting. The staff members take pride in what they do. This is evident in their interactions with you. They introduce themselves immediately upon your arrival and cater to every need without hesitation.
We had nightly fires made in our room to keep us warm during the night, an exercise bag conveniently placed in the room (to remind us to not get lazy), and stainless steel water bottles, bug spray, and bathrobes provided for us.
The Mornings
You are woken up in the winter months at 5:45 am in an untraditional way. A staff member who introduces themselves the night before comes to personally knock on your door to wake you up. When you enter the lobby, coffee, tea, and an assortment of breakfast snacks wait for you to dig in before your adventure in the bush.
Upon return to the lodge around 10 am, the staff stand outside the lodge to give you a fresh, damp towel to clean your hands and face. A table is placed somewhere around the lobby (it changes based on the day) with fresh fruit and cheeses, and menus for you to choose your main course. Your food order can be completely catered to your liking. You can create a simple change to a menu option or ask for something not even on the menu. Drink options are endless and range from black coffee and tea to cappuccinos and freshly-squeezed orange juice.
During the winter months, the lodge doesn’t serve lunch because breakfast is later than usual. Instead, at 3 pm, afternoon high tea is in the lobby. In addition to tea, they offer a delicious iced coffee and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres that range from mini sandwiches to rich eclairs.
Afternoon and Dinners on African Safari
After high tea, you again set off on another safari. Upon return to the lodge, you can either go back to your room and freshen up, or you can opt to not freshen up and go straight to the food. This is what we opted to do.
Dinners are traditional three course meals, served in an aesthetically pleasing way. They of course are not lacking in taste.
Madikwe Safari Lodge – Kopano is not simply a place you stay to sleep, but rather a rich experience within itself. You can eat, relax, interact with the staff, and remain in awe at the vastness of the African bush.
Dani, I am enjoying reliving our fabulous experiences through your blog! Pat Foor
Author
Pat, I loved reliving it while writing the blog! I hope you continue to relive the experience as I write more!