About Jaci's Safari Lodge
The Terrapin Hide - a photographers dream!
The hide is located in the middle of a waterhole and is within walking distance of Jaci’s Safari Lodge.
You access the hide via a submerged tunnel and you then have water-level viewing of any animals coming down to the water for a drink or play. This is what makes Jaci's a premium photographic safari destination.
You will have a low angle of vision which gives you an unparalleled opportunity to capture eye-level images of animal life. They have placed the hide facing west, which guarantees soft morning light and then you get warm backlit silhouettes in the late afternoon.
The hide is accessible night and day and is fully equipped with red LED interior lights, spotlights and a radio. DO NOT think that the hide is just for professional photographers, it is there to be enjoyed by all guests. Who knows, you may be able to capture that elusive leopard, swimming elephant calf’s or even African wild dogs from this unique vantage point.
The Safari Suite
The Safari Suite has 2 double bedrooms and 2 children's rooms and is an ideal family suite. Beautifully positioned overlooking the Marico River with a private pool and wrap around decks, the newest addition to Jaci's Safari Lodge is a must for families wanting to stay in close proximity to each other but not necessarily in the same room. Overlooking your private plunge pool and the Marico River.
The suite accommodates 5 to a maximum of 8 guests. It featuring Jaci's trademark shaggy thatch roof's and has sliding doors and canvas all opening to magnificent views you can enjoy from the privacy of the Safari Suit. Combined with the flexibility of having your own game drive vehicle and private guide - the Safari Suite is an ideal option for a family traveling together on a family safari.
The Nare-Suite
The Nare-Suite is a luxurious 4 sleeper suite, that has a self contained kitchen (for our chefs to prepare meals for you in the comfort of your own retreat), lounge and outdoor dining area.
Children sharing with their parents are comfortably accommodated on camping stretchers in the rooms. Maximum 3 children per room.
The Main Lodge
The generous Main Lodge consists of a spacious lounge and open planned dining area with uninterrupted views of the bush. Enjoy fire cooked meals in our enclosed boma, or under the stars at a bush braai.
Between the early morning and evening game drives and walks, there is a cool swimming pool overlooking the river. Lie in a hammock, sip an ice-cold drink, watch the birds, the butterflies and beasts, relax, and unwind.
Children on Safari
Jaci's provides the opportunity for the perfect family safari as well as introducing children to the wonders and enjoyment of the African bushveld. Children of all ages are welcome at Jaci's and are especially catered for.
Family Safaris:
Our family safaris have evolved from the specialized children's safaris, as there was a demand from parents to see and enjoy their children's wild experiences first hand rather than when they returned to the Lodge, so we had more parents on the specialized safaris than children!! The family safari vehicles are only available at Jaci's Safari Lodge – this now enables us to put families with children aged 5 – 12 yrs on the game drive with their parents for the morning and evening game drives.
Jungle Drives:
"Jungle Drives" are provided for children 4yrs and younger and go out once a day, between the morning and evening game drives. Parents are welcome to join, but they must behave like children! On the "jungle drive" things of interest to children are pointed out, e.g. toothbrush plants, beetles, etc.. The information on the drive is aimed at the age/s of the children on the drive. (The "jungle drive" is included in the children's special rate.)
Children's Meals
Children 12 yrs and younger will enjoy dinner in the dining room and enjoy a child oriented menu with things that they prefer, like spaghetti bolognaise, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and lots of vegetables (to keep Mum happy) etc.. Children 12 yrs and under sharing with their parents will not be allowed to eat dinner in the boma (the earlier children's dinner is provided instead.)
On arrival the chef will ask the children specifically what they like and dislike and use this as a guideline when preparing the children's menu. All meals are prepared fresh at the Lodge - so no fast food – and dessert is always served! All children 12 years and younger have dinner as soon as their game drives are back in the evening and the little little ones eat around 6 pm – so when the parents get back from their game drive they are bathed, dressed and fed – bliss indeed!
Children's dinner works really well, as the evening meal is usually served late and by then they are starving – and would much rather be playing with the other children in the playroom. This also gives Mum and Dad time to have a romantic pre-dinner drink and a leisurely evening meal together – what a treat. All children on adult rates will eat with the adults at night. Breakfast and lunch are eaten together as a family.
General
Child minding is provided free of charge while the parents are on their game drives and while they are having dinner.
Jaci's is fenced off from the Reserve - but it is still the responsibility of the parents to be mindful of potential dangers as Jaci's is in a wildlife area.
The most attractive feature for parents looking for a place to go on Safari with their children is that Jaci's WELCOMES children.
Please remember that although the gates into the Madikwe Game Reserve close at 21h00, guests are not permitted to drive unaccompanied in the reserve after 18h00. Should you expect to arrive after 18h00, please make prior arrangements for a lodge escort, at a cost of R500 per escorted trip.