What can we say… Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! This is truly God’s country! We will be back with all of our loved ones.
John D is amazing, he knows everything. The food is scrumptious and the staff is very friendly. All in all the perfect nature experience. Rest for body and soul!!
Duard and Colette Kleyn
Introduction
Back in 1990 the site where Jaci's Lodges stand today were dusty North West province mealie fields, and the only animals around were of the domestic variety.
However, as soon as the government declared that the land could be put to better use as a wildlife sanctuary and tourist destination, Jan and Jaci van Heteren’s vision for a family safari lodge was born.
Jan and Jaci van Heteren
In 1991, the Madikwe Game Reserve was formally declared. Over the next three years more than 10 000 animals were moved to Madikwe as part of the world’s biggest wildlife relocation project - Operation Phoenix. The mammoth transfer of a variety of game species included, for the first time, relocating an entire herd of elephants.
Jaci and Jan moved to Madikwe and built and opened the first lodge in the reserve, Madikwe River Lodge, in the mid ’90s. They later sold their interest in the lodge, but the couple soon realised they missed Madikwe and wanted to be back in the reserve. They returned to Madikwe and opened Jaci's Safari Lodge.
Jaci’s Tree Lodge followed three years later, fulfilling Jan's dream of building a lodge on stilts, with both venues benefiting from the individual yet complementary talents of the owners. While Jan focuses on the cuisine, hospitality and the financial side of the business, Jaci has applied her creative flair to the unique décor, the comfort of guests, as well as the marketing, reservations and general administration.
The ongoing success of both lodges some 20 years later is testament to the Van Heterens’ insight into the needs of families and couples looking for a relaxing, upmarket getaway venue set amid the arid beauty of the African bushveld.
From Twitter
- Dates for the new Photographic Workshops have been set and they are selling out fast. http://t.co/2vk08Ao1 – 6 hours, 7 minutes ago.
- You've heard of Black Rhino's and White Rhino's, but have you ever seen a Red Rhino? http://t.co/eKcYHTpG – 7 hours, 4 minutes ago.
