Malaria-Free Big 5 Safari in Madikwe

We live in Australia and I honestly didn’t know who to contact about organising a trip of a lifetime and I really wanted someone that knew Africa and not someone that was from Australia and just guessed.

I found Discover Africa on TikTok and got in touch with Justin and my gosh I am so beyond happy we did!

He was amazing from day one. He answered all my questions even the ones I felt were a bit silly to ask but it was no problem at all. He was beyond fantastic! There are no words that I explain what Justin did for us and the experience he has given us that will remain with us for a lifetime.

The itinerary was incredible with some extras he booked that I wouldn’t even of thought about! He organised everything from transfers to accommodation flights to a sunset cruise that were all beyond amazing! We will never ever be able to thank you enough Justin but if you live anywhere in the world and want to have an experience of a lifetime then book with Justin from Discover Africa!!!

After a fabulous safari in Sabi Sands and Timbavati last year, we reached out to Discover Africa to help us plan and book this year’s African adventure. Cayleigh Brown answered our inquiry and became our travel planner. She has been magnificent throughout; she really helped us shape our thinking, refine our requirements and select the best location.

We spent 6 nights at Jamala Royal Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve in the north of South Africa on the Botswana border. It is outstanding in every respect. The lodge, relatively recently rebuilt following a fire, is stunningly beautiful, as are the incredibly well-appointed (only) five villas, where they have thought of absolutely everything. The Jamala team are awesome – so incredibly friendly and relaxed and keen to ensure you have the most wonderful time. They all seem to have been there for 13—14 years, which says a lot about the culture of the place. Then there’s the sumptuous food that is both delicious and beautifully presented. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant standard.

Steve's Madikwe Safari Experience

And finally, the exciting game drives and the wildlife. We were privileged to see the Magnificent Seven (Big Five plus wild dog and cheetah) plus both varieties of hyena and owls, eagles, honey badgers, jackals, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, tree and ground squirrels, mongooses, and zebras, giraffes, and various antelopes and others I’ve missed! There were many highlights but two in particular were a leopard in a tree crunching on his impala kills when three lions decided to try to relieve him of it and a pack of wild dogs who spent an entire day around the Jamala waterhole feasting on a kudu who had been chased in there overnight.

All in all, a wonderful safari holiday thanks to Cayleigh and Discover Africa.

Per our input, Chrizaan at Discover Africa arranged a terrific itinerary to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, and the Okavango Delta. All transfers, tours, and guides were waiting for us at each destination. Both my husband and I felt the trip was everything we had hoped for and would highly recommend their services. Thank you for a wonderful trip!

Barry helped me plan my dream safari to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. I was nervous about getting transportation from the airport to my lodges and making sure I was able to make all my safaris on time. Barry planned my itinerary very carefully so I didn’t have anything to worry about.

He was also very good at responding to me consistently whenever I had questions. Sabi Sands, in South Africa, was my favourite. I was so lucky to be able to see the Big 5 on the very first game drive! The lodges in Sabi Sands were so luxurious and the hospitality was incredible. Each country had different terrain and was unique in its own way. I can’t wait to plan my next safari to Africa!

It was an amazing holiday! First time in SA, and we had 8 days to visit Kruger Park and Cape Town. Matthys was our travel expert, and he arranged our tour in a smart and super convenient way, advising the best stay & safari options within our budget. Honeyguide Mantobeni Tented Camp in the middle of Kruger Park was epic! All domestic flights, meet & greet service, and hotel booking in Cape Town were awesome!

Thank you for your amazing work and care of your clients!!!

From the very first conversation with Susan from Discover Africa I knew we were in great hands. The communication between Susan and myself was great considering I live on the other side of the world (Melbourne, Australia) and Susan was always quick to reply to any queries. The information provided by Discover Africa was second to none. This was a special trip for my mum’s 70th birthday and we were travelling as a large family group (8 adults, 12yo, 9yo) and Susan allayed any fears of travelling to South Africa.

The safari that Susan suggested for us was perfect. We stayed at Beck’s Safari Lodge in the Karongwe Reserve and this was absolutely amazing. 5 nights, 4 full days of game spotting, relaxing, and eating. This was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience for my family. Susan also helped us with the 2nd part of the holiday in Cape Town. She booked all of our transfers and tours for the week and this was fabulous. We didn’t have to worry about anything as it was perfectly planned.

I was in contact with Susan while in South Africa as we had some adverse weather and Susan was quick to rearrange some of the touring to different days so we could get the best out of our stay. I cannot thank Susan enough for her efforts in making this holiday of a lifetime so so easy to book. As I said, right off the bat the communication was amazing and we had a great experience booking with Discover Africa.

Highly recommend Discover Africa and Susan for all of your needs in Africa.