At Rockfig Madikwe Game Reserve, I’ve come to realise that some of the questions guests ask most often aren’t always the easiest to find answers to. Not because the information isn’t there, but because it’s woven into moments and experiences that are best understood once you’ve been here. So I thought I’d share a few lesser-known insights into the lodge. I’m Daina – you may know me as the name behind the reservations email address or as the face at all the trade shows.
One of my favourite spaces at Rockfig is the Photographic Hide.
A few years ago, during a period of transition at the lodge, I spent several weeks on property. In the evenings, while guests were out on game drive, I would often retreat to the hide, windows open wide, the bush providing a soundtrack better than any playlist. It became my quiet place; somewhere to relax, unwind after a busy day, and plan for the one ahead.
One evening in particular has stayed with me. A lone, young buffalo approached the waterhole cautiously, the light beginning to soften as dusk settled in. As I watched him drink, something else caught my eye, the faintest flick of a tail behind a nearby bush. The buffalo finished, wandered off, and moments later I saw it: the slow, deliberate shadow of a female leopard slipping silently after him, every movement measured and calm. It was one of those moments that reminds you how alive the bush really is and how privileged you are to witness it.
That, to me, is the magic of the hide.
What many guests don’t realise is that the Photographic Hide is open 24 hours a day. You don’t need a guide or a schedule. If the mood strikes: early morning, late afternoon, or under the stars, you’re welcome to walk down, open the windows, and simply sit. There’s even a direct phone line where guests can call the lodge to request snacks or drinks to be brought down, allowing you to linger just a little longer when the bush decides to put on a show.
Another question often asked is: how exactly do you get to Rockfig?
Madikwe has a reputation for feeling remote and yet getting here is far simpler than many expect. I like to break it down:
- Fly to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), rent a car, and self-drive:
The journey takes around 4.5–5 hours and is both safe and straightforward. I usually advise guests to follow the directions we send, as GPS systems can sometimes route you along longer dirt roads that aren’t ideal. Once you enter Madikwe Game Reserve via Wonderboom Gate, the drive to the lodge takes around 20–30 minutes (depending on sightings – you are in a Big Five reserve, after all!) and is on gravel roads. Take it slowly and adhere to the speed limit. I’ve personally driven a VW Polo in the reserve without any issues. - Fly to OR Tambo and arrange a road transfer:
The drive time is the same and we’re happy to assist with arranging a transfer on your behalf. - Fly to OR Tambo and take a scheduled flight into Madikwe:
FedAir operates twice-daily scheduled flights into Madikwe Western Airstrip. The flight takes approximately 1–1.5 hours, followed by a 20–30 minute road transfer to the lodge. Please note that there are strict weight limits and luggage must be soft-sided. We can assist with all arrangements. - Fly to Cape Town or OR Tambo, then onward to Gaborone (Botswana):
From Gaborone, a road transfer to Rockfig takes around 1.5 hours. Guests should take note of visa requirements, as this route involves crossing an international border. Again, we’re happy to assist with transfers.
Whichever route you choose, there’s a moment in the journey when you realise you’ve left the outside world behind. Phone signals fade (don’t worry — we do have WiFi at the lodge), the air feels different, and the bush begins to take over. And that, perhaps, is the point.
Another common question, especially from families is how do children fit into the safari experience at Rockfig?
Children of all ages are welcome at Inkwe Villa, making it a wonderful option for families travelling with younger children. For guests staying in Nare, Tshukudu, or Tlou, children under the age of 8 are required to book a private vehicle. This allows drives to move at a pace that suits little ones, with the flexibility to return early if needed. The private vehicle is charged at R6 000 per day (2026 rates).
Back at the lodge, children are very much considered. There are toys and games available, a dedicated activity book, and kiddies’ activities that can be enjoyed around the main lodge building. For parents hoping to enjoy a quiet dinner or game drive, babysitting can be arranged at R150 per hour, per child (2026 rates). All staff members have attended First Aid training, offering additional peace of mind.
Can you accommodate guests in wheelchairs?
Accessibility is another topic guests often ask about. While Rockfig is not wheelchair-friendly in the traditional sense, we do everything we can to assist guests in moving comfortably around the lodge. Inkwe Villa has steps, and each of the other villas has a single step up into the room. The main lodge building also has steps, but our team is always on hand to help where needed. Every booking is approached with care, honesty, and a willingness to adapt wherever possible.
And dietary requirements? Food, of course, is something guests remember long after they leave.
We’re very accustomed to accommodating dietary requirements and preferences, whether medical, ethical, or personal. In fact, our head chef’s daughter is vegan, which means plant-based cooking is something she knows intimately and executes with confidence and creativity. Over the years, we’ve welcomed guests with a wide range of dietary needs, and our focus is always the same: meals that are not only suitable, but genuinely delicious.
What about celebrations?
For couples, honeymooners, or anyone celebrating a special occasion, Rockfig offers a number of thoughtful touches that turn a stay into something truly memorable – private dinners in your villa, a scenic drinks stop at The Cliff, a bottle of sparkling wine, or a romantic turndown after dinner. Birthdays are marked with a cake, and for those seeking a little extra indulgence, spa treatments and laundry services are available at an additional cost.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from answering these questions over the years, it’s that no two stays at Rockfig are ever quite the same. The lodge adapts to its guests, just as the bush does: quietly, intuitively, and always with intention.
We look forward to welcoming you to Rockfig Madikwe and creating a truly memorable stay.
