Luxury Safari lodges often have to compromise on either the authenticity of 'the bush experience' or the extravagance of the setting in order to provide the visitor with a bona fide lodge stay. Tuningi Safari Lodge in the Madikwe compromises on neither, providing the perfect balance between a real bush experience within 5-star surroundings.
Tuningi Safari Lodge can accommodate 16 guests in eight exclusive viltunilas – each separated from the next to provide true privacy and peace. All eight villas house spacious, open bathrooms with outside showers, individual fireplaces and their own wooden balconies giving guests their own independent share of nature outside of the game drives. The lodge unusually even caters for young children, with family units consisting of two double bedrooms, pull-out couches and adjoining living areas available for larger contingents.
Madikwe's history
The Madikwe Game Reserve (Madikwe) is a conservation success story worthy of a campfire raconteur. The 75 000 hectare reserve has been painstakingly restored from arid, cattle grazing land to its rich natural environment. The reserve also undertook the largest ever game translocation in the world, which occurred when 8 000 animals of 28 species were moved to the reserve in "Operation Phoenix" which was concluded in 1997. These included the Big-5 and other endangered species. Hence the world renowned Madikwe Game Reserve was created through the collective effort of government, communities and investors.Madikwe was born out of a sense of socialresponsibility - as a tactic to save the areafrom poverty. The communities in the area have not only been involved in contributing to the project but also benefited greatly from the jobs that the reserve has created.
The Madikwe Collection, a company formed by Carl Trieloff and William Stephens, has played a significant role in the sustainability of eco-tourism development, conservation and upliftment of the local rural communities within the Madikwe Game Reserve.
The location
Situated quite near to the border of Botswana, Tuningi can be reached by car from Johannesburg in four hours if driving briskly. For those with a wider budget, Madikwe Air arranges private charters from OR Tambo – taking only 45 minutes by plane.
Once settled into the lodge, game drivesbecome the primary objective. Christo, our expert ranger with an exceptional eye for sightings, led us on two daily drives – early morning and late afternoon. Upon returning to the lodge from the morning drive, guests tuck into a hefty brunch consisting of fruits, eggs, cheeses, and cereals – all freshly prepared and sumptuous.
Dinner follows a similar pattern – upon returning from the afternoon drive, guests are given time to freshen up prior to the ultimate indulgence – a superb 3-course set menu where varieties of local meats are on offer. This is most definitely not for the ardent vegetarian! Those of us who battle to divorce ourselves from technology in the bush are able to watch DSTV from the bar. This together with a recently-installed WIFI connection in the lounge area allows guests to manage their business interest from the comfort of the lodge.
For more information, contact Theresa on + 27 (0) 82 820 8437
This article was featured on the October/November 2011 BusinessBrief Magazine.
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