Lelapa Safari Lodge is an inviting, family-friendly lodge nestled within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province. 'Lelapa' means ‘family’ in Setswana, and this ethos runs through every element of the lodge, from its warm hospitality to the thoughtful design that welcomes both adults and children alike.

The lodge is part of the esteemed Madikwe Safari Lodge collection and offers an authentic bushveld experience combined with understated luxury. It is surrounded by the vast wilderness of Madikwe, a private reserve that spans over 75,000 hectares and is home to the Big Five, as well as a remarkable diversity of other wildlife and over 350 species of birds.

Game drives at Lelapa Safari Lodge are the highlight of every stay, led by expert field guides and trackers who bring the landscape vividly to life. There are two drives daily — one in the early morning, setting off just before sunrise to catch the bush at its most active, and another in the late afternoon that transitions into an atmospheric night drive. Vehicles are open-sided, allowing for uninterrupted views and excellent photographic opportunities, with each drive lasting around three to four hours, depending on sightings and conditions.

The early morning drive begins with a wake-up call and light refreshments at the lodge, followed by the exhilarating prospect of encountering predators returning from their night’s hunt or herbivores grazing in the soft dawn light. Stops are made in scenic spots for coffee and snacks, where you can stretch your legs and savour the stillness of the wilderness.

The afternoon drive departs after high tea, often timed to witness the magical golden hour as the sun begins to set over the plains. Along the way, your ranger will pause for sundowners at a picturesque vantage point, where you can enjoy a drink and watch as the landscape is bathed in warm, amber light. As darkness falls, the spotlight comes out, revealing the nocturnal creatures of Madikwe — elusive species such as aardwolf, porcupine, bush babies, and perhaps even a leopard on the prowl.

What truly elevates the experience is the knowledge and passion of the guides, who read the bush with remarkable skill, interpreting animal tracks, sounds, and behaviour to give guests the best chance of close encounters with the reserve’s inhabitants. Children over the age of six are welcome on the main game drives, while younger guests can enjoy shorter, specially tailored ‘bumble’ drives designed to keep them engaged and safe.

Beyond the Big Five, Madikwe is known for its healthy population of wild dogs — a rare and thrilling sighting — as well as cheetah, hyena, and large herds of elephant and buffalo. Birdwatchers, too, will be rewarded with sightings ranging from lilac-breasted rollers to African fish eagles.

Lelapa features twelve luxurious suites, each thoughtfully designed with natural materials and earthy tones that blend harmoniously with the surrounding bush. Private plunge pools overlook the reserve, offering a peaceful spot to unwind while watching wildlife roam past. Some suites are family units, complete with child-friendly amenities and bunk beds, ensuring younger guests are as comfortable as their parents.

The main lodge areas are open and relaxed, with sweeping views across the savannah. There is a large lounge and dining area, and meals can be enjoyed al fresco beneath the African sky, often around the traditional boma fire. The cuisine is a celebration of local flavours, with fresh, seasonal ingredients used to create memorable dining experiences. From breakfast after an early morning game drive to indulgent high teas and three-course dinners, every meal feels like an occasion.

Children are wonderfully catered for, with dedicated programmes such as the Eco-House, where they can engage in fun, educational activities like animal tracking and baking in the bush kitchen. Babysitting services are also available, giving parents time to relax or enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars.

What sets Lelapa apart is its ability to balance adventure with comfort and genuine warmth. Whether you are sipping sundowners while watching elephants at a watering hole, enjoying a spa treatment in the privacy of your suite, or gathering around the fire to share stories of the day’s sightings, the lodge offers a deeply enriching and personal safari experience.