Jamala Madikwe

Every single aspect of our stay was amazing. We expected an African safari to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us, but staying at Jamala was so incredible that we are already determined to come back.I'm going to try to break down the review by every aspect.Planning the trip was made so easy with help from the staff. They were incredibly communicative. They helped us arrange transport to and from. The information provided made the process super easy.Upon arrival, we were greeted with champagne and our bags were brought to our villa for us. We walk into the main lodge and already we can see wildlife at the watering hole out back. Niko talked us more through what we can expect during out stay, when meals are, game drives, the works. Then when we were ready we went to our villa.The villa was absolutely gorgeous. It overlooked the reserve as well with great views. The private pool was relaxing. We had a giraffe walk up and lie down in front of us one day while in the pool. The outdoor shower was surprisingly liberating lol. The mini-bar area was also very well stocked with drinks, snacks, etc. Every day they seemed to time it so that they could sneak in to tidy the place up, clean the pool, etc while we were at meals. I enjoyed coming back from dinner to a bottle of cold water on the nightstand with slippers laid out, lights dimmed, curtains closed. Likewise in the mornings after breakfast the curtains were opened, things were cleaned up, etc. It was such meticulous and great service.The game drives run twice a day, and each time we saw more animals that I could have imagined. The safari guides know their stuff. They know the best spots to locate the different animals, so they can tailor the drive to what you are looking for. I love how they were very responsible about how the drives are conducted, limiting the number of vehicles at a time in certain areas so as not to overwhelm the animals and interfere with their lives. I never imagined how much I would learn on these drives. Niall made them quite the experience.In terms of food, there were multiple options. Before the morning game drives, they always had coffee and tea available with some light food to get you going for the day. Upon returning, we could sit down and order/eat breakfast while watching more wildlife from the table. They also serve afternoon high tea with food. Finally, the day is rounded out with dinner also overlooking the reserve. I cannot stress enough how stellar the food was. I felt like I was dining at a Michelin Star restaurant. I expected it to be good, but it was beyond good. I ended up buying an African spice cookbook while there to try to use some of those spice blends at home.Saving the best for last, it was the staff who made the experience. I apologize as I am not the best with names, but every single person working there made the stay what it was. Niko, Niall, Lawrence, Lazzie, and many more. They were all so wonderful. When my wife came down with heat exhaustion, they quickly got me extra water and some electrolyte packets for her. Word passed to the other staff, and they offered to bring dinner for us to the villa that night so that she did not have to walk to the lodge. Everyone was so caring and friendly.To finalize, all I can say is that we look forward to coming back and bringing others with us! Thank you all again so much for making our stay wonderful!

Absolutely brilliant,1st class service all the from the moment you set foot on the premises. You are treated like royalty.......Rodney and the Jamala Crew deserve the 5 star rating and more.It was difficult to leave..

While we enjoyed several unique safari camps/lodges during our visit to S. Africa, Jamala Madikwe is the most memorable. In addition to the luxury, they treat you like family. There are a limited number of villas which allows for personal attention to each guest. The water hole on sight attracts many different animals at all hours of the day and night. The game drives were outstanding and delivered sightings of the Big Five. Meals are served in various locations in the lodge, each lovely, and they accommodate your personal schedule for dining. The entire Jamala team are special. We didn't want to leave.

My wife and I spent part of our honeymoon at Jamala Madikwe and I can say without exaggeration that it was a life-changing experience. Every detail, from warm towels after a cold drive to a surprise final dinner in the watchtower overlooking the watering hole, was just perfect. Rodney, KG, and all the staff help create an experience that, as previous reviewers have mentioned, is luxurious but also extremely friendly and warm. We hope we are lucky enough to return one day, and if you are considering different lodges, just stop what you’re doing and email Rodney. You won’t be disappointed !

Great owners Rodney & Nico . Tastefully furnished. Very impressive wine selection. Magnificently appointed chalets, gym and spa with great views onto a water hole.

The most incredible lodge, service, food and game drives. Put it on you bucket list!

Our time at Jamala was unforgeable. The view of the water hole seems to be choreographed by nature for the guests - we were treated to the antics of baby elephants, playing lions, a large herd of buffalo to list just a few. Our villa was superb with an indescribable view. The staff was efficient, attentive and friendly. The food was top notch and perfectly catered to our dietary requirements. The game drive guide was very knowledgeable and a good host to boot. I highly recommend Jamala if you are looking for an unforgeable encounter in the African bush.

The overall experience was amazing. Absolutely amazing. We made a big mistake by booking the wrong dates, we were so happy when the whole crew at Jamala were so accommodating by letting us change our dates. We have plenty of dietary requirements in our family (kosher, lactose intolerance, vegetarian and some people couldn’t have grapes) the chefs were so excellent that we didn’t have to worry once about our requirements and we ate the best food we had ever had in our lives!! Mike was the best game ranger we had ever had and was such an amazing person and guide. The staff were amazing as well. If they even thought you were thirsty, you would have a full water bottle in your hand.I recommend Jamala Madikwe an overall life changing experience with the outmost quality and professionalism. Thank you to Rodney, Mike and the rest of the team!

Jamala Madikwe is quite simply magical.Not only is it opulent, stylish and luxurious, but it is authentic and soulful too. This coupled with spectacular scenery, incredible game-viewing, scrumptious food and caring staff, from the plate clearer to the guide to the chef to the owner, it cannot be faulted.If you can, go now.Thank you dearest Rodney, Nico, KG, Lawrence, Lazzie, Precious and all those behind the scenes…Although ‘thank you’ does not adequately capture the gratitude we feel for these unforgettable family memories.Hope to see you all again soon!With so much love.

This is the height of pampering with everything you could require catered for. Lazarus was our guide and was excellent. Of six planned game drives 2 had to be cancelled. 1 for overnight tiredness and the other because of a very heavy storm during the night. Despite these omissions we still had great experiences and were up close and personal with lions, cheetah, elephant, wild dogs giraffe and many antelope of different types. Waterhole provides armchair Safari viewing particularly at breakfast and evening meal time. Well recommended.