The Magic of Madikwe

Written by Elka Schaimberg
Tuesday, 04 October 2011 15:09

The constant hum and bright lights of the big city have a funny way of creeping up under your skin. While the city accelerates our desire for all things faster, better, bigger and more glamorous, it can also manipulate us into overlooking the simple pleasures in life. City slickers are so busy chasing time, meeting deadlines and fighting traffic that a weekend away is rare and challenging to schedule. But if ever the opportunity arises to pry yourself away from the clenched jaws of your daily routine, make certain that you escape to Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge. This luxury retreat is an inspiring reminder of just how necessary it is to take time out to smell the roses... or, in this case, the soul-soothing air of the African bush.

Situated on the Botswana border, Madikwe is one of the largest private game reserves in South Africa. You would never imagine that this unspoilt world that is just a four-hour drive away from the city showcases the Mother Nature’s sheer creative brilliance.

A large bull elephant is the first to proudly welcome our arrival as he walks the lone dirt track that leads us further into a thriving hub of wildlife. The vast plains and rugged hills are adorned with strange-looking trees that resemble fine-art installations. The soundtrack from The Lion King plays in my mind as a Yellow-billed Hornbill seemingly guides us the rest of the way to the lodge. Thanks, Zazu!

Interestingly, most South Africans who have been lucky enough to stay at Madikwe Hills choose not to reveal too much about it, in the hope of keeping it a secret. I’m quite happy to divulge the details and tell the world what they’re missing out on.

On arrival at reception, we’re encouraged to freshen up with warm facecloths and fresh fruit juice before being escorted to our private suite. This world-class African oasis is built amongst natural boulders with wooden walkways that wind around the trees. Our suite is one of 10 ultra-luxurious glass-fronted suites that boast private decks, outdoor showers and personal plunge pools. Every last detail has been thought through, from the subtle Afro-chic décor to the romantic bathroom. There’s a fireplace and under-floor heating to keep cosy during winter months, and in summer, overhead fans and air-conditioning offer relief from the heat. The large four-poster bed is clad in cotton picot linen and crowned with voluptuous mosquito netting. Here, absolute privacy is guaranteed, along with majestic views of the landscape.

A watering hole not more than 100 metres away attracts a pair of giraffe and a pack of thirsty wild dog just in time to join us for sundowners. Cheers! Two days of pure bush bliss to look forward to.

Madikwe Hills is the perfect place for couples in love to experience an unforgettable safari wedding. We happen to be there for one. A German couple has flown in especially for their special day, and we join the bride and groom and other guests for an evening of festivity at the boma. Fire, feast and traditional Tswana songs of celebration set the tone for a delicious buffet dinner. Everything tastes so good when you’re eating under a bright ceiling of stars. We retire after dinner with bellies and hearts full.

There may be no better way to wake up than with the sun, as the many sounds of dawn slowly filter through, finally synchronising into one grand opening song of joy. Ready for an early-morning game drive, we set off with our own private tracker and ranger. Together, these guys form a full volume of encyclopaedic knowledge. They tell us about every bird, tree and track, answer any question thrown their way, and offer information on the behavioural patterns and emotional intelligence of all the animals sharing their home. What a thrill to engage in a world where beauty and tranquillity envelop you, where your senses are heightened and your thoughts slow down and where the natural order of life remains untouched. In one morning we see a lazy lioness calling out to her pride, a herd of about a hundred buffalo splashing in the water to cool down, a rhino calf sharing a drink with his mother and four wild dogs tearing savagely at the carcass of their kill. It feels like my soul is skipping hand in hand with my heart. What a blessing to bear witness to this picture-perfect page-turning tale of life in the African wild. We sip on coffee and befriend a squirrel who shares a mid-morning muffin snack with us, before we head back to relax on the main deck where breakfast is served.

Izanne is the head chef at Madikwe Hills. She perfectly combines freshness with flavour, and she passionately turns simple ingredients into hearty, unpretentious meals that are both wholesome and satisfying.

Back in the comfort of our suite we have a choice of relaxing spa treatments. There’s also a gym for the more energetic folk. We choose to indulge in a quick dip in our private plunge pool before spreading ourselves out on the loungers. As we bathe and bask in the African sun, a herd of 22 elephant, including calves, gather at the watering hole. We watch them for hours as they move majestically, interacting and playing with one another. It’s as if a live broadcast of the National Geographic Channel is playing on a giant flat-screen television in front of us – it’s just too good to be true!

Madikwe Hills is definitely a place best shared with a new love. Time spent there has a magical way of weaving itself into a tapestry of unforgettable moments, and the highlights are simply too many to mention. There really is only one way to appreciate the simple magic of Madikwe, and that’s to go there and experience it for yourself.