Madikwe Moments Blog
An afternoon of Art and Culture in the bush
8 May 2012It is not often that one gets the opportunity to organise an art exhibition in the bush, so when it presented itself, from the Anna Basson Art Gallery in Zeerust we embraced it in true Jaci’s fashion.
Meet the new GM of Jaci’s Lodges – Beukes Geldenhuys
3 April 2012Beukes Geldenhuys, the new general manager of Jaci’s Lodges, is obviously the man for the job: he has managed lodges and acted as a field guide all over South Africa, as well as on the Lower Zambezi; he’s also been a film cameraman, financial advisor and animal rehabilitator; he has raised a lion and gone hunting with her; and he was there as one of our first guides, along with the rest of the team, when the renowned lodges – set in the expansive Madikwe Game Reserve on the edge of the Kalahari – opened in 2000.
Pedals 4 Paws project raises funds for African wild dogs
24 March 2012The African wild dog is very close to our hearts here at Jaci’s, and being based in the Madikwe Reserve means we are very privileged to see these amazing animals on a regular basis. When you are on a game drive and observe a large pack of dogs playfully interacting with each other, it is hard to believe that they are on the critically endangered wildlife list.
Thandi and Themba’s Story
23 March 2012The story of Thandi and Themba, the two courageous Rhino from Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
Get out of my dam Duck
5 March 2012Elephants like to take themselves very seriously, but they are actually very amusing creatures, especially the younger ones.
Have yourself a Jaci’s Lodges Christmas
by Christine Marot – 9 December 2011Christmas in Madikwe will never be white, but at Jaci’s Lodges it’s guaranteed to be cheery, bright and filled with delectable dishes to make the day one to remember.
Every year the staff at Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Jaci’s Tree Lodge goes all-out to prepare communal feasts that are the highlight of the festive season for guests.
Each lodge creates a buffet-style selection of traditional Christmas fare, which is laid out after an early afternoon game drive. Since the focus is on family at this special time of year, everyone joins the festivities.
Nice day for a wild wedding
by Christine Marot – 14 November 2011The wonderful thing about getting married in South Africa is having the luxury of choosing a wildlife location like Jaci’s Lodges for your special occasion.
Not only does a bush wedding make for a unique setting, it also affords overseas guests an opportunity to experience the bushveld and allows for stunning photographic opportunities.
Couples keen to have their wedding at Jaci’s are encouraged to visit Jaci’s Lodges for a few nights with family and friends well ahead of the time to get a feel for the environment and to discuss the many options available. Alternatively the bride and a bridesmaid might prefer to spend a day at Jaci’s.
Madikwe field rangers undergo specialised anti-poaching training
28 July 2011Madikwe’s field rangers have been lauded for the outstanding manner in which they undertook their recent advanced field ranger training, which included special measures to counteract poachers.
According to Madikwe Game Reserve Operations Manager Declan Hofmeyr, the advanced course is an “extremely difficult one comprising 42 consecutive days of intensive training.”
“Candidates were required to overcome great personal obstacles and hardship during the course. They were continually tested physically and mentally by means of intensive physical training and lecture sessions.
Forest Farm residents enjoy their annual stay at Jaci’s
by Jaci's Lodges – 10 June 2011The highlight of the year for staff and residents of Forest Farm Centre (a residential home for adults with cerebral palsy) is their winter visit to Jaci’s Lodges – and this year was no different for the 17 visitors who made the annual trip to Madikwe.
Jaci’s Tree Lodge featured online and in print!
by Christine Marot – 18 April 2011Jaci’s Tree Lodge has featured twice in the media of late, in the April 2010 issue of Getaway and in a recent TripAdvisor blog. The blog is featured below and you’ll catch the “Out on a limb” feature in the mag.
“I was in Johannesburg for business and wanted to see some of South Africa on the weekend. Based on recommendations from a colleague, I booked two nights at Jaci’s Tree Lodge.














