Est. 2000
Our Story
Since 2000
A family-run safari lodge
in the heart of Madikwe
Set within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province, Jaci’s Private Lodge is a family-run safari lodge shaped by warmth, wilderness and a long standing love for this extraordinary corner of the bush.
For more than two decades, Jaci and Jan van Heteren have poured their energy, creativity and care into building a safari experience that feels both personal and exceptional. A place where guests are welcomed like old friends, children are free to discover, meals are generous, stories are shared, and the bush shapes your stay.
Today, Jaci’s Private Lodge continues to evolve with the same spirit it was founded on: colourful, warm, authentic and rooted in Madikwe.
The Jaci’s Way
Our Philosophy
At Jaci’s, we believe luxury should feel effortless, welcoming and FULL of character.
Our approach is personal rather than formal, generous rather than showy, but always grounded in the landscape around us. From early morning game drives and fireside dinners to quiet moments on the deck, every experience is designed to bring guests closer to the bush without losing the comfort, care and ease of a beautifully run private lodge.
We are proudly family-friendly, guest-focused and passionate about creating a safari experience that feels meaningful for every traveller; whether it is a first safari, a family celebration, a romantic escape or a return to a place that already feels like home.
A Close-Knit Pack
The People Behind the Place
Jaci’s Private Lodge is brought to life by a close-knit team of guides, hosts, chefs, housekeepers, spa therapists, maintenance teams, grounds staff and behind-the-scenes specialists who all play a part in the guest experience.
Many members of our team have been part of the Jaci’s story for years, helping shape the lodge’s warm, familiar atmosphere and its reputation for genuine hospitality. Their knowledge, care and pride are felt in every detail, from the way a room is prepared to the stories shared on safari, the meals served around the table, and the small thoughtful touches that make guests feel seen and remembered.
This appreciation for our team is also reflected in the Jaci’s Staff Trust - a long-term initiative created to support, uplift and create opportunity for the people who make Jaci’s Private Lodge what it is. Through the Trust, 27% of ownership is held by our staff members, helping to ensure that the success of the lodge is shared with the team whose loyalty, skill and care have shaped the Jaci’s story over the years.
More than a lodge team, they are part of the Jaci’s family.
What we stand for
Our Values
Family
Jaci’s Private Lodge has always been family-run, and that spirit extends into everything we do. We welcome guests with warmth, ease and care - creating a place where couples, families, friends and groups can feel completely at home.
Connection
Safari is about more than sightings. It is about slowing down, noticing more, gathering together and reconnecting with nature, with loved ones and with yourself.
Care
We care deeply about our guests, our team and our environment. From considered service to thoughtful design and responsible operations, we aim to make every decision with long-term respect for the place we call home.
Character
Jaci’s has never been about blending in. Our lodge is known for colour, personality, creativity and a sense of joy, all balanced with the comfort and quality expected of a luxury safari experience.
Our Commitment to Madikwe
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Jaci’s Private Lodge is set within the remarkable Madikwe Game Reserve, a conservation area with a powerful story of restoration, community and wildlife protection.
Our responsibility is to help protect and celebrate this landscape while ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach beyond the guest experience. Sustainability at Jaci’s is not a single project, but an ongoing commitment to the reserve, our team, our community and the generations who will experience Madikwe after us.
For us, impact begins at home: with our people, our place and our responsibility to both.
Learn About Our ImpactFrom island life to the African bush
Our Journey
From island life to the African bush, our journey has always been driven by a love of people, wild places, family, and creating experiences that feel personal and connected to nature. What began as a shared dream between Jan and Jaci slowly grew into a safari “pack” - a family of passionate people who share the same vision, values, and commitment to the place we proudly call home.
Chapter 1
Jan and Jaci’s story began on the breathtaking islands of Bazaruto Island, where they first met while living and working in paradise.
Chapter 2
Jan, with a strong background in restaurants and hotels, convinced Jaci to leave island life behind for the city, promising her it would not be “forever.”
Chapter 3
Despite city life, both shared a deep love for the African bush, good food, camping, and authentic hospitality experiences rooted in warmth and family.
Chapter 4
Together with little Savannah, they made the life-changing move to Madikwe Game Reserve to build and open what became the very first safari lodge in the reserve to welcome children of all ages, something almost unheard of in the safari industry at the time.
Chapter 5
The lodge quickly became known for its vibrant and unconventional interiors, created by Cris Browne and Jaci. Their bold use of colour became a signature style that still defines the lodges today. Their philosophy was simple: nature itself is filled with colour, texture, and life, and interiors should celebrate that energy rather than shy away from it.
Chapter 6
After selling their interest in Madikwe River Lodge, the pull of Madikwe proved impossible to resist. Before long, a new site was secured, and construction began on what would become Jaci’s Lodges.
Chapter 7
Along the way, Dane and Tristan were quite literally born into the pack. Having grown up with Madikwe in their veins, the reserve, the lodges, and the rhythms of bush life became part of who they are.
Chapter 8
A few years later, Jan discovered another special site tucked along the banks of the Marico River. His dream was to create a lodge elevated entirely above the ground, connected by wooden walkways winding through the trees. That vision became Jaci’s Tree Lodge.
Chapter 9
Wanting to deepen guests’ connection to the bush, Jan shared the idea of an outdoor starlit sleeping experience with Jaci’s father, Cris. Together they created the Naledi Star Bed, a secluded overnight experience where guests could sleep beneath the African sky.
Chapter 10
Over time, the Naledi Star Bed evolved further with the addition of an open-air shower, environmentally friendly loo facilities, and a traditional wood-fired “kokkol” bath, creating one of the reserve’s most memorable sleep-out experiences.
Chapter 11
A meeting with Guts and Toby from Pangolin Photo Safaris inspired another innovation - the construction of the Terrapin Hide, positioned in the middle of the wetland and integrated into the lodge’s water recycling system. This became yet another pioneering experience combining sustainability, conservation, and exceptional wildlife viewing.
Chapter 12
The guest experience continued to evolve with the addition of an elevated viewing deck overlooking the surrounding open plains, as well as another outdoor dining space that expanded the tradition of immersive fireside dining under the African sky.
Chapter 13
Today, Dane proudly leads as Sales and Marketing Manager, bringing fresh creativity and connection to the Jaci’s story, while Tristan serves as General Manager, guiding operations with the insight and understanding that only comes from growing up within the heartbeat of the lodge itself. Together, they represent the next generation of vision and leadership for Jaci’s.
Chapter 14
Following the devastating floods, Jan and Jaci faced one of the greatest challenges in their journey. Yet from adversity came opportunity. With determination, creativity, and the support of their pack, they embraced the chance not simply to rebuild, but to completely reimagine the lodges.
Chapter 15
A full transformation and “Total Makeover” was set in motion, breathing new life, energy, and vision into the lodges while still honouring the heart, soul, and passion that guests have always loved.
Chapter 16
Today, Jaci’s is far more than a collection of lodges. It is a family, a “pack” of passionate people who care deeply about the wilderness, meaningful hospitality, their fellow shareholders, their staff, their guests, and the place they are proud to call home.
We invite you to experience and enjoy our “Total Makeover” - a celebration of resilience, family, creativity, and our enduring love for the African bush.
The Jaci’s Difference
What Makes Jaci’s, Jaci’s
Colour and Vibrancy
This is what we know the bush to be; fun, vibrant and always surprising
5 Star Experience
From the generously spacious Suites and Villas, main lodge and share spaces to the quality of the safari and care received from our world class team
Un-rivaled Safari
Set in the Magical Madikwe Game reserve that has the convenience of being malaria-free and being home to the Top 10!
Dining
An absolute passion of Jan and Jaci! A combination of the impressive dishes and ever changing settings, creates the most memorable dining experiences.
A Safari for all
Our Suite and Villa options are thoughtfully designed to welcome all, from couples to multigenerational families and specially suited children’s experiences.
Recognised & Trusted
Awards & Affiliations
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Proud Member Of
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Recognised, trusted and connected
Over the years, Jaci’s Private Lodge has been recognised by respected travel platforms and industry bodies, reflecting our long-standing reputation for warm hospitality, memorable safari experiences and a personal approach to luxury in the bush.
We are proud to be part of a wider travel community that values responsible tourism, authentic guest experiences and the protection of Africa’s wild places.
Experience Jaci’s Private Lodge
Come for the wildlife, stay for the warmth, and leave with a deeper connection to Madikwe.