North West

Just over an hour from Johannesburg, in the North West Province, lies an exquisite retreat called Thaba Khaya Lodge. This beautiful Lodge is part of Sable Ranch, a Private Game Reserve and proclaimed Natural Heritage site which is situated in a malaria free area. With an abundance of game spread out over 4000 hectares and a symphony of migratory birds, we offer an interactive safari experience where highly qualified field guides educate guests on the natural surroundings and wildlife. Hides are being built for both birding and photographic purposes.

Sable Ranch has one of the largest breeding groups of Zambian, Malawian and Zimbabwean Sable as well as Roan Antelope. There is no commercial hunting on Sable Ranch. We encourage guests to get involved in our conservation efforts creating an appreciation of the heritage and nature South Africa has to offer.

All revenue derived from the lodge and Sable Ranch’s animal breeding program is reinvested for use in our on-going conservation projects as well as the day-to-day running of the ranch. By staying at Thaba Khaya Lodge, you, our guests, contribute to the preservation of South Africa’s natural diversity and heritage.

Thaba Khaya Lodge means “house on a rock”, which is an accurate description as the lodge sits on top of a granitic out-crop. The elevated bar and pool deck offer breath taking views of the surrounding hills, as well as a watering hole where animals often come to drink. Guests can unwind in comfortable lounge areas or on decks, which create relaxed social settings. Whether you want to unwind by the pool and listen to the wide variety of birds call or if you’re adventurous and want to go on guided safari walks, Thaba Khaya Lodge is the perfect travel destination just outside of the bustle of Johannesburg.

Thaba Khaya Lodge chooses to accommodate no more than 16 guests, thus ensuring a sense of privacy and personal attention from our delightful staff. Thaba Khaya offers 3 Standard Suites in the main house, 2 of which lead directly into your own wild life sanctuary on our lodge grounds. We also offer 3 Luxury Suites outside of the main house with a private outside veranda where you can relax and witness a magnificent sunset.

Thaba Khaya regrettably does not cater for day visitors or children under the age of 12.

Leeuwenkloof is the perfect place for nature lovers and bird watching due to the variety of different habitats on offer. The farm has a unique mix of grassy savannah bushveld, green valleys, cliffs and rocky mountainous terrain with an abundance of game and wildlife. Birds like the elusive Secretarybird and Blue Cranes sometimes visit the farm. With such a vast area to explore, nature walks and mountain biking is highly recommended and enjoyed on Leeuwenkloof by all visitors alike.

Safari tents are located within the main camp and consist of 12 tents set up on wooden decks, sleeping maximum 2 persons per tent. The Safari tents are within walking distance from the conference facility, ablution, lapa and boma. The Lapa is a 150 m² in size and we are able to comfortably accommodate 70 people with tables and chairs. The conference facility consists of a 25 m², canvas closed lapa, built on a 60 m² wooden deck overlooking our campsite and beautiful valleys. Although we incorporate as much as possible of the bushveld experience we are also firm believers in comfort and practicality. The lapa, ablution and the majority of camp is equipped with battery powered LED lighting and we are equipped with silent generators if this is required.

Jaci’s Lodges is a luxury safari getaway in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve. Jaci’s offers a range of accommodation to suit every need, from exclusive Treehouses and family-friendly Safari Suites to luxury Tented Rooms in the heart of the African bush.

Suspended high above the ground on wooden stilts, Jaci’s Tree Lodge blends into the overarching canopy of the surrounding bush and foliage and makes for fantastic birdwatching in a natural environment.

The dining area in the main lodge is where guests can eat their fill or savour high tea. Enjoy sundown while on safari or at the hide overlooking the waterhole. Alternatively, listen to the sounds of the bush or curl up with a good book at the fireplace or in the breakaway lounge.

Our field guides are passionate individuals who will make your stay at Jaci’s extraordinary as they share their stories of living and working in the African bush. These experienced bush-lovers will guide you through our wild terrain, pointing out animals, listening for birds, watching for movement and tracking prints in the sand.

More than 340 bird species have been recorded in the Madikwe Game Reserve, many of them near-endemic to Southern Africa, especially those of the arid west region. The terrain of the reserve offers avid birdwatchers and anyone interested in birds and their behaviour an excellent opportunity to view the birds in their natural habitat, with good photographic opportunities adjunct to the birding.

Kwa Mmatau, a Wildlife Reserve with a difference, are the custodians of an ancient heritage that we wish to share with you. Here we offer the discerning, socially responsible eco-traveller a diverse array of informative activities, giving first-hand experience of the bushveld and our ground-breaking efforts to conserve it. Sustainable Development and Restoration Ecology are the order of the day and we invite you to come and see for yourselves how we are working to ensure that generations to come inherit not only the legacy of our land, but also have the opportunity to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.

Allow us to enrich your experience by sharing our knowledge and passion for the animals, plants, trees, birds, insects and frogs and to be lost in wonder that will be with you forever.

We invite you to come and share this undeniably extraordinary biodiversity that creates the integrated wholeness of nature. As you awaken to the immense value of this paradise, feel yourself unwind both mentally and physically, allowing yourself to be captivated by the spiritualitythat is embodied in the fibre of Africa. We look forward to hosting you time and time again.

The Bush House

Shaded by the branches of a beautiful old Wild Olive tree, the Bush House is located on the edge of the western savannah boundary. The Ngwaritse River runs just below it. The luxury, serviced, self- catering Bush House can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests in considerable comfort.

Cashan Cottage

Nestled on the edges of the savannah boundary of the Reserve, lies Cashan Cottage. With its uninterrupted views of the picturesque waterhole, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a uniquely South African experience.

Perfectly suited for two couples or a family of four, Cashan Cottage is equipped with two en-suite bedrooms, with double beds, as well as electric fans and heaters for the winter. A big kitchen, dining room and living area lead onto a large patio – just the spot to marvel at a sunset that is hard to beat.