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Last Word Madikwe - Madikwe Game Reserve
The Last Word Madikwe prides itself on being different from other lodges in the reserve. The actual lodge itself has been transformed from an old farmhouse into the inviting establishment we find today, providing an intimate setting and personal touch from the owners. This four-star luxury bush lodge is located on the western side of the reserve encourages guests to enjoy the relaxed informal atmosphere.
The spirit of oasis and sanctuary, Last Word Madikwe is a completely unique safari experience. Twice daily games drives to track the Big Five are a guest favourite, but the true difference is to be found right at the lodge itself. The house pours on to green and tranquil gardens which flow to the ancient waterhole just meters from the lawn’s end. It is a place most of the animals visit daily and one can see large interactive herds of elephant, lions, leopard, buffalo, dogs, white and black rhino, and many more just by relaxing in a garden seat enjoying a drink or snack. Madikwe’s original underground hide steals right up to the waterhole where aspiring photographers can catch the shot of a lifetime. Birdlife is abundant and although you will see many different species while out on game drive, many love to visit the inviting garden area and will often join you for breakfast. And it’s malaria free.
The Bush House is a sublime owner-managed lodge set on the mid-western border of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. This four-star home-away- from-home in Big Five country is set in an old farmhouse which has been converted into an intimate bushveld hideaway. In keeping with its informal atmosphere, The Bush House invites visitors to kick back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable African safari.
2026/2027 Rates
1 May 2025 - 30 April 2026 | 1 May 2026 - 30 April 2027 | |
Classic Suites | R12,600 per person per night sharing R18,900.00 per person per night single R6,300.00 per child per night (1-11 years) R1,250.00 per child per night (0-1 years) | R13,500 per person per night sharing R20,250.00 per person per night single R6,750.00 per child per night (1-11 years) R1,250.00 per child per night (0-1 years) |
Private Villa | R55,000.00 per villa per night (1-4 guests) R78,000.00 per villa per night (1-6 guests) | R63,000.00 per villa per night (1-4 guests) R95,000.00 per villa per night (1-6 guests) |
Additional fees for 2026:
Conservation Levy:
R520.00 per adult per night
R260.00 per child per night (under 8)
Gate Fee:
R180.00 per adult
R150.00 per child (under 8)
Landing Fee:
R240.00 per adult
R150.00 per child (under 8)
Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!
Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.
Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!
Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly
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Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.
We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see
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We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience
Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%
...read moreRecommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.
From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.
Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.
Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.
Classic Suites Include:
*Luxury accommodation *Three meals daily, Tea/coffee *All beverages such as soft drinks, waters, house wines, local spirits, local beers and ciders *Two game drives per day including refreshments
Classic Suites Exclude:
*Premium wines and champagne on wine list *Premium and craft spirits and single malt whiskeys *Transfers *Gratuities *Curio purchases *Laundry services *Gate entrance fees *Conservation levies
Private Villas Include:
*Luxury accommodation *Three meals daily *Tea/coffee *All beverages such as soft drinks, waters, house wines, beers, ciders and selected spirits *Private Vehicle - Two game drivers per day including refreshments and beverages
Private Villas Exclude:
*Premium wines and champagne on wine list *Premium and craft spirits and single malt whiskeys *Transfers *Gratuities *Wellness treatments *Laundry services *Gate entrance fees *Conservation levies
Last Word Madikwe - Image Gallery
Last Word Madikwe
The Bush House is not a typical game lodge. It is an old family farmhouse that has been transformed into a 4-Star retreat, where guests are encouraged to kick off their shoes and unwind. As an owner-managed lodge, a personal touch is integral to its charm. Great pride is taken in really caring for each guest and attending to their every need. Whether it’s a warm welcome at the brunch table after your morning game drive, or the attention to detail when preparing sumptuous dinner dishes, it is these little luxuries that make for a superlative South African experience.
You are invited to make The Bush House your home in the magnificent malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.
The Last Word Madikwe has six en-suite rooms available, four of which have private verandas overlooking the natural beauty of the reserve. All rooms form part of the main lodge and are within easy walking distance of the guest facilities. Rooms are elegantly furnished and feature percale bed linen and soft towels.
Go on two daily game drives in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve. There are special game drives for children under six. Nature lovers will enjoy the exciting bush walks which focus on the smaller African wildlife, birds and insects. Spend hours at the underground hide which offers close-up views of wildlife at the waterhole . Guests can also relax at the pool, enjoy a game of cricket, rugby or soccer on the lawn or get pampered at the beauty salon.
Children of all ages are welcome at The Bush House.
Children under six years of age not permitted on game drives unless the lodge has been booked exclusively by one group.
“Kiddies Bumble” offered after breakfast each day for the little ones at no extra charge.
Babysitting facilities are available at additional charge.
Last Word Madikwe - Wildlife Gallery
Last Word Madikwe
