JACI’S SAFARI LODGE & JACI’S TREE LODGES JOIN MANTIS

- 2 March 2010

The original family friendly Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Tree Lodge situated in the 75 000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa, against the Botswana border joins Mantis exclusive portfolio of world leading reserves and boutique hotels worldwide.

The fourth largest game reserve in South Africa, Madikwe Game Reserve has been identified as the ‘latest eco-tourism hub’ in the country. Madikwe offers a unique wilderness of Kalahari thornveld and bushveld, consisting of vast plains of typical dry acacia woodlands, grasslands and dramatic rocky hills and ridges that expose rocks up to 2630 million years old, and artifacts of the stone and iron ages can still be found in the Great Marico dust.

During 1992, conservation initiatives were sponsored by the Government to restore the fauna, flora and wildlife of the region previously destroyed by farming and overgrazing. Celebrated as the biggest ever relocation programme in Africa, ten thousand animals of 27 major species from other reserves and breeding centres were re-introduced into Madikwe Reserve, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant making the game viewing encounters prime. It’s diverse habitat of acacia savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species such as springbok, gemsbok, sable and impala.

Morning and afternoon visits to the Madikwe Plains is a must for bird lovers, where many of the 313 species of birds and raptors can be sighted.

Jaci’s Safari Lodge, located under a grove of Tamboti trees, on the edge of the Marico River, is built in a curve around an ancient termite mound, masterfully blending into its surrounds. To create a tented feel, the eight tents are built incorporating a mixture of natural stone, shaggy thatched roofs and canvas walls. A handcrafted mosaic rock bath and outdoor safari shower compliment the authentic African Safari atmosphere.

The Nare Suite, originally built as Jan and Jaci’s home, accommodates a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 persons offering guests an exclusive bush retreat. Both bedrooms have canvas sides with a handmade rock bath and outdoor safari shower. An upstairs loft room is ideal for children. A private plunge pool, built within the wooden viewing deck, overlooks a fabulous waterhole, and incorporates an outdoor dining area.

The Safari Suite is the ideal family suite with two double bedrooms and two children’s rooms. It is beautifully positioned overlooking the Groot Marico River with a private pool and wrap-around decks. Accommodating a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 8 persons – combined with the flexibility of your own game drive vehicle and private guide, the Safari Suite is an ideal option for a family travelling together on a family safari.

Jaci’s Tree Lodge comprises of eight “Tree Houses” each encompassing a giant Tamboti or Leadwood tree. Raised wooden walkways, suspended in the forest canopy lining banks of the Marico River, connects to the extraordinary Main Lodge and its generous facilities. The spacious open-plan building at Jaci’s Tree Lodge includes a magnificent bar and lounge area separate from the dining area by a 4 sided open fireplace. Jaci has created a truly African lodge, enhanced by a superior personal service and a very intimate safari experience.

An ideal family and wedding destination, Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Tree Lodge exceeds guests expectations with its African ambiance, scenic dry bushveld, game viewing opportunities and numerous wildlife encounters such as game drives, walking safari’s, specialised photography safari’s, African wild dog sightings and dedicated children activities.

Madikwe is situated one and a half hours from Sun City, just four hours’ drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria or a 50 minute flight from the Johannesburg/OR Thambo International Airport.

Mantis is a proud member of Preferred Boutique™ of the Preferred Hotel Group.