A Malaria-Free Family Wildlife Exploration to South Africa
Trip highlights
- Spend a night in the busy city of Johannesburg before your safari begins
- Head out on thrilling bush walks in Madikwe Game Reserve
- Sleep out under the stars drinking in the star-strewn night skies
- Sign up for a special programme of children's activities in Marataba
- Enjoy a water safari, looking for wildlife in the river and on the banks
- Join an experienced guide for morning and evening wildlife drives
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One night in Joburg
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Head out on foot
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Sleep beneath the stars
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Young nature enthusiasts
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River safaris
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Excellent wildlife viewing
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–2 Johannesburg
- Days 2–5 Madikwe
- Days 5–9 Marataba
- Days 1–2 Johannesburg
- Days 2–5 Madikwe
- Days 5–9 Marataba
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Welcome to Jozi
South Africa‘s ‘Big Apple’, this sunny city is not only one of the world’s largest urban areas and South Africa’s commercial and economic hub, it’s also been branded the new capital of cool. In recent years, Johannesburg (otherwise known as Joburg or Jozi) has undergone a huge transformation, shifting from a jumping-off point to a city that has been described as one of the coolest cities in the world. The inner city in particular has been completely redeveloped with a huge amount of public art popping up all over the streets.
Where you could stay
Johannesburg
Overview
Based in the suburb of Melrose, just 10 minutes from the shopping & business centres of Melrose Arch, Rosebank and Sandton and 45 minutes from Johannesburg Airport, The Peech Hotel is an owner run boutique hotel.
The sixteen rooms here provide you with all the expected mod cons, while the garden rooms overlook the one acre of lush grounds from a private patio or balcony. You can also enjoy these views from the relaxed bistro restaurant which boasts patio dining, a wine cellar and a private dining room.
Meanwhile the outdoor pool offers a refreshing spot to relax or get in some fitness before you head on to your next destination.
→ Find out moreJohannesburg
Overview
A warm, hospitable welcome awaits you at The Residence, located in the historic suburb of Houghton, which is also home to many famous residents including former President Nelson Mandela. The Residence exudes a charming air of quiet dignity, with an abundance of bougainvillea blossoms cascading down the terraced gardens.
This is a gorgeous spot where you are treated with personalised service and are invited to make yourself at home.
The Residence is an extraordinary boutique hotel that is truly one of a kind, no effort has been spared in creating the most sublime surroundings to surpass your greatest expectations. On arrival at The Residence, you are greeted warmly and graciously before being shown around the guest areas on the ground floor. There is an immediate awareness of the sophisticated splendour of the interior and an all-pervading atmosphere of total tranquillity.
The entrance hall leads through to the sumptuous lounge and sitting room with plush furnishings inviting carefree relaxation for all seasons. A cosy log fire is lit in the fireplace on chilly days, while doors opening onto the long, spacious veranda offer a cool respite from the warm African sun.
Guests are welcome to take a stroll through the manicured gardens and enjoy a game of tennis or swim a few lengths in the large outdoor pools. Enjoy a work out at our gymnasium or play a round of golf on the Houghton Golf Course.
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Magnificent Madikwe
The Madikwe Game Reserve, bordering the Kalahari Desert and Botswana in South Africa’s north west corner, is one of the country’s lesser known and more remote of the Big Five safari experiences. Moreover, it’s malaria-free, making the area great for families. This is South Africa‘s fifth largest game reserve at 75,000 hectares where a wide variety of wildlife can be found. There is a large population of elephants, 300 types of bird and over sixty different mammal species including the ‘Magnificent Seven’ (elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, lion and African Wild Dog).
Where you could stay
Madikwe
Overview
Molori’s five vast suites are distanced for more privacy and designed to the starry heights of infinite, open-sided African chic.
At the hand of celebrated South African interiors master Stephen Falcke, the lodge’s perfectly attuned style is not too overboard to disconnect you from the surroundings. A well-balanced blend of international fittings and furnishings sit well next to more regional equivalents and art, a good example being the glass chandeliers that dangle from the steep thatch-roof ceilings.
Each of the suites enjoys a pleasing amount of seclusion being well-spaced apart and with their own private decking, infinity plunge pools not to mention magnificent views of the Dwarsberg mountains and surrounding bush of the Madikwe. The two 600sqm presidential suites (Metsi and Molelo) are decorated to the zenith of luxury with Phillippe Starck bathtubs, Fendi loungers and Swahili tables – but again, the glitz is played down to make way for the breath-taking surrounds.
The main lodge features a fantastic, world-class Spa to help you relax and really unwind in this wild setting, plus Molori usually places a celebrated chef in residence for some of the country’s best fine dining on safari.
→ Find out moreMadikwe
Highlights
- Five sumptuously appointed luxury villas with private pools
- An inviting lounge and library with fireplace
- Private rim-flow pool to relax in
Overview
Individual service, attention to detail and exclusivity are at the heart of the owner-managed and run, Jamala Madikwe, Royal Safari Lodge. This luxurious lodge successfully combines colonial and African style for a sophisticated stay in the savannahs of the Madikwe area. Catering to a maximum of ten guests within five sumptuously appointed villas, each villa offers indulgent privacy, individual rim-flow pools, separate outdoor showers, a cosy fireplace and a sala overlooking the bushveld.
Set in a quiet corner of the pristine renowned 75 000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Jamala Madikwe is the ideal place for that ultimate safari experience.
In the evenings witness the hive of activity at the waterhole right in front of the lodge, or unwind on your own private deck and take in the glowing sunsets. Guests can also savour a romantic private dinner up the Water Tower, enjoy private massages, unwind in the library with fireplace or make use of the gym.
→ Find out moreMadikwe
Overview
The Safari Lodge is the camp’s main lodge and has a loft bar, dining room, pool and cosy fireplace for chillier nights.
The eight luxury tented suites here all observe the typically refined safari style of open-plan living, making use of the views from every imaginable angle. Leather upholstered headboards and chairs, wooden floors draped in hide rugs, local art, mosaic-laid baths, underfloor heating and outside showers all do their utmost to bring the outdoors in (but with your comfort always in mind too).
For families or friends there are two larger suites available: the Nare (sleeping six) and Safari (sleeping eight), both of which come with their own plunge pool, private game guide and vehicle.
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Make it mine
On foot
Night skies
Bush walks
During the morning game drives, should you be feeling energetic, you can take up the option of experiencing an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the African bush on foot via a gentle bush walk through the bush back to the Lodge. This experience provides exceptional close encounters with the smaller inhabitants of this wilderness. Due to the heat in summer, winter is the best time for walking safaris.
Stargazing and sleepouts
A sleepout or starbed suite is the most incredible way to immerse yourself in the wonder of the African bush. Enjoy the spectacular clarity of the night sky and listen to the sounds of the wilderness as you fall asleep. Awake to the chatter of birds in the glowing golden light of sunrise.
Sanctuary in Marataba
Marataba is a malaria-free 23000 hectare private concession within the Marakele National Park, set in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in the scenic Limpopo Province. With buffalo recently reintroduced, the park is now home to all of the Big Five, as well as abundant bird life and varied flora. The Tswana name Marakele or ‘place of sanctuary’ is a fitting name for this South African national park where you can enjoy game drives and walks whilst exploring majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys.
Where you could stay
Limpopo Province
Overview
The experience at the Marataba Safari Camp is one that manages to expertly bring together the romance of outdoor living and the thrill of wild exploration with the luxury standards of today by blending more contemporary designs with the antiquated tented safari adventure.
The camp’s enviable spot in the Waterburg’s Marakele National Park and at the foot of its majestic copper-flushed mountains surrounded by flourishing bushveld is well worth a mention too. Its fifteen tented suites are swathed in soft awnings, fine furnishings, luxury linens and with bathrooms that have deep stone carved bath tubs as well as indoor and outdoor showers.
The main lodge has a more contemporary take on the open-plan style of safari living with its lounges and dining room decorated with more modern fittings, yet the overall effect is still very African.
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Explore together
Bush skills
Splash out
Into the veld
Into the veld
Family adventures
Spending time outdoors can help young travellers become stronger, more confident and more imaginative. Marataba’s Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure experience includes a eco-garden play area with dedicated coordinators. Days here are filled with nature treasure hunts, like looking for heart-shaped rocks and leaves. Family game drives may involve bush orientation, animal spoor identification and mould-making. There are other fun activities as well, like making pizzas or cupcake decorating, arts and crafts, and movie nights.
Water safari
Some of Marataba’s most extraordinary sightings occur from the deck of a flat-bottomed river boat. Head 2.5 km up the Matlabas River and back, looking for wildlife both in the water and on the river banks. It’s perfect for birdwatching and relaxed, uninterrupted game viewing. This experience is suitable for six years and older.
Morning bush walks
Part of the morning safari at Marataba, bush walks are an excellent opportunity to get off the vehicle and in touch with nature. Your expert field guide will position you downwind of bigger game and call your attention to the smaller creatures you might often miss on drives.
My husband and I recently traveled to South Africa and we utilized Jacada travel services. Jody Van Merode planned the perfect trip for us- we spoke over the phone and she put together an itinerary that would best match what we wanted to see, our interests and our budget! We visited two very different game reserves - each beautiful in…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
