tlb8022

Hi,
As part of our honeymoon, my fiance and I hoping to do a 3-night safari in either the Pilanesberg or Madikwe game reserve. We're looking for advice on good places to stay in this area. Ideally, a place that's romantic, with good food, and not too crowded.
Many thanks!

Gardyloo

We've stayed a couple of times at Buffalo Ridge in Madikwe. Very, very comfortable place, good game viewing, and it's community-owned, which is a definite plus for us. http://www.buffaloridgesafari.com/

cary999

Only lodge I've been to in either reserve is Madikwe Hills - http://www.madikwehills.com/ . It is by far the most luxurious safari lodge I have been to ( of about 20). It is on a nice hill side. Your "room" is actually a small lodge with three rooms, huge balcony overlooking a beautiful valley. And a large plunge pool. Service and meals excellent.

However, I go on safari for the wildlife and photography. I like a nice lodge and room/hut but that is secondary for me. I was not happy with the game viewing at Madikwe Hills.

So, here is one of my favorite safari camps in South Africa, been there four times. It is in the Timbavati reserve which borders Kruger. Kings Camp - http://kingscamp.com/ . And I guess I should mention there are several excellent and plush safari camps in the Sabi Sand reserve, also next to Kruger. Assuming you are open to other South Africa reserves.

regards - tom

mkhonzo

If you want private and exclusive, outstanding cuisine and great guiding then you would be wise to look no further than Mateya Safari Lodge in the Madikwe. It has six suites, which are stylishly appointed, feature deep, private plunge pools, huge rooms and living spaces decorated with authentic original artwork.

jeanned

We are going to morokuru in the very near future. It looks wonderful online and from what we have heard...

christabir

I'm guessing you chose those locations because they are malaria-free. If you go June - Sept (winter), the malaria risk is very low in case you'd like to go somewhere in the Kruger neighborhood.

We were just at Entabeni, 3 hours north of Joburg. There are 6 camps and it was easy to get to and malaria free. We had newlyweds there while we were there, and they seemed to enjoy themselves. We stayed at the tented camp, Wildside, and it was quite reasonable (and the tents are far enough apart to consider romantic). But you might consider one of the other camps.

andybiggs

My wife and I stayed at Tuningi last year, and had a wonderful experience there. Great hosts, great food and we really like the accommodations. Tuningi is on the western side of the reserve, which may or may not be important to you.

dutyfree

I did a daytrip out of Johannesburg last year to Pilanesberg Reserve and loved it! We saw so many animals and it was so relaxed. The only hotel area that I saw while driving there was in Sun City?

tlb8022

Your replies have been really helpful. Thanks everyone!

jeanned

We had a wonderful time at Morokuru Family Lodge (we stayed in the farmhouse) and I would highly recommend it for your honeymoon. Morokuru caters entirely to your needs and wants. We have traveled a lot and this is the absolute best place that we have ever stayed.

atravelynn

Those of you that went, tell me about the brown hyenas, please.

Odin

Have been to Pilanesburg a couple of times, first time as part of a tour and had lunch at Bakubung Game Reserve so have not stayed there but it looked like a very nice place to stay. You could see the animals going to the water hole from the lodge. I believe there are some other lodges in Pilanesburg.