Impodimo Game Lodge

Have been to Madikwe a few times before but Impodimo will be our new home. From the first point of contact to leaving all the staff are friendly and welcoming. Rooms are beautifully appointed, very clean and comfortable. We had a room overlooking the waterhole which was always busy with animal activity. The hide is a little oasis with amazing viewing of the animals at ground level. The food was just amazing and lots of variety. Dinners were moved around on the decks so each night felt different. Meri our ranger and Heron our tracker were fabulous at giving us the best animal viewing and very happy all the time. We became a happy family during our 5 days. The main areas of Impodimo are lovely and as the lodge is not fenced animals often roam around. Impodimo is how a safari experience should be. Just perfect.

Stunning lodge, amazing service, all the game, fantastic food and fabulous ranger. This was our family holiday of a lifetime and Impodimo certainly lived up to our hopes. We had rooms 9/10 which were a really stunning pair of rooms linked with a central ‘lounge’ and plunge pool. Each room has well appointed bathrooms and separate outdoor showers for that wilderness shower experience. The views out are over the lodge’s waterhole and are right beside the ‘hide’ which isn’t some netted uncomfortable spider infested hell-hole but an air conditioned and espresso furnished purpose built room next to the waterhole. The animals all come in and oh my do you get a close up view - it’s astonishing. The game drives follow a predictable format but Ryan our ranger was superb. His knowledge was really spectacular, his delivery clear and entertaining, and together with his tracker Wilfred, we had a dream team who found us everything! We really couldn’t have asked for more - lions and elephants, rhinos and cheetah, giraffe and buffalo and we will never forget the wild-dogs on a fresh Kudo kill! As for the food. Phew. So much. Possibly too much! The team looked after us so nicely. My wife’s gluten intolerance was never an issue. And all of it was delicious. So thankyou to the team at Impodimo you really made for a fantastic trip.

We spent 4 nights at the Impodimo Game lodge in Madikwe reserve. From the very minute we arrived we were treated like royalty. Every staff member we came in contact with greeted us with a smile and wanted to make sure we were well taken care of at every turn. The room was well appointed and had everything you might need. A huge veranda deck overlooking the water hole became my afternoon hangout spot. Our room attendant every night had hot water bottles under the sheets at bedtime so our bed was always warm and comfy. They also have an underground Elephant Hide at the waterhole which was absolutely fantastic for getting ground level photos of the animals. It was very comfortable with high chair stools, and windows overlooking the waterhole. A comfortable couch and a well stocked fridge with cold drinks. Our meals were very good and plenty of food. You were seated at a table with your Truck mates and the service was excellent. The game drives were early morning (6am) and late afternoon. (3:30) By the end of our second day we had seen 4 of the Big 5. And on day 3 we finally completed the big 5 by seeing a leopard. Our guide/driver Meri and our spotter Heron were both excellent. Meri is so knowledgeable and has such a great personality for leading these drives. We could not have asked for a better time. I hope to return to Impodimo, but there is so much of Africa still to see. I would most definitely recommend Impodimo for a stay in Madikwe Reserve.

What an amazing place! From the moment we arrived until we left, we felt immersed in the experience and so welcome. The food was incredible, the setting magical and the staff amazing. So many little special touches (the hot water bottles on the morning drives!) that made it one of our best trips ever, anywhere! The game drives were spectacular, exciting and educational. And fun! If we ever get the opportunity to visit again, we would not hesitate.

Trip of a lifetime! Impodimo exceeded every expectation we had for our first safari. One day I cried tears of joy watching the elephants play at the watering hole while the next my heart stopped as a lion walked within touching distance. Our guide Ryan and tracker Wilfred were extremely knowledgeable and professional while demonstrating their love and respect for land and animal. The food was as good as the best restaurants we’ve visited, and staff went above and beyond to accommodate my son’s allergies. Each night our beds were turned down, fireplaces lit, chocolates and a Zulu story on our pillow. The rooms and lodge were incredibly beautiful with everything you could need for a stay. 100 recommend!!!

Our lodge was idyllic, (number 3) overlooking the waterhole and beside the hide, so we could dash in and get a close look at the animals which wandered by, which included elephants, zebra, baboons, giraffes and antelopes. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and our guide Marie, aided by tracker Holliday, was very knowledgeable, likeable and enthusiastic. The food was excellent and there was a fantastic number of animals and birds to see on the reserve.

I took my partner on her first safari here. She really enjoyed the room and the breakfasts! Animals were great too. Saw all of the big 5 for those who are keen on this. For myself as a wildlife fanatic the lodge was incredibly accommodating and helped me to put our my camera traps (thanks Ryan). The highlight is the Elephant hide which gives stunning views of animals at the watering hole in comfort! Be aware that the density of wildlife is lower here than at other parks but there is good opportunity to see wild dogs and black rhinos - a first for me! Only slight improvement for me would be to vary the safaris more to discuss the birds or look for different animals, however I think most guests are here to see the usual suspects which is probably why and unfair of me! Would recommend this place.

Lovely stay! What a surprise at Impodima... Our arrival was seamless with Duncan who gave us a brief run down of the lodge and introduced us to the Hide which is a spontaneous animal viewing sanctuary. We were blessed to see rhino, antelope, elephants and warthogs there. Housekeeping at Impodima is impeccable and I will go as far as to say that their hygiene levels are excellent. This is one of the cleanest and well maintained lodges we have stayed at. Rooms are spacious and simply decorated with a functional bathroom and private deck. There is an evening turn down service and towels are replenished often. Double vanity and two showers as well as a comfy bath makes for complete practicality. I do feel the toilet should be separate for obvious privacy. A simple tea and coffee station with rusks and sweet biscuits is also available although there is a dire need for quality coffee and a Nespresso machine is recommended. The bed is comfortable with quality linen. Breakfasts are good and the dinners, although presented well, lack flavour or at times, seriously over-seasoned. The pastry/dessert department does an incredible job - thank you! Game drive snacks are Hit and Miss with cold, hot snacks and limited biltong/droe wors. The house wine Le Petit is acidic and needs an upgrade. Game drives are generous and formative. We saw the Big 5 and found our ranger, Ben to be knowledgeable, endearing and passionate about the bush and his guests. Sam the tracker is a great team worker and together we were in impeccable hands. Viewing vehicles are kept scrupulously clean with sealed blankets and raincoats. It makes a big difference having a ranger as well as a tracker! Game changer! We also noticed that the vehicles are not loaded to the brim, management have been generous is ensuring guest comfort for optimal viewing - Thank You! Madikwe has diverse terrain with a surprising variety of animals and flora. Scorecard: Lodge:8:10 Food: 6:10 Game Drives: 9:10 Housekeeping: 10:10 Would we return or recommend: 10:10

Our experience at Impodimo was exceptional! From the warm hospitality upon arrival to the impeccable service throughout, every moment was delightful. The lodge's stunning wilderness setting provided an unforgettable backdrop for our safari adventures, heightened by the unique perspective of the underground hide. Our game drives, expertly guided by Sam and his tracker, Lots, were incredible. Their deep knowledge of the bush enhanced the game drives. Our luxurious accommodations were spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. The lodge is not fenced, allowing for close but save wildlife encounters from our private patio. The food was delectable, highlighting local flavors and culinary expertise. Overall, our stay surpassed all expectations, leaving us with lasting memories. Well done to the entire team at Impodimo!