Full marks for Jaci’s Safari Lodge

by Kate Turkington – 22 December 2011

Veteran travel writer Kate Turkington visits Jaci's Safari Lodge and enthuses…

Oh yes, I’d heard all about it. Jaci’s Safari Lodge in Madikwe. Reputed to be one of the best – if not the best – safari lodge in Madikwe.

Ho hum.

I’m a veteran safari writer. I’ve written guide books for Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa. It takes a lot for me to give full marks – or almost full marks.

Jaci’s scored on all counts.

Madikwe is teeming with game and it all seems to hang around Jaci’s – or at least turns up on almost every drive.

I won’t mention the pack of 20 wild dogs one morning; or the lion pride waking up for the evening hunt; or the one-eared spotted hyena (who’d had a very bad night); or the caracal; or the breeding herds of elephants, or the tiny rhino baby; or the scores of birds.

Or David, our superb guide.

But what I will mention are the friendliness, courtesy, patience and efficiency of the amazing lodge staff.

I’ve rarely been in a lodge with a happier or more content bunch, who make you feel immediately at home and part of the family.

And I have never – ever – been in a lodge where children of all ages are made to feel so at home and so welcome.

I shall certainly go back…