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5.0
#5 of 22 lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Last Word Madikwe Bush House is a luxurious safari lodge nestled in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa. This exceptional lodge offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience, as it is strategically positioned around a vibrant waterhole that attracts an abundance of animals both day and night. The lodge's design ensures that guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the teeming waterhole from various vantage points within the property. The central feature of Last Word Madikwe Bush House is undoubtedly the waterhole, which serves as a constant source of excitement and wonder for visitors. From the comfort of the garden, communal areas and private decks, guests can witness a spectacular parade of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species, quenching their thirst or engaging in fascinating interactions. The lodge boasts a uniquely designed photographic hide, which is the first and original of its kind in the Madikwe Game Reserve. This hide allows photography enthusiasts and nature lovers to get up close and personal with the wildlife without disturbing their natural behaviors. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to capture incredible shots of the animals in their natural habitat, ensuring a lifetime of cherished memories. As a malaria-free safari destination, Last Word Madikwe Bush House ensures a worry-free and safe experience for all its guests. This makes it an ideal choice for families with children and travelers who prefer not to take malaria prophylaxis during their African adventure.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
Wonderboom Gate, Madikwe Game Reserve 2840 South Africa
This is the type of place you would expect an " African lodge" to be. Real comfort, real personal service, great views and yes, off course, great food! From the moment you arrive, you feel as if you are more than welcome to be there! No request is too much and all such is met with a smile. The room, bathroom, private garden, gowns and slippers, with proper towels, air-conditioning and fan just makes you want to stay longer. The game viewing was exceptional and very unexpected! Then there is the waterhole with its amazing hide: when last did you sit at eye level to an elephant's feet and at the same time having the trunk trying to smell who was watching it??? With a generally easy drive from OR Tambo-airport, I would expect this to be on many a first time visitor's MUST do list! We are South African's and visit many lodges but trust me: This one is one of the very best! Congrats to a great team and if at all possible, we shall be back!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sjoe, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 07 Jan 2020
Thank you for your very kind review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay with us. Sitting in the hide watching the elephants watching you is quite an experience. We do look forward to welcoming you both back to the lodge.
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We visited recently, a family of three. The lodge is very conveniently located near the reserve entrance closest to the Botswana border which makes it a relatively quick trip both from Gaborone and Pretoria. The lodge staff are welcoming and got us settled quickly. The rooms are not huge but quite comfortable, and you'd be watering your time if you weren't spending as much of it as possible at the watering hole. The bed is big and comfortable and they had an extra bed in the room for our son. There is a huge bathtub with bath salts. They provide a wide range of high quality toiletries in large bottles (more environmentally friendly). We enjoyed the tea, coffee, and cookies in the room (also available at all times in the lounge). We loved the hot water bottles that they put in the beds at night. The rooms have private patios (but again, spend your time at the watering hole instead). One of the best features of the lodge (in case I haven't emphasized it enough) is the watering hole and hide which make for great wildlife viewing all day (and night) long. We really enjoyed relaxing there and watching the animals come and go. The lodge is very kid friendly with special dinners for the kids and fun things like glow sticks and sparklers for the kids. The food was quite good (special meals for vegetarians) with one exception. On the second night they made pizza for the kids and it was made with ketchup. The kids didn't eat it. I think the main chef had the day off because the other meals were much better. The game drives were enjoyable and the guide worked hard to try to show us interesting things. We didn't see a lion in two days but had a great sunset view of elephants at a big watering hole. They provide blankets and water bottles for the chilly morning drive. Keep in mind that all drinks (including sundowners on the game drives) are charged separately. Overall, a very pleasant getaway. We particularly liked that it was small with very few rooms, allowing for a more intimate experience.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Morrison, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 06 Jul 2022
We are a small and intimate lodge and enjoy that our guests are a name and not a number. Our underground hide and waterhole are always a great drawcard. Thank you for your review and we are pleased you enjoyed your stay.
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The easiest review is a copy of the mail I sent to the owners. "Hi Sue, The four of us had a lovely break at your great lodge. Not good for you, but great for us that we were the only ones there (due to COVID-19 release, only allowing local travel). Nadine and her team really spoiled us all the time and we loved the celebration candlelight dinner on the lawn,dance and song they did for our dual 46th anniversaries. Patrick did an excellent job on the game drives, sensitive to reading the animal’s moods well, dealing effectively with questions from quite experienced animal and bird watchers. Our sightings were best ever, even better than Sabi Sands. We loved the lodge itself, our rooms were great and the public spaces were well used to vary our meals to best suit the weather and temperatures. Your gardens are simply a part of Eden, so verdant, well landscaped and maintained. Just so peaceful to sit out during the day, enjoying the beauty, animals at the water hole and birds all around.❤️❤️
The new hide is first class in every respect. Seeing relaxed elephants, safely, from 3m away who once sniffed at perfume with their trunks, was just mind bending.🎯💯❤️❤️ We will be back and both couples will be trying to bring our overseas families with us when time and COVID allows it. Please pass our compliments onto your staff. They are a credit to your finely tuned and well maintained operation. Well done to you and Gordon - you run an excellent show to very high standards. Best Colin and Sheila Kemp"
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Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Both rooms were excellent and had outdoor private seating.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Morrison, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 20 Oct 2020
We are all so thrilled that you so enjoyed your time with us and are delighted at your very kind feedback. The team is so happy to be able to host guests again as they are really proud of the service they offer. It goes without saying that we would love to have you and the families join us again when overseas travel is allowed.
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I've been coming to The Bush House annually since 2010, and although COVID intervened last year, I didn't hesitate to return (as soon as travel allowed) for 11 nights this November.
All current COVID protocols are observed by the staff, plus guests are offered daily temperate checks and regular hand sanitising before meals/game drives ~ which take just a few seconds, provide reassurance and are by no means intrusive on the enjoyment of a stay there.
The game sightings excelled themselves this year. Patrick (the field guide) located the "magnificent seven" several times ~ which included wild dog sightings four times as well as three superb (and relatively calm!) black rhino sightings.
The waterhole was well used, not only by elephant families, but also by a plethora of wildlife and birds ~ and the underground hide provides an opportunity to experiment with unusual photography angles.
Meals were beautifully prepared and presented and the staff, as usual, were attentive and welcoming. In fact, nothing was too much trouble, from the maintenance and ground staff, chefs, wait staff and front of house ~ all played their part in enhancing the guest experience.
The owners, Sjoe and Gordon, like all those in the hospitality industry, have taken a huge hit in recent months, but continue to provide what I regard as an ultimate guest experience and I cannot wait to return.
Sadly, and during my return to the UK and as I write, South Africa has taken yet another "COVID" hit, but that won't deter me from returning in the future as The Bush House really is my "home away from home."
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Date of stay: November 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â My preference is for the room overlooking the waterhole.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Morrison, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 30 Nov 2021
Thank you so very much for your very kind and very detailed review of you recent stay. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us and the sighting you got to experience both out on drive and down in the underground hide will explain the few thousand pics you were able to capture whilst with us. So pleased you did not find our COVID protocols intrusive as they are critical in keeping everyone safe. We look forward to your next visit.
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We've been in the Bush House for four days and we enjoyed every second. First of all the incredible game drives with Damian and Patrick. We would have never thought that we could experience such a lot of animals with perfect explanations of the guides. Especially Patrick found the way in our hearts and the animals too. It was unbelievable and so touching. Also the other staff, in particular Chantè, Roxanne and the lovely girls in the kitchen, made us feel like at home. The farm and the garden are lovely, the room was very comfortable and spacey, everything was perfect. Even when you are at the accommodation you can watch the animals at the waterhole from the garden or the hideaway. We can highly recommend this location to everybody, who is looking for a great experience.
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Date of stay: October 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sjoe, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 21 Jan 2020
We are thrilled that you enjoyed your time with us. Our guides care passionately about what they do and we are so pleased you got to share this during your stay .Thank you for your feedback which we really appreciate.
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The Bush House was our fist visit to a safari, and boy oh boy was it great. The property is probably the best part, with the underground hide and at the waterhole which were the cherry on top - they enabled us to see animals up close even when we weren't on the game drives. The room was absolutist wonderful with all kinds of "safari-chic" decorations , the staff was very warm and welcoming, although I mush say that during our stay Sue and Gordon where away, so I didn't get to meet them in person, but even chatting with them on email was very easy and welcoming. The game drives were really great, and our ranger took the time to find the best of the best in Madikwe,
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sjoe, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 03 Mar 2020
We are so happy that your first safari experience was with us and are thrilled that you enjoyed your time at The Bush House. Sorry that we did not get to meet you face to face but really appreciate your feedback.
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With much excitement we returned to The Bush House for a wonderful 3-night stay! We were just as amazed as the last time we visited. The warm welcome, and the hospitable and kind service provided by all the staff was once again heartfelt.
The garden is stunning and the array of bird life living and/or visiting there is really something out of a fairy tale story. My mom spent most her time in the tranquil garden mesmerised by the abundant wildlife that visits the lodge's waterhole. The waterhole is so close to the garden it feels like you are actually in the bushveld with the animals. Elephants, impalas, wildebeest, giraffes, kudus, zebras, and many more all come to quench their thirst at the waterhole leading to spectacular panoramas of what the South African bushveld has to offer.
I obviously also enjoyed the waterhole, but also the amazing underground hide that the lodge has built. This hide is built right next to the waterhole where visitors can really experience close encounters with the animals in a safe and extraordinary way.
The game drives with our guide, Patrick, were successful, breath taking, and informative. Patrick is skilled with tracking, he is knowledgeable, and he has a great sense of humour really making the experience more exciting.
Our room was clean, spacious, and very comfortable once again! It is also beautifully designed.
The food was out of this world! The menus were always different and offered a variety of foods. Something for everyone. The lodge was also very accommodating in terms of our specific dietary needs.
All the staff were kind, hospitable, and accommodated all our needs! We were treated like rock stars!
Overall the experience was enjoyable and relaxing to say the very least!
Sue and Gordon, we cannot wait to return to The Bush House!
Yours faithfully, Luzaan and Henriette (^^,)
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sjoe, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 24 Mar 2020
The team loves having return guests in camp and it was such a delight to have you both with us again. We are thrilled you enjoyed your stay and as your photos show you have had some wonderful sightings. Thank you for guarding our three precious goslings and we hope your next visit wont be too far away.
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We had planned this trip meticulously for my sister's "special" birthday, and she and Sue had been in constant touch by email re dates, directions, rooms, etc. to ensure a perfect visit. While still checking in, we were treated to the unexpected and breathtaking sight of giraffe soon joined by several species of wild animal coming to drink at the waterhole! We had four Game Drives with Damien, and they were amazing; he had a comprehensive knowledge of not only the game but also the birds. We could not have asked for more. The underground hide was a real thrill, allowing us, a short stroll from our rooms, to get up so close and personal with the wild animals, an arm's length away. The food was delicious and beautifully presented with colourful African print table cloths and decorations. The service was flawless; we were thoroughly spoiled by all the staff. Sue and Gordon are perfect hosts! Thank You.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Both of our rooms were lovely with private sitting areas.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sjoe, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 31 Mar 2020
Thank you for your lovely review for which we are most appreciative. The team is delighted to have had you all with us and are so happy that you enjoyed your stay. It was loads of fun having you in camp with us. Take good care of yourselves.
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We had heard about The Bush house from my brother and sister in law who had raved about their experiences after each visit, so this year we joined them and can endorse their opinion. Sue, Gordon and their staff did everything possible to make our stay as relaxing and memorable as possible, Nothing was too much trouble and their attention to detail is exceptional. Our room was decorated in traditional African style, with a large comfortable bed and with plenty of pillows, Tea & coffee facilities were provided, plus a flask of cold drinking water. The bathroom was spacious with a huge bath tub, extra large shower, bathrobes, big soft white fluffy towels, and included a range of toiletries with some extra touches like sun lotion, & insect spray. Each night we found our bed turned down and a printed story on the pillow . All the food was delicious, varied, and plentiful. Our two daily safari drives were conducted by the intrepid Damian whose enthusiasm, knowledge and expert tracking skills were exceptional. He did everything possible to ensure everyone enjoyed the experience. We were incredibly fortunate and privileged to see 4 out of the so called Big 5, as well as a variety of other animals & birds, in addition we watched a lion & lioness mating, racing to view a pack of endangered wild dogs feasting on a fresh impala kill, and a large bull elephant in musk giving us a scare. On each drive we stopped for a break and Damian produced a morning snack and our choice of hot drink, in the afternoon/ evening it was a sundowner or a beer, usually taken at a scenic spot or overlooking animals. After each drive we were greeted by staff offering us refreshing fragrant towels and a drink, which after the afternoon/evening drive was an alcoholic ones, in our case sherry. Our evening meals were served on the boma eating and drinking with fellow guests reliving and reviewing the days experiences to the backdrop of the silhouettes of animals down at the waterhole. Between morning and evening drives we had the opportunity to relax on comfortable sun loungers by the pool which conveniently overlooked the waterhole so able to watch a continuous stream of visiting animals. Or to visit the underground hide to view the activities at ground level and at close quarters the animals, drinking, wallowing, or giving themselves a shower, an incredible experience and humbling. On our last evening last evening we returned from the drive to find our room had been romantically decorated with tea lights, flower garland on the bed, a congratulation card from Sue, Gordon and the staff plus a bottle of champagne on ice. Our dinner was served under the stars down by the fire pit near the waterhole, and the evening finale was all the staff coming down in a line to join us singing traditional African songs, clapping and dancing, making our Anniversary and time at the Bush House a truly memorable one.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Morrison, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 04 Apr 2023
We are just delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and that it matched the reviews that the family had so kindly given us. Special occasions are just as special for the team as they are for our guests!!Thank you for the wonderfully detailed review which really does mean a great deal to us all. Take good care.
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First time on safari in South Africa and we couldn't have picked a better place than the Bush House! The staff are incredibly friendly and made us feel very welcome. The guides are very knowledgeable - our guide Patrick found lion on the very first day! The place is small, only six rooms, so the game drives aren't overcrowded and we became fast friends with our fellow guests. The hide by the watering hole on the property is unique. Highly recommended!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sjoe, Owner at Last Word Madikwe
Responded 25 Jan 2020
It was such a pleasure having you both in camp with us and we are so happy that your first South African safari was a hit. The team are thrilled that you enjoyed you stay with us.
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We drove from Pretoria and it is a simple route with most on major highways. We had a compact car and was fine - no need for an SUV. If not going by your own car then check with Bush House about transfer from airport. You will have a fantastic trip!
Hi there. We have a total of six rooms at the lodge but normally
take a maximum of ten guests so that it is small and intimate.
However if one group takes out the lodge we take more than ten people on request.
There are more places to choose from in the Madikwe Game Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 13,720 - RÂ 39,881 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaNorth-West ProvinceMadikwe Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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