Jaci’s Private Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve has reopened following a 10-month rebuild after severe flooding forced the family-owned property to close in February 2025.
Co-Owner Jan van Heteren said the flood accelerated plans to redevelop the property.
“We had planned to spend 2025 refurbishing a lodge that had grown with us over the previous 25 years. The flood was devastating but the silver lining was the opportunity to build for the next 25 years rather than simply refurbish the past 25.”
The rebuilt lodge includes six Safari Suites, four Safari Suite Expeditions, the three-bedroom Kubu and Nare villas and the five-bedroom Jaci’s Madikwe House.
Several of the lodge’s pre-closure staff have returned. Through the Jaci’s Staff Trust, employees own 27.2% of the business. Staff who have worked at the lodge for more than five years are eligible to become shareholders and receive annual dividends.
Jaci’s Private Lodge Manager Mooketsi Mocca Monye said: “Coming back to Jaci’s feels like coming home. The lodge may be new but the heart of Jaci’s is still the same: the people, the smiles and the way we make guests feel like family.”
The rebuild prioritised restoring and repurposing existing materials where possible. Decking was reused and furniture was repaired and reconditioned to reduce waste and retain elements of the lodge’s history.
Environmental initiatives include solar power, water recycling, waste reduction and vegetable gardens that supplement produce sourced from local suppliers.
