Jamala Madikwe — Hotel in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality

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...

What an amazing Place. Having been to Africa over 10 times and South Africa about 9 times, I can truly say this lodge is 100% in the small zone reserved for lodges of excellence. Nico overlooks all aspects of the lodge and keeps everything running at an extremely high level. The rooms are stunning well appointed and have an incredible view. Happy and the rest of the team will help you with any request or question you may have. The food, dinner, simply cannot get better, breakfast and high tea are without fault, consistently. The top chef Jacques is a very cool guy, greatly skilled and innovative as is the design and layout of their new kitchen, very innovative. So much attention to detail is paid to the culinary side that they even have their own custom made crockery/dishware. Sadly I had a mini cold and with lightning speed Nico and his team offered an array of helpful S.A. medicines that assisted me quickly. They also created a special cocktail for me as well, all very much appreciated. The viewing area of the lodge is beautifully designed, artful modern and purpose built to make the most of the marvelous waterhole only meters away. In this beautiful and newly designed public area you may enjoy an array of sofas and chairs, you may grab a drink then sit and enjoy watching the animals coming for their drink! If you stay long enough you will see pretty much the big 5 or if you are lucky the actual big 5, right from the lodge. Incredible game viewing! This is truly a unique feature. Well done to everyone at the entire Jamala lodge for the most incredible lodge experience. It is truly 5 star. Regards from the Bahamas! Although I went on almost all game drives offered this review does not cover the ranger or game drives or the reserve itself, only the lodge and...

Oh my goodness. Where to start?||OK a few facts: Madikwe is on the Botswana border, a few hours from Johannesburg. The wildlife reserve is huge (apparently 750km squared) so the animals are entirely wild; this is a very authentic experience.||For our stay, we flew into Lanseria and drove; it was quite an easy journey. The main lodge is created with endless attention to detail, and feels like it was built as a labour of love. But when you walk through to the back ... wow! It's right next to a watering hole, and all the animals come there throughout the day to drink. You can see more from the sofas (or indeed the pools) as you'll get on most safari game drives- elephants, lions, giraffes, impalas, birds all in great numbers.||The staff are knowledgeable, and very helpful, nothing is too much trouble. The high-tea served in the afternoon is great and always different. The drinks from the bar are generously sized. There are many seating and tabled areas in the main lodge, so dinner is served in a different location each night. The dinner, of course, is wonderful.||Game drives happen at various times throughout the day. We got to see everything you'd expect (too much to describe here), and highlights included a black rhino, and also lions hunting zebra.||Guests stay in villas, which are just exquisite. The layout is such that no villa is overlooked, so very private. We've stayed in a lot of nice places, and this was really "Up there." A pool, a huge bath, lovely shower, super-comfy huge bed, endless attention to detail. You can look out of the wall-to-ceiling windows and see elephants going past your bedroom (around 20 metres away). Just wonderful.||There's more to Jamala than I can describe. It really is perfect. Loved our stay...