Our first visit to The Bush House on recommendations from friends. And what we thought might be a once in a lifetime thing quickly turned into us making plans for our next visit in the van to the airport upon departure.
Sue and Gordon has created a lodge like no other in beautiful and very importantly, not crowded, Madikwe game reserve. The warmth and hospitality from check-in to departure by the owners and amazingly attentive staff is second to none. Meals, from pre game drive snack to dinner were plentyfull and exquisite and the wine selection intriguing to these two aficionados.
The property, with everything from the underground hide at the waterhole to pool area, beautiful lounges and dining tables set up in the garden within view of the waterhole while water buffalos were enjoying a drink or bath, will stay with you forever.
The game drives, twice a day, in this beautiful game reserve is executed to perfection by ace guides Patrick and Damian. Incredible knowledgeable, entertaining and so respectful in the pursuit of the wildlife for us guests. This avid photographer had the most beautiful time in the Landcruiser!
And the negative? Very predictable, but too short of a stay. We will remedy that the next time.
Thank you for a beautiful experience. And never change a thing.
We were a group of two families and had a great wonderful 5 days at the bush house. Sue and Gordon were wonderful hosts and so helpful with any requests. The lodge is beautifully maintained with wonderful gardens and the watering hole was constantly full of So many different animals - in vast numbers. The children enjoyed cricket/ football and the pool while watching the animals who seemed oblivious to the children! We had amazing game drives and also a wonderful bush walk (without the children). The extra fenced in area meant we could also do a mid morning run to work off all the amazing food we consumed! Overall highly recommend.
I visited The Bush House this past June and have not stopped thinking about it since. It's BEAUTIFUL. The watering pool immediately outside makes for the best view and photos, even when staying in the lodge. The kitchen accommodated my celiac's disease (gluten free) and made absolutely delicious and diverse food. I have never received such service as a gluten free eater. The staff was so friendly. The game rides taught be a lot and they went out of their way to ensure we saw the most we could! Overall, I could not have imagined a better stay and cannot speak more highly to the Bush House!
We had a perfect stay at the bush house! The kids (7,11) and we loved everything: the warm welcome, perfect views, the waterhole, the hide, the pool, the meals and especially all the amazing people who give there best to make your stay perfect. Thanks for everything you gave to us! Special thanks to Patrick, our driver and guide to the wilderness! He is amazing, very friendly and always try to give you the best view to the animals. We saw the big 5 on one day - amazing! We know that this is not usual (even for madikwe) and that we could be very lucky about it. We are :-)
The owners are extremely hands on, giving their all throughout any stay we have had with them. All the staff are kind and accommodating, nothing is ever too much trouble for them. They truly do try help where ever possible.
The food is always delicious, even the picky family members tend to clear their plates. I am vegan, which has always been met with enthusiasm by the chef. I have delicious meals prepared specifically for me. Small things like making non dairy milk available and providing vegan cookies in the room make my visit, in particular, lovely.
They have a small pool, close to a watering hole right outside their lodge. Right by this watering hole, there is a hide where you are able to see the animals up close and personal. This is always such an incredible experience for the family.
The game rangers are always extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating. We have 2 little girls, and on a few occasions they have needed the toilet in the middle of the game drive. Not only was this met with understanding and patience, but on one occasion the game ranger actually found a toilet where the girls were able to go.
Our visits have always been truly special. This place has been so well liked by my family, that we have been back multiple times. Not only that, but when we do want to go to the bush, they are the first place we call to check availability.