2025: A Year Through Your Eyes - Stories, sightings & moments we will never forget

By The Royal Madikwe3 min read

Every stay adds a new thread to the Royal Madikwe story, and in 2025, you wrote some of ou...

2025: A Year Through Your Eyes - Stories, sightings & moments we will never forget

Every stay adds a new thread to the Royal Madikwe story, and in 2025, you wrote some of our most memorable chapters yet. This collection brings together your words, your photos, and the unforgettable memories you carried home with you.

Journeys of a Lifetime:

1. A Honeymoon to Remember

“100/10, above and beyond! There wasn’t a single thing that could have made our experience more perfect.” ~ Caroline Pinner (Nov 2025)

Caroline and her husband spent four nights with us on their honeymoon, a celebration made even more special by the fact that it was their very first safari.

With Ernie’s thoughtful guiding, personalised touches from Joseph and gluten-free creations from Chef Zuki, their time in the bushveld became one of the best experiences of their lives. Together, they witnessed everything from a leopard lazing in the branches of an ancient tree to a dramatic lion kill on their final morning; a reminder that nature writes the most powerful stories of all.

2. A Solo Journey of Wonder

“Royal Madikwe is simply pure magic.” ~ Catherine V (Sept 2025)

Travelling alone, Catherine enjoyed a suite overlooking the private Royal waterhole visited by a constant flow of wildlife, exquisite cuisine shared with new friends, and a Bush Dinner filled with drumming, dancing and laughter.

Her sightings were just as wonderful: giraffes standing tall in the winter grass, lions soaking up the last light of day, elephants wandering unhurried across the open plains… Every moment revealed something quietly extraordinary: that the bushveld feels less like a place you visit, and more like a place that welcomes you in.

Short but Unforgettable:

Sometimes a few words say everything... Here are a few heartfelt expressions of gratitude from guests who left with full hearts.

“A first-class experience we’ll remember forever.” ~ TortyHutton (Apr 2025)

“Fabulous and faultless… an absolute privilege to visit.” ~ Lynne H (Oct 2025)

“Super and great! We will be back” ~ Giacomo F (Apr 2025)

From Our Guest Book:

Handwritten notes are among the most treasured pieces of feedback we receive. Memories inked in real time, full of emotion and appreciation.

A message that reflects the absolute joy of first-time safari-goers.
A message that reflects the absolute joy of first-time safari-goers.
A stay filled with drama and delight, from wildlife encounters to a special birthday surprise
A stay filled with drama and delight, from wildlife encounters to a special birthday surprise
A family adventure, filled with extraordinary sightings and shared meals
A family adventure, filled with extraordinary sightings and shared meals

Your Year in Pictures

Enjoy our curated gallery of guest-captured sightings throughout 2025, each one a reminder of why the bushveld captures our hearts again and again.

Thank you to every guest who journeyed with us in 2025. Your stories give meaning to every moment and every effort that goes into creating exceptional stays. We are honoured to have been part of your story and to share this wild, wonderful place with you!

Share Your Own Royal Madikwe Story

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Set within the Madikwe Game Reserve, The Royal Madikwe offers a rare confluence of untamed wilderness, sincere hospitality, and uncompromising luxury.

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Wonderboom Gate,
Madikwe Game Reserve,
Madikwe, 2874

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