I stayed here with my husband, parents and two children (seven and four). We squeezed six game drives into the three days and, to my daughter's glee, we saw the entire cast of the Lion King; right down to the buffalo stampede at sunset and we were within about three meters of two male lions, one of which had been injured in a fight and so had a scar! ||||Our ranger and tracker were fantastic and we saw a huge number of animals including cheetahs hunting, being right in the middle of a pride of lions hunting or finding a set of lion cubs in the bush eating what their mum had caught them. The only thing we didn't manage to see was the painted dogs although they did come close. During the morning game drive it was nice to stop for a coffee and cake but I loved the portable minibar and being able to have a glass of wine in the middle of the bush watching the sunset. As it was winter, it was much colder at the start and end of the day than expected - I'd not factored in the windchill from being in a moving vehicle.||||The food was fantastic, some of the nicest meals I've ever had. The cakes at high tea and the sherries on returning in the evening went down very well. They did their best to cater for the children but, if I'm honest, the food was just too good for what my fussy children are to eat but that's more of a reflection on us than Ipodimo! The staff were lovely with the kids and my seven year old enjoyed the bush walk and the museum talk but it was a bit lost on a four year boy who can't sit still for five minutes. (On a similar theme, Max really struggled with the game drives and slept through most of them. That's not a reflection on Ipodimo but is just a consequence of us doing something that he was too young for. We had a private jeep because of the kids and we needed it just for him to stretch out and sleep or not to disturb others when he was near animals and getting bored waiting), There were some lovely touches like the kids having a personalised colouring book and letter on arrival and getting a different Just So story about an animal as a bedtime story. ||||The lodges were beautifully furnished and were the luxury I'd hoped for. We were sharing the lodge that overlooked the waterhole and so around game drives, we watched elephants (over 20 at a time), warthogs, zebra, giraffe, hyenas etc while the kids played in the plunge pool or used the outdoor shower while watching the elephants. The animals can genuinely walk anywhere around the reserve - my dad had to turn round and try to get to the main building 10 minutes later after finding a large elephant blocking the path from our lodge. My children loved that this meant we were escorted back to the lodge at night by our ranger with his gun. We had a...
Read moreThis year I have to return to South Africa, Cape Town for a business trip. Able to arrange for a 3 night stay after the work week to stay at Impodimo Lodge with my wife along with 5 other co-workers.
This is the second time I have the pleasure to stay at a Safari Lodge. I am so glade to be able to bring my wife along to have this unique experience.
During the stay we have 6 game drives in total. We were able to see the big 5: Lion, elephant, Leopard, Africa buffalo and White Rhino. Along with abundant of Zebra and Wildebeest. Also able to see Giraffe, Impala, Kudu, Gembuck, Waterbuck, Warthog, Jackal and a pack of 4 Cheetah brothers eating their hunted meal.
One thing worth to point out is this lodge equip with a tracker sitting in front of each of the vehicle. My understanding is that most of the other lodge doesn't have one, the ranger who drive usually also function as tracker. With this additional pairs of eyes, we were able to spot the pack of cheetahs and other animals.
The weather in mid March is quite mild and very comfortable, not too hard during the at and not too cold in early morning and late afternoon during drives.
The room at the lodge is spacious and very well maintain. We have seen a herd of 20 plus elephants marching pass the open area behind the room in mid afternoon. It's quite a sight to witness in person.
The main dining and lounge area equipped with wifi if you need to connect and great place to hang out during mid day between drives.
All the staffs are terrific. Meals are very well prepared with vegetarian options.
Overall the cost is very reasonable and we all have a wonderful time!
It's a great first or second safari visit, since it has a good balance of wilderness and modern comfort.
Check out some of the photos I took during the stay. I do recommend to have a long zoom lens (200mm or higher) if you want to capture the...
Read moreOur first time visit to Madikwe and Impodimo Game Lodge was absolutely amazing! ||The lodge area is un-fenced so be prepared to meet and greet your wild neighbours, literally on our door step :) Elephants, zebras, kudus, impalas and warthogs roaming around the premises . And the Elephant Hide has a small water hole, which attracts wildlife and give great photo opportunities whether you are a photographer or just enjoying wild company. ||The rooms are super spacious , with huge bed, large bathroom and even an outdoor shower! Special feeling to have morning/evenign shower under the African stars, we didn't use the indoor shower at all on our 5 nights stay. |Air-co and a fridge for drinks. If something about the room, there is no (work)desk but we coped without. (would be handy for esp. for editing photos on a laptop and changing cameras, mobiles etc. ) The room was spotless and beautifully decorated , housekeepers did marvellous work. ||The staff was super friendly, always a smiling contact. Manager(s) had always time for a chat and were eager to hear what the game drives brought up. Our guide Sam and his tracker Lots were truly professional and had good ethical approach on wildlife and sightings, and had good stories(and facts!) to share on drives as well as at dinner table . Enjoyed every drive, thanks guys.||Ah! Food - super tasty and plenty of variety with beautiful layouts. ! the kitchen team really know their stuff. My wife is a vegetarian and she was super-happy with the options she was served. ||The main lodge is also on a stunning location overlooking the plains.Having a morning coffee on the deck before heading out on a drive.... miss those moments already ! ||We will definitely be back one day.||A huge Thank You to everyone at Impodimo Game Lodge for makin our stay so unique and memorable...
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