In the North-West province of South Africa close to the Botswana border, lies Madikwe Game Reserve, one of the largest yet lesser-known parks in the country. The reserve is a conservation success story, offering a wildlife-rich, Big 5 safari (as well as Super 7) experience with excellent game sightings including endangered species such as white and black rhino, an abundance of bird species, cheetah and wild dog, to name but a few.
In the unspoilt western sector of the reserve lies Rockfig Lodge, an intimate, family-owned boutique lodge with a magnificent setting high up on Buffalo Ridge, offering unspoilt views over the Madikwe plains below. The lodge’s four private and spaciously set-apart safari villas give a sense of complete immersion in the African wilderness.
As the lodge’s maximum guest compliment at any given time is only 14, every stay is tailored according to individual needs. Of the four villas, two are for couples; one is for a family or group of friends of up to four; with the largest villa best suited to a family of up to six.
Each villa comes complete with a fully equipped kitchen (although there is no need for cooking as all meals are included, as are house wines, beers and spirits) and a separate, beautifully furnished living room. Maximising on outdoor living, each unit features a large patio with private splash pool and outdoor shower, and a dedicated boma area allowing for ‘DIY’ barbeques (also known as a ‘braai’ in South Africa), in the privacy of your own safari villa. On request, the private BBQ and fire pit is always ready and waiting upon return from the afternoon safari drive, with the fire and lanterns prelit, and chairs and tables set up. All the ingredients are ready to cook and enjoy under the starlit sky.
The power of food creates memories, brings people together and tantalises all the senses. A Culinary Safari at Rockfig, garnished with the sounds of the bushveld, will ensure to delight your tastebuds prepared by a team of talented chefs, using fresh ingredients from Rockfig’s veggie and herb garden. From a le carte dining to high tea, build-your own pizza and boma nights, it’s a foodie experience to remember.
Keeping things Kosher on Safari – an exciting new addition to culinary experience at Rockfig! Combining Rockfig’s respect for traditions and passion for hospitality, they have proudly forged a partnership with Kosher in the Bush. This collaboration sets a new standard, ensuring that Jewish guests can enjoy the experience of a South African big-five safari without compromising their observances. There are multiple dining options available from ready-made food to a full-time private Kosher chef. All meals are under the supervision of KCSA. Chalav Yisroel and Chalak on request. All Mashgichim are qualified and observant Jews.
Rockfig has also recently launched its children’s digital safari and kids activity book. The activity was designed to inspire a love for learning more about the African wildlife, the bush, how to capture it’s natural beauty and to have some fun, of course. The digital safari will form part of any child’s stay at the lodge, should they wish to take part. All children will receive a booklet with fun activities to complete, as well as information on shooting with a mobile phone (for the older ones) with the guidance of our experienced and professional guides.
“We are thrilled to introduce our children’s digital safari and activity book, providing young adventurers with an interesting and interactive opportunity to connect with nature and wildlife within the reserve,” says Warwick Frost, Managing Director at Rockfig Lodge. “We believe that fostering an interest and love for our environment at a young age is essential for creating future conservationists. Children will also receive an ‘honorary ranger badge’ for taking part.”
Guests opting to book Inkwe Family House – or the whole lodge with all 4 villas exclusively – have the complete freedom to design their own safari itinerary. Inkwe Family House is a spacious bush home nestled amongst beautiful trees and boasts its own large boma, an exclusive swimming pool, and – the best part – its very own watering hole for a completely private game viewing experience. In addition this family villa includes a dedicated safari vehicle and ranger for any-time game drives. As Madikwe is a malaria-free reserve and children of all ages are welcome at Rockfig Lodge, this really is the ideal family safari option.
The lodge also offers numerous opportunities for game viewing, whether from the privacy of your own villa’s deck; the back of a safari vehicle or on foot; from the lodge’s exclusive underground photographic hide; or from The Cliff, the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the magnificent Madikwe plains, punctuated by several inselbergs which are unique “island-mountains” – all with a glass of Chardonnay or a G&T in hand and a tray of delicious snacks.
