Lelapa Lodge

Sophisticated family suites

There are 12 spacious and stylish suits at Lelapa. Each of them is appointed with a generous lounge, an indoor and outdoor shower, a comforting fireplace for the cold nights and a sprawling deck offering vistas of the Madikwe wilderness. The suites are superbly designed to allow you to watch the abundance of Africa from anywhere you might be – lounge, bathroom and bedroom while and the sparkling private plunge pool perches right on the edge of the raised deck where you and your family can laze in the coolth while enjoying each other’s company or contemplating the magnificence of Africa splayed out in front of you.

The sumptuous suites are within 15 metres of each other so if you are travelling with your precious children, they are never far away. There is also a cosy sofa bed in each suite for younger kids who need to stay close to their parents.

Fun for the whole family in camp

At Lelapa it is clear that the Mores delight in making safaris a full family experience. This is the perfect family safari destination, children of all ages are welcome, there are dedicated staff for children and Madikwe is malaria free.

The comprehensive children’s programme at Lelapa includes exciting indoor and outdoor fun. The Eco-House offers stimulating ecologically themed activities for kids including delightfully messy arts and crafts, plaster of Paris track moulding and up close and personal experiences with the impressive collection of skulls, bones and insects. The Eco-House is managed by the dedicated field team so there is always a well-trained friendly ranger on site to fascinate budding young naturalists.

Wilderness for all

Game viewing on the 75 000ha Madikwe Game Reserve is exceptional. The savannahs of golden grass and iconic acacia trees support herds of zebra, springbok, hartebeest and wildebeest and also offer some of South Africa’s best white rhino viewing. In the day you might be fortunate to watch the highly endangered African wild dog or a cheetah, blending perfectly with the golden grass. As the night blankets Madikwe, it is the turn of lions, spotted and brown hyaena and, if you are lucky, one of Madikwe’s elusive leopards.

For children between the ages of two and six, the mid-morning safari drive is ideal. This is a short and exciting experience that keeps young minds entertained in the wilderness for one to two hours. Children older than six can accompany their parents on the morning and evening game drives.
After game drive, while parents are being pampered by a highly-skilled therapist or relaxing in the pool, older kids can take part in thrilling bush orientation and bush skills courses – all with knowledgeable and highly-trained rangers.

Cuisine for all sophisticated and simple palates

Meals at Lelapa cater to all tastes – especially the young ones. There is a pizza oven in the boma and the kids can help the chefs make pizza for lunch or help out in the kitchen making delicious cookies for tea. For the adults, the fair is sophisticated, simple and flavoursome and uniquely African.

Travelling to Lelapa

Travelling to Lelapa 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. This relaxing and intimate experience offers and ‘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, hop on the scenic transfer to Madikwe Safari Lodge.