Jaci's Safari Lodge

Set in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North-West Province, Jaci’s Lodges offers guests the ideal destination for unrivaled game-viewing, unique luxury accommodation options, outstanding service and tailor-made safari activities.

Jaci and Jan van Heteren are the founders and owner-manager couple behind Jaci’s Lodges. A dynamic duo, they have spent over 30 years working together to create and sustain their dream of a wildlife and safari experience that surpasses guests’ expectations.

Jaci’s Lodges is a true testament to the van Heterens’ insight into the needs of couples, groups and families looking for an authentic, upmarket safari getaway with no keys, no worries, outstanding food and luxury amenities.

Additionally, they are passionately committed to empowering and uplifting the individuals who make The Jaci’s Experience so special. Jaci’s Lodges is run by a team of 50 people, most of whom live in the local community. Each person who works at the lodge contributes to the daily running, management, maintenance and service that has made Jaci’s Lodges famous throughout the years.

Jaci Safari Lodge Tented Suites (6 ROOMS)

With thatched roofs, low stone walls, private outside showers and viewing decks, canvas roll-up panels and large hand-mosaic baths, the spacious Tented Suites seamlessly let the outdoors in. Decorated in vibrant colors and African textures, each of the six double-occupancy safari-tent-style suites are equipped with air conditioning and ceiling fans.

Jaci Safari Lodge -Starbed Suite (2 ROOMS)

The two Starbed Suites are the epitome of private, exclusive romantic safari accommodation. Set over two levels, these luxury suites are ideal for honeymooners and special occasions. With a choice of sleeping indoors or under the African sky, each suite boasts two king-size beds, outdoor showers and indoor bathrooms, as well as lounge areas, a safari bar and viewing deck. Striking bursts of color, authentic decor touches, bold furniture pieces and bespoke finishes reflect style, class and sophistication with a customary Jaci’s bushveld twist.

Bushveld romance personified… These two suites are furnished with bursts of color and custom-made finishes, with rooftop extensions that afford guests the unique opportunity of sleeping under a blanket of African stars, completely immersed in the peace and tranquility of the bushveld.

Jaci's Safari Suite (1 UNIT / VILLA)

The Safari Suite is nestled in amongst a thriving Tamboti grove and is ideal for larger families or groups. The custom-built deck features a central fire pit and spacious seating area leading on to a partially covered starpod and private swimming pool, all overlooking the Marico River. Safari Suite guests have a private game viewing vehicle and guide.

The Safari Suite is decorated in bright, bold colours and African textures. Accommodating up to eight guests (Ideally four adults and four children), it’s the perfect safari hideaway for larger families or groups traveling together.

The master bedroom and adjoining room share an outdoor shower and open-plan bathroom with magnificent views into the bush. Across the passage, is a lounge with adjoining guest room, and an upstairs loft.

Jaci's Lodges Nare Suite (1 UNIT / VILLA)

This family and group-friendly bush retreat is named “Nare”, meaning “Buffalo” in Tswana, as the site was often visited by a giant buffalo bull during its construction. The suite includes a private swimming pool and viewing deck overlooking a waterhole, as well as a private game viewing vehicle and guide.

The Nare Suite, which accommodates up to six people (four adults and two children), is ideal for families or groups traveling together. The suite includes a master and guest bedroom, an open-plan bathroom with a generous stone bath and outdoor shower, swimming pool and an upstairs loft – perfect for children to stretch out and relax in.

The Reserve’s location, close to the edge of the Kalahari Desert ensures visitors a truly diverse game-viewing experience. Madikwe Game Reserve is famous for its Big 5: Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant and White & Black Rhino. The reserve is also home to Hippo, Giraffe, African Wild Dog, Brown and Spotted Hyena, and Cheetah. The most endangered species are Cheetah, Wild Dog, Black and White Rhino.

Madikwe Game Reserve supports a number of large antelope species, including Eland, Gemsbok, Red Hartebeest and Tsessebe.

Smaller antelope species also abound, including Springbok, Duiker and Klipspringer. Other animals found here include Honey Badger, Cape Clawless Otter, Serval, Aardvark, Baboon, Porcupine, Warthog, Bush Baby, Giraffe, Zebra and Aardwolf.

Big 5 Game Viewing

Bird Watching

Game Drives - Day + Night

Cultural Visits
Game Walks
Photography - Terrapin Hide
Whether you want to capture priceless images of wildlife from the centre of our active waterhole or simply sit quietly, immersing yourself in your surroundings, the water-level Terrapin Hide at Jaci’s Tree Lodge is proud to boast this unique vantage point. Our friends at Pangolin Photo Safaris assisted with the design and construction of the hide, ensuring its position and functionality is optimized for a truly unique game-viewing and photographic experience. The hide is visited by a wide variety of animals and birds, and thanks to its unique location and design, one can sit quietly and watch them coming down to drink as if you weren’t even there. Home to our ever-growing “resident” Nile Crocodile, the low angle gives photographers an unparalleled opportunity to capture eye-level images. From the safety and unique vantage point of the hide, you might even get lucky and capture an elusive leopard, swimming elephants or African wild dogs…The Terrapin Hide, open since September 2015, has established Jaci’s Lodges as a premium photographic safari destination with its West-facing orientation guaranteeing soft morning light and warm backlit silhouettes in the late afternoon. Accessible via an underwater tunnel, the hide is open to Jaci’s Tree Lodge guests 24-hours a day.For guests’ convenience, our photographic equipment is also available to hire. Whether you require a camera for a particular day’s safari drives or would like to make use of one for the duration of your stay, we are happy to be able to offer our guests access to our quality photographic equipment. An Apple MAC computer, with suitable photographic editing software is also on-hand at Jaci’s Tree Lodge Main Lodge.

For more information on Jaci's Safari Lodge, click HERE