Jaci’s Private Lodge has reopened in South Africa’s North West province following a 10-month rebuild after flooding forced it to close in February 2025.
The family-owned property welcomed guests again on 1 July, 16 months after the damage, with a two-week soft opening for trade partners, friends and family ahead of the official relaunch.
Located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the lodge features six Safari Suites, four Safari Suite Expeditions (sleeping two adults and two children), the three-bedroom Kubu and Nare Villas, and the five-bedroom Jaci’s Madikwe House.
Co-owner Jan van Heteren said the rebuild provided an opportunity to future-proof the lodge.
He said: “The flood was devastating, but the silver lining was the opportunity to build for the next 25 years, rather than simply refurbish the last 25.”
To mark the reopening, the lodge is offering a ‘Pay 3, Stay 4’ promotion for stays between 1 July and 31 August 2026.
The redevelopment includes redesigned guest areas and accommodation while retaining the lodge’s original character and focus on personalised service.
The reopening also marks a generational shift, with founders Jan and Jaci van Heteren still involved and their sons Tristan and Dane taking on leading operational roles.
A large proportion of staff have returned post-closure and employees hold a 27.2% stake in the business through the Jaci’s Staff Trust, with team members eligible for shareholding and annual dividends.
Sustainability measures introduced during the rebuild include solar power, water recycling and a zero-waste approach, alongside reuse of existing materials such as decking and furnishings.
