A harmonious blend between the surrounding savannah grasslands and rustic architecture of the lodge makes Royal Madikwe an idyllic place to soak up the raw splendour of the African bush.
The whole concept behind the lodge is that for the duration of their stay visitors “should feel completely at home” forsaking none of the modern conveniences they enjoy while still having an authentic bush experience.
The lodge is set in the pristine wilderness of Madikwe Game reserve, South Africa’s fourth largest reserve, in the North West Province close to the Botswana border.
It was originally built in 2003 as a commercial lodge by a couple from Cape Town, however, after a few short months of being operational they sold it in 2004 to the current owners, Chai and Katherine Patel, who reside in the United Kingdom.
For the first few years it was used as a private residence, but the owners felt that given the beautiful location their wish was for other guests to also experience “this wonderful bush home”.
Winner of the World’s Best Luxury Game Lodge for the past two years running, in the annual World Luxury Hotel Awards, Royal Madikwe lives up to its name and promise of a ‘luxury safari residence'. The whole concept behind the lodge is that for the duration of their stay visitors “should feel completely at home” forsaking none of the modern conveniences they enjoy while still having an authentic bush experience.
Rustic charm blends with modern interior styles creating a unique and vibrant African feel.
This is how general manager, Drienie Pieterse who clearly has a passion for the place and her environment describes it. The aim is to give guests the feeling of “living in a luxury bush home” enveloped by the intrinsic beauty of the natural landscape.
For those who dream about a home in the bush or love African Chic décor, the lodge is full of design inspirations which will linger on in your mind long after you have left.
Picture yourself lazing on a comfy lounger on the wooden deck at the turquoise blue pool overlooking a waterhole where elephants, zebra and other animals amble down to drink. On a warm evening slip into a heated plunge pool or take a bath under the stars with the sounds of the bush all around you – this is the life.
Clean, natural hues and rich, organic textures infused with bright splashes of colour create a fresh, contemporary sense of calm.
The initial footprint was designed by Rob Marnewick with interiors by Lucy Corder. The Royal Suite, which is 200 square metres in size, was added in 2007 as a family suite. Drienie says the idea was to offer families with children of all ages a luxury safari destination in a malaria-free area. The lodge is well-versed and designed to cater for children, providing privacy and a rest for parents while also not intruding on other guests.
Royal Madikwe accommodates a maximum of ten guests in four suites. The architecture and design are naturally inspired, blending effortlessly with the landscape.
Ancient Leadwood and Marula trees fuse in celebration of contemporary design to create the Royal Clubhouse where a stylish lounge, dining room and library lead to elevated decks offering expansive bush views.
Ancient Leadwood and Marula trees fuse in celebration of contemporary design to create the Royal Clubhouse where a stylish lounge, dining room and library lead to elevated decks offering expansive bush views.
A tranquil infinity pool, with acacia’s providing natural shade from the heat of the sun, gives way to the vivid green palette of its lush surroundings.
Rustic charm blends with modern interior styles creating a unique and vibrant African feel. Clean, natural hues and rich, organic textures infused with bright splashes of colour create a fresh, contemporary sense of calm.
The same combination of natural tones against a fusion of modern design and comfortable furnishings is integrated into the four open-style suites, each in its own individual and completely private setting.
Indoors meets outdoors with the spacious air-conditioned suites flowing onto an elevated game viewing deck and blending seamlessly into the landscape. The plunge pool, outdoor seating and outside shower offer places to relax and refresh. Spacious interiors, a fireplace, iPod docking station and fully stocked mini bar are familiar luxuries that make guests feel at home.
The same combination of natural tones against a fusion of modern design and comfortable furnishings is integrated into the four open-style suites.
The Royal Suite is an ultra spacious retreat perfect for families and can accommodate four guests. It has a double and twin room, both with spacious luxury en suite bathrooms. There is a large open plan dining room and designer kitchen. An upstairs lounge, library and TV lounge is perfect for kids to watch TV or play games while parents get a chance to sit back and relax. An iPod docking station and music system offer the creature comforts many of us love.
The huge viewing deck has a plunge pool that is heated and lit at night where you can relax and sip champagne under the night sky. Or slip into the hot tub and take a bubble bath under the stars engulfed by the sounds and smell of the bush. An outside dining area, sunbathing spot and an outdoor 'sala' adds an exotic flavour to the overall heady combination.
Royal Suite: On a warm evening slip into a heated plunge pool or take a bath under the stars with the sounds of the bush all around you – this is the life.
The architecture and style embrace the mild to hot climate with fireplaces for when the overnight temperature drops in winter. Cement washed floors in neutral tones are cool in the heat. Thatch roofs blend perfectly with the bush setting while adding double volume space and also cooling the rooms.
Indoor and outdoor spaces flow effortlessly into one another offering special nooks and enclaves of privacy everywhere, while still being part of the whole.
Drienie and her team make the most of the many outdoor spaces using creative, colourful and varied table settings to turn each meal into a special experience. At night lanterns lining the decks and hanging in trees create a delightfully intimate and enchanting atmosphere. No lodge would be complete without a boma area where guests can congregate around a blazing fire.
Drienie and her team make the most of the various outdoor spaces using creative, colourful and varied table settings to turn each meal into a special experience.
The best time of year to visit from a game viewing perspective, says Drienie, is in September and October just before the rainy season when the bush is quite dry, which makes it easier to view game congregating around water holes. Once the rains arrive the bush becomes very green and dense and animals no longer need to come out as much for water.
Drienie says what guests take with them is “not just an out in the bush experience, but a little bit of home and everyone leaves a bit of their soul here too - this is your space and you feel part of it.”
A place can be set in a wonderful location and beautifully designed and decorated, but she says it is nothing without the passion of the people who work there. You can see this in the attention to detail in everything from living spaces to the gardens and the exquisite presentation of meals.
They employ seventeen staff members, which she explains “creates the wonderful experience for guests visiting this beautiful lodge”.
Royal Madikwe offers the perfect luxury space for a weekend away or romantic bush break – an authentic bush experience designed to warm your heart and leave paw prints on your soul. - Julia Hinton
For more information on the lodge, visit the website.
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