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.