Jamala Madikwe

Lavish lodge

Jamala’s extravagant main area includes a grand lounge with a superb library. An impressive butterfly and arthropod collection bear testament to Jamala’s reverence of the earth and all her creatures. The sofas on the watch tower offer blissful comfort and panoramic vistas over the camp waterhole where elephant, antelope, buffalo and endangered rhino come to drink in the lazy heat of the Madikwe midday.

The Jamala Villas are glass fronted, thatched havens that protect you from the elements while allowing you to feel completely integrated with the glory of the wild outside. Inside you can unwind on your bed while absorbing the sweeping view out over the plains or you could read on a sofa in front of a crackling wood fire in the lounge, a bold South African red airing in a glass next to you. Outside, you might laze in the rim flow pool with a cocktail and contemplate the magnificence of Africa spread out before you or watch the swallows swooping around your deck while the weavers squabble in the trees.

For a private romantic experience, Jamala will create a golden lantern and candle lit dinner under your private sala or in front of your lounge fire on the chillier evenings – the atmosphere perfectly rounded by Jamala’s excellent cellar of fine wines and exquisite cuisine. If you’re on honeymoon, you could be pleasantly surprised by a romantic rose bath and turndown.

For some extra pampering, a visit to Jamala’s world-class African spa will sooth away your stress with an array of tranquil treatments.

If you struggle to leave your life completely behind, Jamala offers complimentary Wi-Fi access and a delightful shop filled fascinating artefacts, interesting books and African gifts.

Award-winning African cuisine

Jamala is famed for is award winning cuisine – winning the 2014/15 Best Safari African Cuisine. Maestro Chef Nico Verster serves his gastronomic delights al fresco – in the boma or roofed by the Milky Way on the Jamala Star Deck. During the day, gastronomic delights are offered on the deck overlooking the plains and shaded by a giant tree. The excellent wine list compliments Nico’s artistry in the kitchen and Jamala’s slick and friendly service make for some unforgettable dining experiences.

If you enjoy the delights of the menu, the Jamala Cookbook will allow you to relive your spectacular Jamala experience at home again and again.

The vastness of Madikwe

The landscape around Jamala is a constantly changing palette of rocky peaks where Verreaux’s eagles soar, vast open plains where wild dogs and cheetah hunt the herds of grazing antelope and thickets where endangered black rhino browse. The diversity, splendour and drama of this wilderness are explored on game drive at dusk and dawn. For the more adventurous, investigating the often-missed birds, plants and insects of Madikwe on foot is a delight.

Jamala is ideally positioned in the semi-arid wilderness vastness of Madikwe. The reserve is a phenomenal conservation success story where unproductive farmland that failed to support wildlife, ecology or local people is now an eco-tourism hotspot that sustains Africa’s iconic game species – elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and the highly endangered wild dog – Africa’s painted wolf.

Madikwe also provides a livelihood for hundreds of previously destitute local people and so creates grassroots support for conservation and ecotourism.

Travelling to Jamala

Travelling to Jamala is easy. For the adventurous it is a scenic 4.5 hour drive from Johannesburg OR Tambo International airport (ORT). There is some gravel road driving but nothing requiring a 4 X 4. If you do not want to drive yourself but prefer the road option, Iconic Africa will arrange a road transfer with one of our trusted partner companies.

Iconic Africa recommends the 40 minute flight on a Federal Air flight from ORT. For honeymooners, this relaxing and intimate experience offers an ‘Out of Africa’ feel in the safety and comfort of a modern aircraft. Federal Air offers a daily flight from ORT to the Madikwe airstrip. From there, there is a scenic transfer to Jamala.

Idyllic combinations in Africa

Shaun Roe – the owner and manager of Jamala is an inspiration to Iconic Africa. Shaun continues to prove nothing is ever too much trouble and every guests experience is an opportunity to strive for perfection! Iconic Africa’s contact with Shaun allows our expert consultants swift and simple access to fantastic rates and availability. We recommend combining your safari experience with a combination of other gastronomic experiences to the incomparable Cape Town or the glorious Cape winelands.

Jamala Madikwe is an island of inspiration and luxury in which Iconic Africa delights. Jamala Madikwe represents the rare enchantment of an owner-run five-star lodge whose attention to detail further elevates an already incredible experience, in a reserve that defines modern wildlife conservation.

One of our passionate consultants is waiting to create your ultimate safari holiday in this malaria free African wilderness.

Why Jamala?

• Owner-run home away from home feel
• Malaria free
• Award-winning cuisine
• Excellent game viewing
• Spa