Tuningi Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve combines the wonders of the African bushveld with the splendours of five star luxury. Experience the Big 5 up close and personal in this top safari lodge, situated only a few hours from Johannesburg. Tuningi offers guests superior 5-star Madikwe lodge accommodation enhanced by an impressive ‘Big 5’ safari experience and personalised service in a friendly and relaxed environment.

The lodge welcomes children and in doing so, avails them of the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature, wildlife and our delicate eco-system first-hand.

 This luxury Madikwe lodge accommodates 16 guests in four spacious Luxury Suites and two Family Suites, all of which boast breathtaking views from private wrap-around decks. The thatched lodge offers a spacious lounge and cosy dining room, a well-stocked bar and an impressive rim flow pool that overlooks an active watering hole. These general areas are interlinked by a sweeping wooden deck that leads down to the magnificent boma area and viewing deck.

Tuningi Safari Lodge is not only a beautiful and luxurious lodge with remarkable safari experiences, but a welcoming retreat where you are made to feel comfortable enough to feel like a family member. 

Luxury Suites 

Each beautifully appointed spacious Suite, with a comfortable lounge area, has its own gas fireplace that is lit (on the chilly nights) on your return from your evening game drives or when you retire to bed at night. Air-conditioning and ceiling fans offer cool respite in the summer months. The spacious bathrooms are a real treat at Tuningi Safari Lodge; not only is there a fireplace, but an oversized bath with fabulous views and a private alfresco (outside) rock shower.

The private wrap around wooden decks on each of the suites offer the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush.

Family Suites 

Without compromising on luxury, Tuningi has not forgotten the specific needs of families. If you’re looking for family-friendly Madikwe Game Reserve lodges, then you’re come to exactly the right place. The lodge was carefully designed to cater for children of all ages, with two spacious Family Suites.

These Family Suites are not only perfect for families looking for extra space, but offer all the same comforts and finishes of the Luxury Suites. They are made-up of two en-suite double bedrooms, and are joined by a dining area, kitchenette and a living room with an expansive timber deck from where the surrounding beauty can be appreciated.

Big Five Safari Game Drives

Lion, elephant, buffalo, white and black rhino, leopard and the rare and endangered wild dog are just some of the unique sightings in the 75 000 hectare Big 5 Safari Reserve. Tuningi Safari Lodge’s game rangers are highly qualified and have sound knowledge of the fauna and flora within the Madikwe Game Reserve and pass on this knowledge and passion to guests during their game drives.

Morning & Afternoon Game Drives

Africa’s big game abounds in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Each day brings something different, as you explore the endless fascination of Africa’s wildlife in an open, state-of-the-art Land Cruiser with a roof for sun protection in the summer months. Whether it is a leopard on the hunt, lions roaring at twilight, dung beetles going about their business, or birds building a nest – all can offer an amazing experience!

Exciting and Stimulating Children’s Activities

Tuningi Safari Lodge is one of few ‘Big 5’ game reserve lodges specialising in families with children of all ages and as such is the idea safari for families in South Africa. Often parents have to compromise their family time in favour of an exclusive bush getaway as many luxury lodges do not cater for children. However, Tuningi has launched its kids’ programmes to cater for family getaways, which entails a number of ‘firsts’ in bush activities.

Children five years old and over are able to enjoy the usual daily game drives along with experienced rangers, their parents and other guests, while children below five years old are issued with a workbook and taken out on their own, for shorter ‘bumbles’. While parents enjoy the early morning game drives, the children will be looked after by the lodge’s professional child minders until they wake, after which they are taken to the main lodge for breakfast.

After breakfast, these children go on a 1 hour’s drive – called a ‘bumble’ – to one of the waterholes with a ranger. Before heading off on their drive, the kids are issued with a work book (for those old enough), in which they can tick off the things they’ve seen such as dung, animals, spoor, birds and trees.

During afternoon game drives, treasure hunts for children can be arranged and an educational talk on the items found is given by a knowledgeable staff member. In the evenings, children can eat dinner in their room or they can enjoy an interactive dinner with a chef, who allows them to make their own foodie treats. All other free time is spent drawing, clay modelling, building puzzles, swimming and relaxing by the pool.

At the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is an ecological oasis within a roughly hewn and magical land. This spiritual retreat is a haven of staggering beauty and timeless tranquillity, where abundant wildlife roam free.  Offering a distinctive wilderness experience among wide open plains, ancient sandstone formations and crystal clear waterfalls, it is a place to feel the pulse of an extraordinary and ancient landscape, and reconnect with nature and the essence of life.

Located only 270 km from Cape Town, the multi-award-winning lodge is a proud Relais & Châteaux member, and forms part of the family-run Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Sixteen luxurious and indulgently comfortable guest rooms and suites are each individually designed with natural materials and elegant finishes, offering breathtaking views across the indigenous gardens. Koro Lodge, the private villa, is located in a secluded corner of the reserve (4 km away from the Main Lodge). Welcoming children of all ages, this independently catered for villa is ideally suited to families and friends travelling together, and includes the services of a personal chef and guide.

Lauded for its award-winning wine list and authentic Cape cuisine, Bushmans Kloof offers an extraordinary dining experience with a taste profusion of healthy, home-style comfort food served at any of the spectacular dining venues. These include cosy fireside dining in the Homestead or Makana, picnics in the fynbos amidst soaring rock formations and cascading waterfalls, and barbeques at Embers under magical starry skies.

Bushmans Kloof is a place of natural wonder where guests may indulge in an infinite range of exhilarating activities, or do absolutely nothing but inhale the beauty and tranquillity of nature. A South African Natural Heritage site, it boasts an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna, including many endangered species, and is home to over 150 kinds of birds, 750 plant species and over 35 species of mammals, including the rare Cape mountain zebra.

A host of enriching, relaxing and invigorating experiences are on offer, including educational talks at the Heritage Centre, and guided walks to some of 130 ancient Bushman rock art sites that are found in the reserve. This provides an extraordinary opportunity to gain deeper insight into the fascinating history of the Bushman in the Cederberg wilderness area. Guests may also participate in an assortment of exhilarating outdoor activities such as nature drives, botanical walks, mountain biking, archery and fly fishing.

The intimate Spa provides welcome sanctuary with an inspiring holistic healing and wellness focus deeply rooted in nature, offers solace for body, mind and spirit. Succumb to the peaceful sounds of nature at the riverside Spa Gazebo and lose yourself in a timeless world of luxury and comfort in this captivating wilderness reserve.

Luxury Room

Luxury Rooms all have private patios and en suite bathrooms. There is convenient access to one of the four crystalline swimming pools at the lodge. Luxury rooms overlook landscaped gardens, and the breathtaking beauty of the untamed yonder.

Deluxe Rooms

Our Deluxe Rooms are all exquisitely and individually designed with expansive views and convenient access to one of the four superb, crystalline pools at the lodge. All include relaxing lounge areas for an indulgent and luxurious experience in this unparalleled location. Satellite TV, DVDs and an iPod docking station ensure guests have all the mod cons necessary. Some Deluxe Rooms include a cosy fireplace for wintry evenings. Please see the Niven Family Deluxe Room for larger groups or families.

Niven Family Deluxe Room

This is an ideal choice for families and sharing groups. Splendid luxury, an extraordinary location and, of course convenience, makes for an unforgettable family experience. The suite includes a master bedroom with king-size bed, a secondary room (easily converted into twin or double), two en-suite bathrooms and a gorgeous private terrace.

Paterson Suite

The Paterson Suite is located in the original Manor House, a lovingly restored farmhouse dating back to 1843. Warm your toes by the fire, or gaze out at breathtaking terrace views of the river and mountains. The suite features a king-size bed, separate lounge area, large private patio and an en suite, designer bathroom and heated towel rails.

Riverside Supreme Suite

The Riverside Supreme Suite is a magical and secluded haven on the banks of the babbling Boontjies River. It encompasses all that is unique and special about Bushmans Kloof, embracing the timeless beauty of the heart of the Cederberg. This intimate and elegant suite features a separate lounge with a welcoming fireplace, large terrace, outdoor shower and its own heated swimming pool.

Ideal for a romantic escape, a special occasion or to simply enjoy the pampering and peace of this gentle retreat. The suite is surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of wind-sculpted, jagged rock formations, crystal rock pools, and lush green lawns. The contemporary-classical interior is simultaneously luxurious and fresh, enhanced by refined earth tones and offset with wood and stone finishes.

On the edge of a small stream in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve you will find Jaci’s Safari Lodge. Established in 2000, this lodge features eight luxurious rooms with large mosaic bath, outdoor shower and private deck, from which to watch warthogs rolling in the mud or tree squirrels darting through foliage.

The main lounge, with its views out across the stream, is where breakfast, lunch and high tea are served. For those in need of a little refreshment after a long day of game viewing, the loft bar offers guests another space in which to unwind.

Jaci Safari Lodge Tented Suites

Jaci’s Safari Lodge tented suites are decorated in vibrant colours and African textures. Each suite is home to a large mosaic bath (big enough for two to share), a private outdoor shower and a suspended viewing deck from which to watch warthogs rolling in the mud or tree squirrels darting through the foliage. With thatch roofs, low stone walls and canvas panels that roll up, the Lodge’s six spacious tented suites let the outside in, making for an exclusive African safari experience.

The suites are equipped with underfloor heating to ensure that you are comfortable during the chilly winter months, and air conditioning and a ceiling fan to keep you cool during sunburnt summer days.

Jaci Safari Lodge -Starbed Suite

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

Jaci’s Field Guides

Your expert field guides will always do their utmost to ensure that you enjoy an incredible bush safari adventure on our twice-daily safari drives.

Over the years, our highly qualified guides have accumulated a wonderful repertoire of anecdotes and interesting facts on local wildlife, geology, history and geography, and they look forward to sharing these tales of the wild with you, making your African safari game drive a fun and informative experience.

Should your guides see fit, they may venture off-road onto bush trails and into natural terrain to track animals. Expect to hear languages you may not understand: Jaci’s field guides will communicate sightings and recent kills via a two-way radio, using Setswana and vernacular code words.

To ensure a private safari experience, only three safari vehicles at a time are allowed at each sighting. Our guides make stops on the morning drive for hot chocolate, coffee or tea and home-baked rusks, and in the late afternoon for sundowners and snacks while taking in an unforgettable African sunset. Be sure to follow our field guide blog for all the up-to-date happenings at the lodge, fantastic sightings and photography.

Your Safari Schedule

Wakeup call: You will be woken by a knock on your door. Please feel free to make a cup of coffee/tea in your room, or enjoy tea, coffee and cereal at the Main Lodge before setting off on the morning drive.

Departure: The morning drive leaves from the Main Lodge and includes a stop along the way for exceptionally good coffee and freshly baked rusks.

Brunch: Enjoy a delicious continental or full-English breakfast selection, with additional lunch dishes and refreshments, on your return from the morning drive.

High tea: Refreshing homemade drinks and an assortment of savouries and pastries are served before you depart for your afternoon drive.

Departure: The afternoon drive also leaves from the Main Lodge and includes a stop for your choice of sundowner as well as stargazing after sunset.

Dinner: On returning from the drive, guests have time to freshen up before pre-dinner drinks at the Main Lodge bar, before being treated to a variety of South African-inspired, fire-cooked dishes, which we serve under the stars around the campfire as often as possuble

Etali Safari Lodge offers guests a unique and personalised luxury African Safari Experience, wherein nature, relaxation and comfort combine to form an unforgettable memory. Etali is an owner-managed lodge with only 8 Luxury Suites available allowing for a pro-active focus on the individual needs of each guest. Each Luxury Suite offers a refuge where a closer bond with the natural world can be built, with all of the conveniences you need and none of the distractions you don’t.

Etali Safari Lodge is situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa. Guests enjoy frequent sightings of Big Five, Cheetah and African Wild-dog limited to 3 off-road vehicles, allowing for an intimate and private wildlife viewing experience. Etali Safari Lodge is ranked #2 amongst speciality lodging in Madikwe on TripAdvisor.

Suites

Deluxe kings size bed or twin on request (extra beds for children available). Large private deck for each suite with heated plunge pool.

Family Room

(Adjacent rooms for families or groups). Deluxe king size bed or Twin on request (extra beds for children available). Large private deck with heated heated plunge pool.

Activities

Etali Safari Lodge offers a number of activities to allow guests to make the most of their safari experience.  Expert guides take guests out on morning and evening game drives (two game drives per day are included in the rates).  Should you wish, Etali also offers bush walks that allow you to get closer to the heartbeat of Africa.  Your knowledgeable guides will provide you with delightful tidbits of information about the environment that surrounds you. Then in the evenings make use of the Lodge’s telescope to view the starry night sky.

Kariega Game Reserve is a malaria-free Big 5 private game reserve situated near Port Elizabeth, thus forming a natural extension to Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Family owned and managed, it would be accurate to say that the gradual growth and development of the now expansive 10,000 hectare reserve is one of the most accomplished conservation projects in the Eastern Cape.

Kariega’s landscape spans across five different eco systems, resulting in extremely high game carrying capacities which results in Kariega’s game viewing and birding experience being unsurpassed in the Eastern Cape.

Having two major rivers incorporated into the reserve (the Kariega and Bushmans rivers) adds enormous beauty and value, where guests enjoy stunning river cruises, canoeing and fishing on both rivers.

Luxury accommodation is offered in five difference lodges (from 4 star to 5 star), namely Main Lodge & The Homestead (both 4-star), Ukhozi Lodge & River Lodge (both 4-star superior) and Settlers Drift (5-star luxury tented lodge).

Main Lodge

All log chalets are air-conditioned with private living areas and TV and viewing decks. Ideal for couples, families and groups. Rate includes all meals, game drives and activities (excludes beverages and conservation & community levy). Note: Bookings for 3 to 6 people may be accommodated in a 3-bedroomed, all en-suite chalet.

Ukhozi Lodge Suite

Meandering bush paths connect luxurious air-conditioned suites with open-plan bathroom, each offering complete privacy with their own breath-taking views and private plunge pools. Rate includes all meals, selected beverages, game drives and activities

River Lodge Suite

Superbly appointed luxurious, spacious, air-conditioned, thatched suites. Special activities include boating, canoeing, fishing and daily boat trips to the Kenton beaches. Rate includes all meals, selected beverages, game drives and activities

Settlers Drift Tented Suite

Private tented suites (each 110m²) – each offering opulent bedroom and living area, full bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower, mini-bar, stunning views and private viewing deck. Rate includes all meals, selected beverages, game drives and activities

The Homestead

Private sole-use lodge for up to 10 guests offering secluded luxury & comfort with private safari vehicle, game ranger, chef, boma, bar, pool, satellite TV and spectacular views. Rate includes all meals, selected beverages, game drives and activities

Activities

Game Drives

The Kariega Game Reserve safari experience is centered around twice daily game drives. Guests will be delighted with close up viewing of a diversity of Big 5 including lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, a host of antelope species, and much more including a myriad of exquisite birdlife. Skilled and knowledgeable guides will spend time unraveling some of the secrets of the African bush and will see to any specific requests and ensure that all your questions are answered.

River Cruises

Enjoy an early morning boat cruise on the Kariega river viewing exquisite scenery and enchanting birdlife including the crowned, martial and African fish eagles.

Guided Walks

At Kariega Game Reserve there are a number of walking trails that guests can enjoy with their guide. Guided safari walks allow guests to experience the feel of the African bush and enjoy watching wildlife and birds on foot.

Fishing

Home to two abundant rivers – The Kariega and Bushman’s rivers – Kariega is a great place for fishing.

Canoeing

Try canoeing for a scenic exercise option, or opt for a leisurely paddle enjoying the sights and sounds of river life. A great activity for the whole family.

Wellness Centre

The Kariega Wellness Centre is a great place to unwind and relax, offering luxurious treatments and therapies. Sala’s also available at Kariega River Lodge and Kariega Settlers Drift.

Kids on Safari Activities

Main Lodge is family-friendly and offers a children’s play area as well as midday activities between 11am and 2pm. These are arranged with the guides. Children of all ages are encouraged to enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with their parents (as well as the river cruise). For children 5 years and under it is the guide’s discretion as to whether they can be taken to sightings of the more dangerous Big 5 wildlife for safety reasons. A babysitting service is available at applicable rates.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a premier safari and holiday destination in South Africa’s ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province.

Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5. It’s a place where guests can exist in harmony with nature, however fleeting the moment, where wildlife roam the landscape under the relentless African sun.

Shamwari has 7 lodges and 1 explorer camp; each providing distinct experiences. From exclusive tranquillity, effortless family enjoyment or the back-to-nature appeal of a luxury tented camp.

Allow yourself to be immersed in an African experience at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Eagles Crag offers you ultimate luxury and privacy and breath-taking scenery. Eagles Crag comprises 9 luxurious suites fashioned of glass and stone.

Not only is the accommodation classically beautiful, but you’re also exposed to uninterrupted views of the surrounding rock faces where eagles soar.

As each suite is well secluded, you can enjoy the utmost privacy for your rest and relaxation.

Eagles Crag has undergone extensive upgrades and renovations and re-opened September 2018.

Game Drives

At Shamwari Private Game Reserve, we not only offer our guests 5-star luxury accommodation, but pride ourselves on presenting wildlife interaction that is sure to be the highlight of your stay. Coupled with the African horizon and spectacular skies, we offer game drives through the reserve for an experience of a lifetime.

Our game viewing drives are available for morning and afternoon trips, as this is when the animals are most active. Our vehicles are open and comfortable, and give you a panoramic view of the area. You’ll be guided by one of our trained game rangers who’ll take you and your party through the reserve, encountering many animals along the way.

The game drives themselves last for approximately three to four hours and take you through the reserve. Included on the game drive is a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sun-downer stop in the evening.

Birding

Not only do we offer unforgettable views and 5-star luxury accommodation, but we also have a host of activities available, including bird watching.

This malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is home to a host of wild game, Big 5, and beautiful birds. Ornithologists and bird watching hobbyists alike are treated to an array of birds of prey sightings

Pro Photo Safaris ( Additional costs apply )

At Shamwari Private Game Reserve, we want to ensure that your stay with us is magical, educational and memorable. One of the many ways in which we do this is by providing a vast selection of entertainment, for hobbyists and professionals alike. That’s why we’ve created the comprehensive Pro Photo Safari package.

Guided Walking Safaris

In addition to spectacular game drives, Shamwari Game Reserve also offers professionally guided walking tours. Here, you can gain a true perspective of the flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Your guide can point out animal tracks, dung, hiding spots, rare birds and educate you on the area and its history.

Unfortunately, no children under the age of 16 or adults over the age of 65 (unless provided with a doctor’s certificate of fitness) are permitted on these walks.