Last Word Madikwe Bush House

The Bush House – An Intimate Safari Retreat in Madikwe

The Bush House is a one-of-a-kind safari retreat, offering a warm, welcoming escape in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Originally a family farmhouse filled with years of laughter and cherished memories, it has been transformed into a relaxed and inviting safari lodge where guests are encouraged to kick off their shoes and immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.

What Makes The Bush House Special?

From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice that The Bush House is not your typical safari lodge. It’s a place where luxury meets authenticity, where every guest is treated like family. What truly sets it apart is the personal touch—as an owner-managed lodge, attention to detail and genuine hospitality are at the heart of everything.

Imagine returning from an exhilarating Big 5 game drive and unwinding at the bar with a refreshing drink, sharing stories with fellow travelers. Picture yourself savoring a delicious bushveld-inspired meal under a canopy of stars in the open-air boma. The dedicated team takes pride in curating a personalized experience that keeps guests coming back time and again.

But perhaps the most magical aspect is the connection to the wild. Watch elephants dusting themselves off, rhinos grazing nearby, and even the elusive leopard making a fleeting appearance. Experience the sheer power of a buffalo herd as it gathers at the waterhole just meters from the lodge’s front lawn—one of the best wildlife viewing spots in Madikwe.

An Exclusive yet Relaxed Safari Stay

While The Bush House offers intimate, home-like comfort, it doesn’t require an exclusive booking. Each of its six en-suite bedrooms is available individually, providing a flexible and personalized safari experience.

• Private verandas & serene views – Four of the rooms open onto secluded verandas, perfect for enjoying a quiet morning coffee or soaking in the African sunset.
• Garden & waterhole-facing rooms – One room offers a breathtaking view of the lodge’s iconic waterhole, while another enjoys the peaceful ambiance of a nearby water feature.
• Convenient lodge access – Unlike many safari lodges, all rooms are centrally located within the main lodge, eliminating long walks to your accommodation.

A Culinary Safari Like No Other

Dining at The Bush House is an experience in itself, expertly crafted by talented in-house chefs who take pride in delivering a diverse menu of gourmet bush cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the lush garden, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea filled with homemade treats, and cap off the evening with a fire-lit boma dinner under the African sky.

Unmatched Relaxation & Activities

The Bush House offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation:

• Lounge in the tranquil, shaded garden – an idyllic spot to unwind while watching animals gather at the waterhole.
• Cool off in the inviting swimming pool, with attentive staff ensuring you have everything you need.
• Enjoy a friendly game of cricket, rugby, or soccer on the lawn, adding a fun, family-friendly touch to your stay.
• Embark on two expertly guided game drives daily, offering exceptional wildlife encounters in Madikwe Game Reserve.
• Explore the private nature trail within the electrified boundaries of camp—perfect for a peaceful self-guided bush walk.

At The Bush House, you’re not just visiting the wilderness—you’re becoming part of it. Book your stay today and experience a safari that feels like home, even for the first time.

Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters at The Bush House

A standout feature at The Bush House is our exclusive underground hide, located at the edge of one of the reserve’s most active waterholes. This hidden gem offers guests the unique opportunity to observe wildlife up close, with elephants regularly drinking from the water point directly in front of the hide or strolling past it. The waterhole provides an amazing viewing point for elephant herds, rhinos, and a variety of other game as they come to drink.

The hide’s roof is reinforced and sturdy enough to withstand the weight of even the largest animals, ensuring guests can feel secure and immersed in the experience. Its strategic position means that guests can watch the wildlife in complete privacy without disturbing the animals or being seen themselves.

Guests can easily access the hide from a scenic path within the lodge’s garden or from the swimming pool area, allowing for a safe and comfortable journey. The walkway leading to the hide is designed to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted passage to the tunnel, which keeps you hidden from view as you move.

For added peace of mind, the front opening of the hide features an expanded metal grid, which is discreetly concealed when not in use. Should any guests feel nervous, the grid can be lowered quickly, providing an extra layer of security while still maintaining the immersive nature of the experience.

Expert Tips for Enjoying The Bush House Hide Experience

At The Bush House, we’ve designed the underground hide to be accessible and convenient for all guests, ensuring a memorable and safe safari experience. The pathways, tunnel, and hide are all well-lit at night, allowing for 24-hour access. This means you can enjoy the beauty of the Madikwe Game Reserve under the starry African sky or during the quiet serenity of the night, offering a completely different perspective on wildlife activity.

For guests who use walkers or wheelchairs, rest assured that the pathway leading to the hide is equipped with ramps, providing easy and smooth access. We believe that inclusive and comfortable safari experiences should be available to everyone, ensuring that all guests can enjoy our unique wildlife viewing spots.

The close-up views of animals and birds that visit the waterhole are simply awe-inspiring. You’ll witness a diverse array of wildlife in their natural habitat—elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and exotic bird species—coming right up to the water’s edge. This offers an unparalleled, immersive game viewing experience that brings you closer to nature than ever before.

Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars for a chance to capture the spectacular wildlife moments that unfold just steps from the hide. Whether it’s the gentle movements of a herd of elephants or the majestic flight of a bird of prey, the hide offers an entirely new dimension to your safari adventure.