Tuningi Safari Lodge

Our View

Tuningi is a fabulous lodge in the west region of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. It’s a truly magical place that has been built with the purpose of families in mind, but with an added splash of luxury so the adults are as happy as the kids. It’s a huge Madikwe win, with its intimate set up, reasonable price, and brilliant atmosphere.

Tuningi Safari Lodge – The Facts

The thatched lodge has a spacious lounge and dining room, a bar, and a lovely pool looking out over a very busy waterhole, where guests have been known to spot an array of species from including giraffe, buffalo, kudu and impala.

Set on a wooden deck, the lodge has a communal boma under its namesake of an ancient fig tree and the viewing platform is a great spot just to relax and watch the passing wildlife from. The high ceilings give a sense of grandeur, while the earthy tones, brick and wood bring it back to its natural surroundings.

There are just four luxury suites and two family suites, making this lodge super intimate as well as luxurious with a maximum capacity of 16 guests. All have an all-important deck with glorious views into the wilderness, and the suites begin at the reasonable price of $554 per person. Each suite is complete with a living area, fireplace – as well as one in the bathroom – for those nippy winter nights, and an oversized bath with brilliant views, as well as an outdoor shower.

The family suites – accommodating children from the age of five and up – enjoy the same comforts with the addition of a dining area and kitchenette on top of the two ensuite double rooms.

Built in 2004, Tuningi was made with the intention of being truly family-friendly. So while it’s suitably luxurious, the magic here is in its atmosphere – which is best found around the boma set out by the river, and by talking to staff members who have called the lodge home for years now. Outside the lodge, the Big 5 can be found in the surrounding area, meaning the game drives are diverse and exciting.

For those needing a little R&R away from the kids, there’s also a brilliant spa offering several massage treatments.