Local staff: 50 
Women involved: 50%
Partnership: 1Jaci’s Private Lodge’s shared ownership programme and local opportunities scheme has been designed to ensure that tourism creates significant and lasting economic value for people living in the vicinity of the Madikwe Reserve. At the heart of the programme is the Jaci’s Staff Trust, which holds 27.2 per cent of the company. Team members who have worked at Jaci’s for more than five years can become shareholders through the Trust and receive annual dividends. This model gives long-serving employees a direct financial stake in the lodge and promotes loyalty, engagement and long-term economic empowerment. Most of Jaci’s team members come from the surrounding communities. The lodge prioritises the recruitment of local staff, on-the-job training, skills development and opportunities for internal progression in the areas of hospitality, guiding, catering, maintenance, administration and management. ‘Local’ refers to employees recruited from the communities surrounding the Madikwe Reserve. Most are employed in permanent operational roles within the lodge rather than as temporary project participants. Women hold operational, supervisory, administrative and guest services roles within the lodge.
Jaci’s Private Lodge is located in the Madikwe Game Reserve, in South Africa’s North West Province, in a malaria-free area. The lodge offers an immersive nature experience, characterised by a relaxed atmosphere, warm hospitality and a strong connection with safari. The reserve is known for its varied landscapes, the quality of its guides and its rich wildlife, including the so-called “Madikwe Top 10”: in addition to the Big Five, the reserve is home to cheetahs, African wild dogs, hyenas, hippos and giraffes.
Family-run and with a long history in the reserve, Jaci’s combines colourful, characterful spaces with an informal design. Following the 2025 flood, the lodge was completely rebuilt and reimagined as a single property, while keeping at its heart the philosophy of sharing the bush, spending time together and creating lasting memories.
The Main Lodge is the heart of the property and includes several safari lounges, outdoor decks, an open kitchen, dining areas and spaces dedicated to relaxation. Around the lodge are lookout points, decks and hidden corners from which to observe wildlife in different settings, from elevated areas to waterholes.
The property also features swimming pools, wellness spaces, a river-path walk within the fenced property and areas designed for evenings around the fire. The Marico River runs along the lodge’s boundary with the Limpopo, adding another natural element to the experience. The range of accommodation, including 10 Safari Suites and 3 private villas, offers options ranging from stays for couples to larger, more private solutions for families and groups.
