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aha Thakadu River Camp

5.0 star property
Luxury lodge in Thabazimbi with safari and outdoor pool

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for aha Thakadu River Camp

Exterior
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Safari
Family Room | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated
Gift shop

Reviews

9.2 out of 10

Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Bar
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry facilities
  • Free parking
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Terrace
  • Air conditioning
  • Lobby fireplace
  • Communal living room
  • Front-desk safe
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Self-serve laundry
Feel at home
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
The price is $364
includes taxes & fees
$316 per night
Jan 9 - Jan 10, 2025

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Family Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Sofa bed - double
Premium bedding
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
Rainfall showerhead
  • 161 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Madikwe River Lodge

Pool
Free breakfast
Free parking
Free WiFi
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (26)
The price is $353
includes taxes & fees
$307 per night
Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2025
Madikwe River Lodge
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About the neighborhood

Map
Madikwe Game Reserve, 5 km from Molatedi Gate, Madikwe, Thabazimbi, Limpopo, 1688

What's nearby

  • Madikwe Game Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Tshukudu Dam - 59 min drive - 17.6 km
  • Derdepoort Gate - 77 min drive - 23.4 km
  • Wonderboom Gate - 78 min drive - 38.9 km
  • Kopfontein Border Post - 87 min drive - 48.5 km

About this property

aha Thakadu River Camp

Enjoy your visit to Thabazimbi with a stay at aha Thakadu River Camp. After splashing around at the outdoor pool, you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge. Other highlights at this luxurious lodge include a snack bar/deli and a terrace.

Languages

English

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 12 rooms
  • Arranged over 1 level

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
  • Check-out time is 11 AM

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions.

Special check-in instructions

  • There is no front desk at this property
  • The host will greet guests on arrival
  • For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Required at check-in

  • Credit card required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

  • No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas

Parking

  • Free secured, uncovered onsite self parking
  • Free onsite RV/bus/truck parking
  • Onsite parking limited

Other information

  • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge) each morning 8:30 AM–10:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Room service
  • Snack bar/deli

What to do

  • Safari

Services

  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Facilities

  • 13 buildings/towers
  • Built in 2006
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Terrace
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Mosquito nets
  • Communal living room
  • An outdoor pool
  • 24-hour pool access
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Bathrobes

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Turndown service
  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Furnished balcony/patio
  • Individually furnished and decorated
  • Separate sitting area

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters/chargers

Food and drink

  • Chef

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Local maps

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • Destination fee: ZAR 420 per person, per stay. This fee does not apply to children under 2 years of age.
  • Additional fee: ZAR 180 per person, per night
This property is located in Madikwe National Park. The additional mandatory fee covers entrance to the national park.

Optional extras

  • Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately ZAR 190 per person

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool open 24-hours

Policies

Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.

Also known as

Thakadu
Thakadu Camp
Thakadu River
aha Thakadu River Camp Lodge Madikwe
Thakadu River Camp Lodge
Thakadu River Camp Lodge Madikwe
Thakadu River Camp Madikwe
Thakadu River Camp Hotel Madikwe Game Reserve
aha Thakadu River Camp Lodge Ramotshere Moiloa
aha Thakadu River Camp Madikwe
aha Thakadu River Camp Ramotshere Moiloa
aha Thakadu River Camp Ramots
aha Thakadu River Camp Lodge
aha Thakadu River Camp Thabazimbi
aha Thakadu River Camp Lodge Thabazimbi

Frequently asked questions

Does aha Thakadu River Camp offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, aha Thakadu River Camp does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at aha Thakadu River Camp?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool. Guests have 24-hour pool access.
Are pets allowed at aha Thakadu River Camp?
Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at aha Thakadu River Camp?
Yes, there's free self parking. Parking spots may be limited. Free RV/bus/truck parking is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at aha Thakadu River Camp?
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.
What is there to do at aha Thakadu River Camp and nearby?
Onsite recreation at aha Thakadu River Camp includes a wildlife and game drive and a safari. Aha Thakadu River Camp also has an outdoor pool.
Are there restaurants at or near aha Thakadu River Camp?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.
Does aha Thakadu River Camp have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a furnished balcony or patio.
What's the area around aha Thakadu River Camp like?
Aha Thakadu River Camp is located a short 1-minute walk from Madikwe Game Reserve.

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

.
Huw, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

This was a fabulous glamping experience. Fro. The checkin where Hobo (not sure of spelling) and Jerry assited us to the refreshing drink and delicious lunch. We saw 3 of the big 5 on our first game drive and the 4th on the 2nd day. They provide of the conveniences that you would need from blankets and hotwater bag for the game drive to electric blankets for the bed. Every meal was well prepared and delicious. You will not be disappointed with your stay.
ciara, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Parampil Vahab, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Super small lodge
We had a great stay at this lodge. It is small enough to have a personal touch. The food was nice - esp the freshly baked bread. We had super game drives with Vincent who was friendly and knowledgeable. We would definitely return.
Megan, 4-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

staff were very helpful and friendly. it was a lovely bush getaway . highly recommend
Dena, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Poh Khoon, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic Bushcamp
This is a well operated bush camp. The river boasts of a lot of four legged visitors who come to drink throughout the day. The sightings for elephants, rhinos and giraffe are one of the best anywhere and comparable to Botswana. Our ranger was Gerri and he was a very good tracker and reader of animal tracks to led to some fantastic finds. He even changed our drive time to take us further out over an hour where we spotted a jackal, 2 cheetahs and a lioness that had just made a kill as well as the largest herd of buffaloes I had ever seen. The food is fantastic with continental and local offerings. All food and snacks inclusive and they do accommodation special requests. Your day starts with early morning snack and coffee/tea, a snack during your morning game drive, full breakfast on arrival, a lunch and afternoon tea before your afternoon game drive which also include snacks and and a semi full bar on the go and dinner is alfresco with view of the river. I will def recommend this place and even stay here again. Many thanks to the Thakadu staff for a job well done.
Elizabeth, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

It was a unique expérience, in the middle of the bush. Beautiful camp, great guides, excellent meals. Everything was just special !
Michèle, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Superb!
Staff were amazing, attention to detail. Loved every minute!
Jo-anne, 4-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Awesome!
This place is amazing. We travelled as a family of four (2 adults, 7yr old and 4.5yr old) and we all LOVED it.
Kathryn, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

2/10 Poor

Terrible Service
We booked through Hotels.com appr. 2 months in advance on the 3rd May 2017 and paid in advance, the money cleared the credit card on the 5th May 2017. We completed the 4.5 hours drive to the camp on the 01st July 2017. On arrivalaha Thakadu River Camp which is a luxury tented camp. On arrival we were told by the general manager that they had no knowledge of our booking. I then requested that they move us to a similar quality lodge but they said that there were no places available. They then booked us in to one of their own other lodges, Madikwe River Lodge a 3 star family friendly lodge, this was not what I had booked and paid for. It was also another 1 hour drive away. I have now waited a week for someone to contact me to apologise and let me know what they plan on doing about this however nobody from Hotels.com or the AHA group who owns the hotel has contacted me. I will now be lodging a dispute with Visa as I never received the services which I have paid for and will be requesting a refund.
Devon, 3-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Exceptionally well run camp in Madikwe
This a very well run camp. We were initially placed in a smaller tent than paid for - it was quickly rectified and all our scattered belongings moved for us. Other minor issues, like more coffee in the room, were dealt with pleasantly and immediately. The rangers coordinate with each other with courtesy and adherence to strict rules limiting vehicles at a sighting to give guests the best possible experience. A few negatives: The rangers are permitted to go anywhere - on one occasion I felt this was abused and a lion with a kill remained on a green island in the midst of churned up muddy bush. The range from the camp is limited - with hindsight I would move between camps spending a max of 3 days per camp. Our vehicles were often full - anyone in the middle seat was disadvantaged. Finally a suggestion - reciprocity with other camps to allow a greater range could benefit everyone.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

I found it very difficult to get info in advance of our stay regarding the schedule, which was: 5am tea, 5:30-9 drive (with coffee and cake), 9 cold and hot breakfast, multi course lunch, 3:30 coffee/cake, 4-7ish drive with alcoholic drink, multi course dinner. Drinks available at the pool. The last 4km drive there is on a very bad rocky road so a 4x4 would allow an easier drive in. Kids 6 years and up can go on drives, younger ones can get in room babysitting by a local lady and/or go on a short drive after breakfast. We saw lots of animals on the drive and was a unique experience overall.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The most amazing place in the wilderness. Definitely coming back for a longer stay.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

great game drives and birding
The lodge offers wonderful accommodations, delicious food and superb game drives. The fact that it is run by the local community makes the stay here even better. Thakadu rivals five star lodges that I have stayed at in the past. I have been traveling for over forty years and Thakkadu stands out. The guide on our game drives, Lazarus, was a great spotter and incredibly knowledgeable about wildlife and birds. The other staff were all truly hospitable and capable. The food was fabulous and plentiful, and no problem for a vegetarian. There is nothing negative to say about our experience at Thakadu. It was truly wonderful. .
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great service, acomodation, meals. Lots of animals in every game ride.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Sheer Luxury
What an amazing place. From arrival when we were met with a hot towel and a cold drink things just got better. The tents were fantastic and had everything we could need. They were spacious,comfortable and very clean. The food was great and the chef's pulled out all stops to cater for my partner who is vegetarian. The game drive's were also amazing and the guide was very knowledgeable. The manager(Hamley) went out of her way to make things run smoothly for us.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Very good staff
Awesome ... I don't mind to go and stay there again!!
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Definitely worth it
We enjoyed our stay at Aha Thakadu river camp. Everything was perfect. The smallest details are taken care of. Will definitely come back.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

Great time in Madikwe
The lodge and staff were fabulous. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Food was great as well. We had Lazarus as our game driver/guide. He was fantastic. He was great with the kids and tried his best to make sure that we had a great experience. We would definitely stay here again. Thanks for a great trip.
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

Ok for price point
The Thakadu lodge was OK for money. The game drive and drivers were great and probably equal throughout the Madikwe game reserve regardless of how much money you spend. This lodge seems to be half the price as others, which is the big bonus. The down side is amateur customer service, average food, poor massages, non-existent internet despite what they advertise, and a mean hostess. It is a pretty spot and lodge, but don't stay more than two nights. You are on lock down once you arrive and can't even walk to your room alone. This fact may not be unique to this lodge. All game lodges are probably similarly limited in your movement between game drives.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing Staff and Place
Went to Madikwe with my wife to see the incredible animals in their natural habitat. Not only we saw these beautiful animals, but the Thakadu River Camp Staff were so nice, welcoming and attentive, that we are planning to come back.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Lifelong Memories Made at Thakadu
My husband and I celebrated our first anniversary at Thakadu River Camp. It exceeded our expectations. As avid travelers, we have seen it all in accommodations. Besides being an amazing vacation, Thakadu was a comfortable, beautiful lodge. The staff were great. We learned while we at Thakadu that it is one of the two community project lodges in Madikwe. They hire only local towns people, which gives back to the local community and provides an authentic experience. They were so nice and accommodating. Kenny was our ranger. He was very knowledgeable and was able to show us 4 of the big 5. We had an amazing couples massage on the porch of our tent. The rooms, although they are technically tents, were so luxurious. You would never know that you were staying in a canvas tent. The hardwood floors, sliding glass door, air conditioning, and beautiful shower and tub were all enhanced by the monkeys that visited us every day on our porch. You could hear the elephants playing in the river just below. All of our meals were cooked by the chef and great. They featured authentic African flavors. The highlight of the culinary cuisine was our two meals outside by the fire. The barbecue style dinner was a great way to highlight a vacation in the bush. Our daily safaris were a lot of fun. Two a day, morning and evening, ensured that we were able to see all of the animals in their environments. This is a five star experience at a three star price. We will be returning
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Outstanding Experience.
I did as much research as I could online, but it's a world away so you have to trust the reviews. Compared to the other lodges in Madikwe, Thaduku is the most economical lodge in the park. So I booked and hoped for the best. Believe me, do not hesitate to book at Thaduku, what they may lack in luxury compared to other lodges, they make up for with service and location. The staff is exceptional, because the lodge is owned by the town of Molatedi just outside the park, the employees have a sense of pride in working at the lodge and most have been there since it's inception. The location on the Marico river is unique in the park and we were delighted to find a herd of elephants that used the river each day for bathing and general horse play. The view from the Lodges pool allows you to watch 30-40 elephants all day long. Our game driver, Thsolo is very experience and is very respectful of the parks wildlife, getting close enough to view but giving the animals their needed space, besides seeing the big 5 we saw numerous, Giraffe, Zebra, Boks and Antelopes. So unless you have to have wifi that works, an espresso machine in your room, save your self 50% and book with confidence at Thaduku.
Verified Hotels.com guest review