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Jaci’s Lodges – An Authentic Safari Getaway

Jaci’s Lodges is a family owned and run safari lodge located within Madikwe Game Reserve about a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg. The reserve is home to a variety of impressive wildlife including the Big 5.

The lodge is owned by Jan and Jaci van Heteren who, alongside their team, ensure an authentic experience with outstanding hospitality.

Jaci’s Lodges is an excellent choice for families, or couples, offering a variety of room types and facilities.

Jaci’s Lodges comprises of two separate lodges about a kilometer apart from each other. The safari lodge is ideal for families, and the tree lodge is adults-only. The property also has suites that can host up to 8 guests.

The staff made me feel right at home as soon as I arrived. The lodge has such a homely and cozy feel throughout and the staff were eager to make our stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Upon arrival we were offered a refreshing towel and cold beverage, as well as a reusable water bottle to be used throughout our stay.

I stayed at Jaci’s Tree Lodge in one of their eight treehouse suites. The suite was spacious, uniquely decorated, and surrounded by the natural environment. The rooms don’t have keys, which makes the stay authentic and makes you feel immersed in nature. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and had electric blankets, which is perfect for the cold winter nights. The suite had a beautiful bathtub and double vanity, as well as a huge outdoor shower.

Each morning there were sounds of hyenas and hippos in the distance waking me up, so no need for an alarm. We got a wake-up call at 6:30am each morning for the 7am game drive and were served coffee and snacks before heading off on the morning drive.

The dining experience at Jaci’s Lodges was exceptional. Our meals were served in different areas each day, breakfast at the boma area, lunch at Tlou Deck and dinner at the cozy indoor dining venue. We had a full English breakfast each morning to fuel us for the activity filled days. My favourite lunch was at the Tlou Deck overlooking the watering hole, we had the most delicious pork tacos and a local wine to pair. There were elephants at the watering hole during our entire lunch and it was just the most relaxing setting. The dinner menus were creative, and the chef certainly exceeded my expectations.

The first night we had Impala Shank which was really something different and my first-time eating Impala. The second night I had the most delicious chicken roulade, and my partner had the lamb rack which he thoroughly enjoyed (as it’s his favourite dish!). This last dinner was also so special because the staff set up the Tlou Deck for us even though it’s winter, but they put mushroom heaters next to our table and gave us blankets and we just had the best dinner experience.

The Terrapin hide is the most impressive spot at the lodge. This unique, submerged hide is accessed via an underwater tunnel and provides you with the opportunity to observe wildlife up close, right at water level. This is the perfect place for photographers to capture once-in-a-lifetime shots. You can sit in the hide for hours watching the animals in their natural habitat. We saw a herd of elephants up close, as well as a crocodile swimming in the water near the hide. There were also giraffes, bucks, zebras and birds visiting the watering hole during the day.

The hide is in my opinion the highlight of the lodge and a truly memorable and immersive experience.  

The swimming pool is a great place to relax and take a dip between activities. There is also the comfortable lounge area and bar which has a fireplace, perfect for winter days. The lodge also offers a small curio shop with beautiful local crafts and souvenirs.

There is a relaxing river walk between Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Jaci’s Tree Lodge and is a lovely activity for after breakfast. During my walk, I encountered monkeys and antelopes, as well as the most beautiful blue birds.

The lodge offered daily morning and afternoon game drives within the impressive Madikwe Game Reserve. We made sure to attend every game drive as there is always something new to see on each drive. Peter was our dedicated safari guide, and he is extremely knowledgeable on the reserve, and he loves astronomy. Peter has been in the industry for about 30 years so we were comfortable that he would make our drives memorable. He played educational games with us during sunset hour on the safari which was interactive and fun. I appreciated his enthusiasm.

During our game drives, we saw two male rhinos, wildebeest, elephants and giraffes. We also saw a herd of about a hundred buffalo at a watering hole which was impressive. On the second day we encountered three lions up close, it was an exhilarating feeling being so close to these wild animals.

On our last afternoon safari, we had an incredible sighting of three cheetah brothers. Our guide told us that it is rare to see cheetahs like we did on the open plains. There were also two rhinos nearby who tried chasing the cheetahs away, it was very entertaining to watch up close. It was the highlight of all our game drives, and truly a special sighting.

This unique destination offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, adventure, and authentic African charm.

Thank you to the staff for making my stay so special, thanks to Manny at the front office, Zandile and Kea in the dining areas, Russell the chef, and Peter our guide.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Kayla Lourens

To book your stay at Jaci’s Lodges, visit their website: www.jacislodges.co.za

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Adventures in the wilds of Africa at Pondoro Game Lodge…

After our 6-hour drive from Johannesburg, we finally arrived at Pondoro Game Lodge.
Upon our arrival, one of the staff members, Armand welcomed us and took us to the reception area. We were offered a special welcome drink by the staff members. Armand briefly explained the program for the following days to us.


We were then taken to our room which left my husband and I breathless. The room was really a big spoil – beautifully decorated to suite the name of the room which was called tree suit. The suite that we stayed in had a spectacular view overlooking the Olifant’s river and our own private hot tub on the beautiful deck.

During our three day stay, my husband and I were so overwhelmed with the wonderful staff and the exceptional service. The effort that was made for us was so special and the managers and staff really bent over backwards to accommodate our every need, no matter how small or big. My husband had a special dietary requirement which the staff accommodated without any hesitation. This meant a lot to us.

Dorah, the lady who cleaned our room every day, made the stay extremely special for us. We really want to thank her for making our stay even more memorable. She left us a note on our bed every morning and evening. It was really the little things she did that stole our heart.

The highlight of the trip was definitely the game drives and wildlife. Within the first few hours of arrival we saw 4 out of the Big 5 animals. Our Game Rangers Marius didn’t let anything stop him to get us as close as possible to the animals. Never before have I had such great success spotting wildlife.

It was a stay we won’t easily forget. Just speaking to other guests at the lodge, who return year after year, says so much about the Lodge.

We had a amazing stay and I hope to return again one day soon.

Reviewed by Franca a representative of World Luxury Awards

To book follow the link to the website www.pondoro.co.za

 

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An unforgettable wildlife experience at Aquila Game Reserve…

Only two hours away from Cape Town lies the Touws River area where the 10 000-hectare safari experience at Aquila Game Reserve awaits.

I was checked into a Premier Room with an exquisite panoramic view of the nature reserve. In the distance, there were elephants and giraffes frolicking at the watering hole. This room contains a balcony, an en-suite bathroom, coffee and tea making facilities and complimentary water.

View from our room

We did the sunset game drive with our very friendly and knowledgeable guide Trevor. Truly a once in a lifetime experience, we saw 4 of the big five as well as local wildlife that included giraffe, springbok and zebras. The animals can be seen so close that you are able to take selfies! The tour was informative and fun, ending on a high note with a drink and snack in the mountains before visiting the lions.

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The infinity poolside restaurant served 3 daily flavourful buffet meals, a typical Klein Karoo culinary experience. After a gorgeous sunset and dinner was eaten, we were invited to stargaze in a fire pit and braai marshmallows.

I also enjoyed a treatment at The Tranquila Spa, which features 2 large heated indoor pools, steam room, sauna, nail bar, 10 treatment rooms, a couples or group treatment room and an outdoor pool. The property also boasts a Conference Centre Cigar Lounge, Curio Shop and Children’s Entertainment Centre.

A big thank you to the entire team for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Reviewed by Adele Hamman – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

to book click the link below

aquilasafari.com