Five years on: A tribute to resilience, community and memory

Marking the 5-Year Anniversary of the COVID-19 Pandemic at Royal Madikwe

Five years ago, the world fell into a quiet that none of us were prepared for. Planes stopped flying, laughter around the boma was replaced with birdsong, and the world watched from indoors as uncertainty crept across every corner of the globe. But here in the heart of the African bush, something powerful stirred—resilience, compassion, and community.

When guests could no longer travel and tourism ground to a halt, Royal Madikwe remained steadfast in its commitment to its people. In partnership with The Bright Futures Trust, we provided critical relief to over 800 families in the surrounding villages of Supingstad and Lekgophung in South Africa’s North West province.

Over a three-month period, our teams delivered more than 80 tons of food, hand soap, and handmade face masks to those in need—ensuring that even in isolation, our communities were not alone. It was a time defined not by fear, but by unity.

The loss of our dear chef, Amos ‘Zulu’, during the pandemic left a void that words can scarcely fill. His infectious laughter, his warm spirit, and the meals he created with such heart will forever be part of the lodge’s story. To honour his life—and the lives of all those lost during this time—we will be planting a commemorative tree at the lodge. A living tribute. A symbol of remembrance. A place to pause, reflect, and find peace.

As we mark this five-year anniversary, we remember that Royal Madikwe is more than a lodge. It is a family. A sanctuary. A place where the strength of the human spirit shines as brightly as the African sun.