Thakadu River Lodge - luxury, wilderness and community at the heart of the Madikwe Reserve

Officially opened in November 2026, the new lodge offers secluded riverine luxury with exceptional wildlife encounters in one of South Africa’s premier Big Five reserves.

North West, 11 November 2026 - The appeal of Madikwe, the 750 km² ‘Super Seven’ wildlife haven with its blend of woodlands, riverine vegetation, and open veld, has been reinforced by the announcement that Thakadu Lodge, transformed and reimagined, in its unique setting alongside the Marico River, is ready to welcome new visitors and former guests back.

Following a new property build managed by aha Hotels & Lodges of the Tourvest Group, reopened Thakadu River Lodge, first week of November 2026. The luxury safari lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve will welcome visitors seeking a tranquil, green, secluded environment within a beautiful riverine forest, setting it apart from many bushveld lodges.

Located only 20km from Gaborone, Botswana, near the Pilaneburg, and about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg, or a short flight from OR Tambo International Airport, with 2 private reserve landing strips. Thakadu Lodge appeals to guests seeking its exclusive Madikwe setting, renowned for abundant birdlife and wildlife. In addition to sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), guests can also spot two rare, shy, and elusive species.

This malaria-free reserve is also home to African wild dogs and cheetahs, prompting many wildlife enthusiasts to call it a ‘Super Seven’ experience, a place where every game drive holds the promise of seeing the wild dogs, of which fewer than 550 can be found in South Africa’s protected areas.

The ‘painted dogs' of Madikwe, now three hunting packs of the endangered species, have grown from the six animals originally introduced to the reserve as part of Operation Phoenix in 1991. Cheetahs, the world’s fastest land animal, add to the excitement of unique game drives by hunting during the day rather than at night, increasing the chance of once-in-a-lifetime sightings.

“Thakadu Lodge's status as a luxury lodge rooted in conservation is strengthened by its deep community heritage”, says Cynthia Tshambo, General Manager of Thakadu River Lodge. “Unlike most lodges, Thakadu is a community-based sustainable-tourism lodge, owned by the local Molatedi community and operated by aha Hotels and Lodges. This ensures that both local and international guests, while enjoying the best a premier reserve and lodge have to offer, generate benefits beyond the lodge and contribute to long-term local economic development.”

For discerning travellers, the new Thakadu offers 12 tented suites: nine luxury tented suites and three family suites, raised on timber decks beneath riverine trees. Sweeping canvas roofs, private verandas and careful siting ensure a secluded enjoyment of the pristine, well-appointed lodge and its surroundings.

At its heart are newly imagined dining areas, a bar and lounge, and a pool deck overlooking the Marico River's ecological corridor, where riverbank woodland contrasts with the reserve’s open grasslands, thornveld, and drier bushveld, which support Madikwe’s diverse wildlife and more than 350 bird species.

Guided drives led by expert guides offer more than wildlife sightings: they give visitors an opportunity to learn about the reserve’s ecology, animal behaviour and conservation challenges.

Experiencing a day in the timeless African bush moves naturally through the heat of the day to cooler evenings around the boma fire, dinner and Thakadu’s renowned ‘Follow the Wild’ menus, which feature local delicacies tailored with personalised service from our Head Chef, all meals carefully paired with traditional South African wines.

Rebuilding Thakadu River Lodge after the flood was never only about restoring what we lost. It was a natural next chapter in the Thakadu story: a chance to reimagine the lodge as the premium safari experience to provide an elevated experience, while keeping the warm, homegrown hospitality our guests love,” says Mali Langa, Managing Director, aha Hotels & Lodges

“We have been careful to preserve the essential characteristics that have made the area the special place it is. What has changed is the newly imagined guest experience, combining new, well-appointed luxury with an authentic natural setting.”

“Travellers today are increasingly interested in the people and places behind their holiday experiences. With local community ownership, guests know that they are not simply visiting a wildlife destination but supporting a tourism enterprise with a community-development purpose.”

Thakadu Lodge looks forward to welcoming new guests to experience the lodge and its surrounds and former guests back. To avoid disappointment heading into the festive season, we encourage guests to make their reservations soonest, as the lodge is already fully booked for the month of November.

For bookings, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.aha.co.za (www.thakaduriverlodge.com is coming soon).  To view the unique highlights of the lodge and what it offers, search for and follow @thakaduriverlodge on Instagram.  And, for media requests, please contact Masego Mokgatlha, Marketing Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..