• The Bush House

    Safari Lodge
  • The Bush House

    Safari Lodge
  • The Bush House

    Safari Lodge
  • The Bush House

    Safari Lodge
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The Bush House | Private Lodge | Madikwe

4 Star Madikwe Game Reserve image
The Bush House is a sublime owner-managed lodge set on the mid-western border of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. This four-star home-away- from-home in Big Five country is set in an old farmhouse which has been converted into an intimate bushveld hideaway. In keeping with its informal atmosphere, The Bush House invites visitors to kick back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable African safari.

The Bush House provides visitors six tastefully furnished en-suite rooms positioned around the hub of the lodge. Each double room features a choice of a king-sized bed or two twin beds made up with percale bed linen, a separate shower and bath with toiletries and fluffy towels as well as air-conditioning, a fan, hairdryer, safe, and tea/coffee making amenities. There is also access to AC electricity, free Wi-Fi, and cell phone signal should you need to stay in touch with the outside world.

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    The rooms all open to the exterior via sliding doors. Four of the rooms offer private patios from where you can fully appreciate the sheer tranquility of your pristine surroundings. A fifth room overlooks the manicured gardens and the expansive waterhole which is known for attracting a prolific diversity of game while the final room
    lies adjacent to a mesmerising water fountain.

    The beautifully-appointed interior of The Bush House’s central hub of boasts a cosy lounge, reading area, TV room with DSTV – for sporting emergencies only, and a congenial bar where you can get unwind with fellow guests and swap tales of your grand African adventure.

    The Bush House is the ideal destination for enthusiasts of the great outdoors. The rock swimming pool is just the spot to escape the afternoon heat and immerse yourself in the beauty of this spectacular bushveld idyll. If you’re up for some fun and games, why not enjoy a friendly game of cricket, rugby or soccer on the rolling lawn.

    Or retire to the Lodge verandah and watch the parade of resident wildlife making their way to and from the waterhole. Alternatively, take advantage of the unique opportunity The Bush House’s wheelchair-friendly underground hide provides to get a closer view of the activity at the waterhole. The waterhole is illuminated at night making it possible to observe the more elusive nocturnal game.

    Additional outdoor activities include dawn and dusk game drives in open 4X4 vehicles plus guided nature trails accompanied by expert field rangers. Being a family-oriented establishment, The Bush House does offer game drives that are specially tailored for children under six years who are not permitted on the regular game drives. A babysitting service is also can be arranged on request. As the five-hectare camp is fully fenced, it is perfectly safe to walk around freely and explore the various mini-bush walks.

    Come mealtimes, The Bush House chefs delight in preparing sumptuous bushveld cuisine as per your preferences, whether it’s an al fresco breakfast under the canopy of garden trees, afternoon tea bursting with tasty treats or a fireside dinner in the Boma.

    If you’re looking for a secluded wilderness haven in one of South Africa's prime safari destinations where authentic hospitality and personal attention is the norm, The Bush House will no doubt fulfill your wishes.
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  • icon Rates
  • icon How to get there
  • icon Garden & Pool
  • icon Game Drives
  • icon Dining & Bar
  • icon The Fact Sheet
  • icon Terms
  • icon Undergrund Hide
  • icon Rooms
  • icon Walking Trails & Gym
Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to availability
All tariffs quoted are subject to change, without prior notice, however rates quoted for confirmed bookings will be honoured
Details 1 May 2024
to 30 Apr 2025
Classic Suite x 6 - per person sharing per night R10 100
Classic Suite - single R15 300
Child -11 years and older R5 100
Private Villa 1 - 4 pax R41 000
Private Villa 1 - 6 pax R62 000
Details 1 May 2025
to 30 Apr 2026
Classic Suite x 6 - per person sharing per night R12 000
Classic Suite - single R18 000
Child -11 years and older R6 000
Private Villa 1 - 4 pax R 48 000
Private Villa 1 - 6 pax R72 000


RATES ARE

  • Inclusive of 15% VAT
  • Invoiced and payable in ZAR
  • Quoted per person sharing per night
  • Subject to a 50% supplement for single occupancy
  • Subject to availability
  • Subject to change without prior notice

CLASSIC SUITE RATES INCLUDE

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Three meals daily
  • Tea/coffee
  • All beverages such as soft drinks, waters, house wines, beers and ciders and selected spirits
  • Private Vehicle - Two game drives per day including refreshments and beverages

CLASSIC SUITE RATES EXCLUDE

  • Premium wines and champagne on wine list
  • Premium and craft spirits and single malt whiskeys
  • Transfers
  • Gratuities
  • Curio purchases
  • Laundry services
  • Gate entrance fees  
  • Conservation levies  

PRIVATE VILLA RATES INCLUDE

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Three meals daily
  • Tea/coffee
  • All beverages such as soft drinks, waters, house wines, beers, ciders and selected spirits
  • Private Vehicle - Two game drivers per day including refreshments and beverages

PRIVATE VILLA RATES EXCLUDE

  • Premium wines and champagne on wine list
  • Premium and craft spirits and single malt whiskeys
  • Transfers
  • Gratuities
  • Wellness treatments
  • Laundry services
  • Gate entrance fees
  • Conservation levies
 
Travelling by road to Madikwe
Travelling time approximately 3.5hrs
 
  • Take the N4 Toll road north west towards Rustenburg, Swartruggens, Groot Marico and Zeerust.
  • Once in Zeerust turn right where you have the ABSA bank on the corner to the left
    Follow the R47/R49 towards the reserve for approximately 95km NB.
  • Please watch the speed limit when travelling through the small villages as there are a lot of speed traps along the R47/R49.
  • The first entrance to the reserve is Abjaterskop gate
  • Pass that gate and enter at the next gate – Wonderboom Gate exactly 7km from the first gate
  • Once you have gone through the boom there is a Bush House sign board about 300m along. Turn left in here and travel through our gate and follow the road to reception.
  • Please fill up with fuel in Zeerust as the small garages along the road to the Lodge do not always have stocks of fuel
 
Travelling Tips
 
  • Keep to the speed limit, especially when it drops down from 120kms to 80kms. The traffic officials are often at these spots including the small villages where the speed limit is 60kms as there is a lot of trapping along the R47/R49.
  • Best bathroom facilities enroute are at the Wimpy in Koster or the Wimpy in Zeerust.
  • If you drive an unleaded vehicle, fill up in Zeerust as you will have another 200kms before you return that way and the petrol stations between Zeerust and Madikwe are often out of unleaded fuel.
 
Charter Flights and Scheduled Flights
 
There is a scheduled Federal Air flight that flies in and out of the Reserve daily. Should you wish to charter a plane to suit your own time frame this can be arranged through Madikwe Charters.

 



Unusual for a bush lodge is the oasis of calm that is our unique garden. This peaceful refuge of grass and plantings offer a wonderful respite from the stresses of daily living. The large, beautiful garden overlooking the waterhole is filled with colourful trees and creepers. The rolling green grass is the perfect vantage point to watch the birds, relax in the shade with a book or follow the animals coming down to drink at the best waterhole in the reserve.

Enjoy a friendly game of cricket, rugby or football on the lawn or lie on a blanket and contemplate the passing clouds above. We have an abundance of birdlife to appreciate and between game drives the day belongs to you.

Reading a book in the waterhole chairs or lounging at the rock pool often leads to closing of the eyes and enjoying delicious catnaps. Relax at the pool which has an excellent view of the waterhole while our staff care for your every need.

The electrified fence that surrounds the camp is hidden in a gulley in front of the waterhole so that all photographs, selfies and videos do not have a fence ruining the image. Perfect hidden safety and security!


Game drives are conducted throughout the year at optimum viewing times when game activity is generally at its peak i.e early mornings and late afternoon into evening. The morning safari departs around sunrise and the evening drive leaves late enough in the afternoon for guests to enjoy a sundowner in the bush and return to the lodge as it is getting dark.

Vehicles are equipped with sunblock, and mosquito repellent for the body. In the rooms is a mosquito lotion that can be used on the face and there is additional sunblock at the bar.

Our game viewers have canopies fitted irrespective of the time of the year. The African sun is very harsh even in the cooler months and we prefer our guests not to risk the effects of skin cancer, sun burn and the like. Off roading is permitted in the reserve for big five sightings as well as wild dog and cheetah.
Dining & Bar

Our Chefs, together, create a wonderful culinary selection, whether it is breakfast in the breezeway, afternoon tea (which is a light meal) in the garden or  a fire-lit dinner in the boma under the stars. We accommodate many religious and dietary request when advised at the time booking.

Enjoy a bush style cocktail during the day or discuss the day's sightings sitting around our cosy pub after game drive. A pre-dinner drink could become a daily ritual!

The lodge public areas all look out onto the garden and the large waterhole so you can assured that you will not miss out on any of the animal action.

WHY MADIKWE

  • Situated in the Big five Madikwe Game Reserve which is also renowned for cheetah and wild dog sightings.
  • Off road viewing for predators.
  • Malaria free
  • Abundant birdlife.
  • Two game drives daily with expert guides
  • The best underground hide, with unlimited 24 hour access

ALL 6 OF OUR SUITES HAVE

  • En-suite bathrooms, with separate shower and bath
  • Toiletries, fluffy gowns and a hair dryer
  • Air-conditioning, ceiling fans and safes.
  • Coffee and tea facilities

THERE IS ALSO A PRIVATE VILLA

  • Three bedrooms, two sleeping two adults and a third sleeping up to four kids
  • Uninterrupted views of the waterhole from the entire villa day and night
  • Private lounge and dining area, plunge pool, fire pit and kitchen
  • Access to private game vehicle


AMENITIES YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO

  • Lunge with a fireplace for those chilly winter evenings
  • Dining room
  • Bar
  • Relaxation area
  • Boma with an uninterrupted view of the waterhole
  • Wi-Fi and cell phone signal.
  • Rock swimming pool with sun loungers
  • Large shady garden overlooking the very active waterhole
  • An exciting underground hide at the waterhole can be accessed 24/7 from the lodge.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS

  • We welcome kids of all ages
  • Babysitting facilities on offer
  • Children under six years of age not permitted to join mom and dad on game drives, unless the lodge is booked out exclusively

RATES ARE

  • Inclusive of 15% VAT
  • Invoiced and payable in ZAR
  • Quoted per person sharing per night
  • Subject to a 50% supplement for single occupancy
  • Subject to availability
  • Subject to change without prior notice

CLASSIC SUITE RATES INCLUDE

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Three meals daily
  • Tea/coffee
  • All beverages such as soft drinks, waters, house wines, beers and ciders and selected spirits
  • Private Vehicle - Two game drives per day including refreshments and beverages

CLASSIC SUITE RATES EXCLUDE

  • Premium wines and champagne on wine list
  • Premium and craft spirits and single malt whiskeys
  • Transfers
  • Gratuities
  • Curio purchases
  • Laundry services
  • Gate entrance fees
  • Conservation levies

PRIVATE VILLA RATES INCLUDE

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Three meals daily
  • Tea/coffee
  • All beverages such as soft drinks, waters, house wines, beers, ciders and selected spirits
  • Private Vehicle - Two game drivers per day including refreshments and beverages

PRIVATE VILLA RATES EXCLUDE

  • Premium wines and champagne on wine list
  • Premium and craft spirits and single malt whiskeys
  • Transfers
  • Gratuities
  • Wellness treatments
  • Laundry services
  • Gate entrance fees
  • Conservation levies

CHILD POLICY

  • Madikwe caters for 2 pax per room, should you be travelling as a family with children under 12 years of age we recommend one adult and one child per room.
  • Children 1 to 11 years pay 50% of the person per night rate.
  • Children 12 years and older pay the adult per person per night rate
  • Children under 1 years of age pay R1 250 per night, we can arrange for a cot
  • Children under 6 are not allowed out on game drives
  • Children rates do not apply to the Private Villa

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We insist that travel insurance is taken out on all bookings

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

  • Guests may check in from 14h00
  • Rooms are to be vacated by 11h00

FLIGHT AND ROAD TRANSFERS

  • There are daily flights into the Reserve with Federal Air.
  • These depart from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and can be arranged on request at an additional charge.
  • Road transfers can be arranged on request at an additional charge.
  • The gate entrance fee / fly-in fee is payable on departure in camp.
  • Wonderboom gates are open from 06h00 to 18h00, 7 days a week

GAME VEHICLE POLICY

  • Vehicles can carry 10 guests per vehicle
  • Private vehicle with private guide will be quoted on request
  • Children under 6 years are not allowed out on game drives

WHAT TO TAKE

  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock
  • Cameras and binoculars
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Swimsuit
  • Warm jackets are essential from May to September
  • Light neutral-coloured clothing  

Information Arrival / Departure

  • Guest may arrive from 13:00 and rooms are to be vacated by 11:00
  • Early arrivals and late departures can be arranged with prior notice.

Cancellation Policy

  • All cancellations must be in writing.
  • If a booking is cancelled after confirmation, a 25% cancellation fee will apply.
  • 50% of full amount if cancellation is within 30 – 45 days prior to arrival
  • 100% of full amount if cancellation is 30 days or less prior to arrival
  • A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.

The hide at The Bush House is the first and original underground hide built in Madikwe. Spending time in the hide is an incredibly exciting way to view all species of animals and birds as they come to drink at the edge of the floodlit waterhole.

Photographic opportunities are endless, irrespective of whether you are using your phone’s camera, state of the art equipment or something in-between.

You may have the awe-inspiring opportunity to watch as elephants pass by close enough to touch, to watch them drink at an arm’s length away or to be splashed by a mischievous youngster.

The roof of the hide is just above ground level and is reinforced to carry the weight of any elephant that may wander across the top.

The Underground Hide is accessed from a path within the lodge garden, or from the swimming pool, so guests can safely walk along the walkway and into the tunnel without being seen by the animals, and in complete safety.

The front of the hide has an expanded metal grid which stays completely open and out of sight but can be quickly dropped if anyone is feeling nervous.

The pathways, tunnel and hide are all lit at night so are available for guest use 24 hours a day. There is a ramp to assist with ease of access and there is no charge for use of the hide.

Small and large bean bags are available for guest use in camp.

Rooms

We have six well appointed en suite rooms. Four of them have private verandas, one has a lovely water feature with another having a small private garden. Whilst all our rooms are part of the main lodge, so there are no unnecessary long walk backward and forward, guest privacy is not impacted in any way.
The rooms are tastefully furnished with percale bed linen and fully towels

All rooms are equipped with air conditioners, separate fan, hair dryer, safe, coffee and tea making facility, homemade biscuits, gowns and slippers. The bathroom has a separate  bath and shower along with a variety of toiletries.

Spoil yourself in a candlelit bath with handmade bubbles and not feel guilty. We recycle all our water through a grey water system which is then used to water the lodge lawn and to top up the waterhole. We have 220v electricity, cell phone signal and complimentary WIFI should you need to stay in touch with the outside world. To remain small and intimate we normally book no more than ten quests one time. However we are most happy to book slightly larger groups we can accommodate your desires rooming configurations.

Another of our offerings is or fully fenced camp of approximately five hectares which give everyone, irrespective of age, the opportunity to explore our marked nature walk.

There is a little story about each marked point along the way and a map to show you the layout. What a wonderful way to discover bugs, beetles an butterflies within the safety of camp. Plants and trees can all be discovered in the bushveld around the lodge.

If you have urge to exercise, we have a small, well-equipped gym as well as the option of jogging and walking the length  of the man road within the lodge grounds.

Need Assistance ?

South Africa+27 14 004 0056 / 014 004 0056

Business Hours

Mon – Fri: (09:00 - 17:00)
Sat: (09:00 - 13:00)
Time Zone UTC/GMT +2 hours

E-mail: safaris@madikwe.net

 
       

What sets us Apart!

MALARIA FREE
Ideal for family or small groups
Rich biodiversity of game
Large elephant population
Over 350 bird species
Effortless road and air access

Why Book With Us?

Personal inter-action
Lodges with high standards
Stay in control of your booking
Most special deals by far
Secure payment process (SSL)
South African based
Superior knowledge
Expert advice
No booking fees

Best time to visit

The best time to visit malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve is during March and November, when temperatures are lower.

Entry Fees

Once-off payment
Paid directly by clients
Rebuilding and Recovery levy
  - R115
pppn (optional)
Gate Entry Fees
  - R200
 per Adults per STAY
  - R100  per Child  (3-8 yrs)
Conservation Levy for International Guests
  -  R450 per Adults per DAY
  -  R225 per Child  (2-12 yrs)
 -  Free under 2 years
 Conservation Levy for South African Resident Guests
  -  R225 per Adults per DAY
  -  R115 per Child  (2-12 yrs)
  -  Free under 2 years
• Bed Levy
  - ZAR 10 pppn from age 1 year old    
SUBJECT to change without notice,
Guests GCC are payable at the lodges and
will be added to guests' bills
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Once-off payment
• Paid directly by clients
Flight Landing Fee
  - R280 per person per stay from age 10 years old
  - R180 per Child (3-9 yrs)  
SUBJECT to change without notice
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