HistoryBy the 1940's the combination of chronic overgrazing and desertification had
reduced the Marico district to a handful of struggling farmers and the poorest
area in the province. Thus the Parks Board decided to create the Madikwe Game
Reserve, not only to conserve the fauna and flora but also to provide a more
favourable environment for the local people.Operation "Phoenix" saw
the translocation of 10.000 head and 27 species of game into the newly fenced
Park, the largest movement since Noah. The late Eric Chapman, together with
Jan van Heteren, saw the potential and were the first investors establishing
Madikwe River Lodge. Jan's outgoing personality, operational experience and his
exceptional ability as a Restaurateur, together with Jaci's organizing skills
and her outrageously successful decorational flair, soon made Madikwe River
Lodge a much-vaunted destination.
However, soon after selling their
interest in Madikwe River Lodge they were both yearning to invest in Madikwe and
start their own Lodge again - the idea of Jaci's was born. After three long
years of negotiation and planning with Parks they have been able to fulfill
their dream. Out of their many contacts from Jan's very successful Restaurant
days at Cynthia's and Pasha's in Pretoria, Jaci's exotic times, managing the
Bazaruto Lodge in Mozambique, their joint effort in making friends with all
their guests at River Lodge and Jan's current involvement with Zongoene Lodge at
the mouth of the Limpopo, they were able to select a handful of lucky investors
to help fund their dream. Thus, in spite of the torrential rains of
this year and all obstacles, Jacis Safari Lodge has been delightfully
established and opens in April 2000. With this team supporting Jacis you
can expect superb personal service, a wonderful ambience, good food and wine and
a great game trip. They hope you have fun and that they may have the pleasure of
welcoming you back here with your friends in the near future.
Masterfully blends into its surroundings, encompassing a magnificent main
area built around an ancient termite mound. The location was discovered and the
concept envisaged by Jan in combination with Jaci's colorful decorating style
and attention to detail you are sure of a memorable and unique Safari
experience.
*They provide an earlier evening meal at 18:00 for the "littlies"
as they do not allow children in the boma for the evening meal.
*Children aged 8 to 12 on the Game Drives with their parents are also given an
earlier dinner in the dining room, when they return from the Game Drive
Jakis Safari Lodge:
Meals come from an ultra modern kitchen, spotless, in full view of the dining
area. Dinners are eaten outside around the open fire in the boma under the
stars, or out in the bush on a "braai", surrounded by nature.
Jakis Tree Lodge:
Expect outstanding meals from our open plan kitchen, bountiful cosmopolitan
food!
