Since the establishment of the Madikwe reserve back in the 1990’s, the reserve has steadily grown its reputation as one of the top reserves for game viewing – and if there’s a better lodge within Madikwe for seriously good game viewing than Impodimo we’ve yet to hear about it! Owner Steve Tucker was a ranger himself for many years and has put a major emphasis on the standard of guiding at the lodge – in fact he went so far as bringing in Shangaan trackers (who have built up a legendary reputation for their exceptional bush craft) into Madikwe from the lowveld, and this has paid off in Impodimo having a superb reputation for the excellence of the guiding and hence game viewing that guests enjoy (at many lodges having specialist trackers is sadly being done away with to cut costs with rangers expected to cover both roles)

But great guiding and game viewing is far from being Impodimo’s only strength – the lodge itself is also gorgeous!

Impodimo is set along a rocky ridge with stunning vistas of the reserve - there are 9 luxurious units (5 Luxury Suites, 3 Premium Luxury Suites and the lovely 2-bedroomed Safari Villa), all seemingly carved into the hillside and carefully positioned to ensure absolute privacy. The 5 Luxury Suites, which line a natural spring, are lovely thatched rooms with air-conditioning for the hot summers and a fire place for the cold winters as well as an en-suite bathroom with a large Victorian standalone bath as well as indoor and outdoor showers (and as we always say there’s nothing like showering in the great outdoors!) Then there are the 3 Premium Luxury Suites which add a temperature controlled outdoor hot tub on the spacious viewing deck, allowing you to wallow in comfort whilst soaking up the views over the surrounding bush and waterhole!

Each suite is fronted with large fold back glass doors which open up onto the private deck which has been thoughtfully placed between tall tamboti trees, giving each suite uninterrupted views from within the suite or relaxing on the deck itself - there’s nothing like relaxing with a book and then looking up to see a giraffe browsing on a nearby tree! (note that Impodimo is unfenced so game is free to roam through the camp – staff will accompany you back to your suite at night just to make sure you’re safe from any big game that may be about)

If you’re a family and looking for an even more exclusive experience, then the Safari Villa is perfect as it can each sleep 4 adults and 2 children and also boasts its own bar, private boma and plunge pool, all with excellent views of the bushveld including a very active waterhole – you’re also spoiled with a private vehicle, ranger and tracker, chef and butler service! Whichever room type you stay in though, children are welcome at Impodimo and your kids may participate in the kiddies program, where they are entertained with fun and educational activities, with even a kiddies bumble safari which is designed to focus on the little things in the bush with an emphasis on younger children safety – don’t worry mums, close encounters with big game are avoided!

The main lodge itself is lovely and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views extending as far as the eye can see. In the warmer summer months you’ll no doubt spend many hours lazing around the pool deck or lapa with a cold beer or glass of chilled sauvignon blanc. With any luck while you’re down there you’ll get to enjoy the regular visit of the elephants – pretty much every day the ellies visit the lodge’s waterhole for a mud bath and wallow before heading up the lodge swimming pool for a good slurp of the crystal-clear pool water! (pretty much their equivalent then of guests going for a massage and then heading to the bar for a drink!) The big question is will you be brave enough to share the pool water with the ellies whilst you’re still in it! Keen photographers will love the excellent hide tucked into the bank of the waterhole which provides superb opportunities for close-up shots of the visiting game! During the cooler winter months, you can retire to the library with a good book or relax in the cosy lounge or bar and enjoy a warming glass of red wine next to the spectacular open fire. Meals are enjoyed on the pool deck or in the open air boma where you can get to share your day’s game drive adventures around the fire with your ranger and fellow guests.

As mentioned previously, the twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles are a major highlight of your stay at Impodimo. The lodge brought in Shangaan trackers specifically to enhance the quality and frequency of sightings - particularly on the more rarely seen animals. There’s little doubt that this improves the wildlife viewing experience as your ranger has to drive the vehicle, communicate with guests and spot game - with a tracker there's an extra pair of very sharp and experienced eyes, and most importantly they are able to leave the vehicle and follow tracks on foot. When appropriate you will be able to drive off-road to view these icon animals and as a result the sightings of species such as leopard are more frequent – and as they become increasingly accustomed to the presence of vehicles the animals become more relaxed too and the quality and duration of sightings improve. The end result is that Impodimo is arguably THE lodge to visit in the Madikwe for great game sightings!