Makalali Private Game Lodge

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Popular Safaris at Makalali Private Game Lodge

Overview

By embracing eco-friendly practises and the local cultural tradition Makalali Private Game Reserve offers guests a unique and memorable experience. The 26 000 hectares conservancy west of Kruger National Park is home more than 1000 wild animals including the Big 5. Four separate camps constructed from local material give guests all the privacy they need and allow Makalali to offer a child friendly adventure without disturbing other guests.

Rates

2024

2025

R TBA per person sharing per night

Facilities

Accommodation

MAIN LODGE

This newly built, 5-star lodge offers guests luxury and comfort with 30 Superior Rooms; each fitted with an en-suite bathroom, and both an indoor- and outdoor-shower.

From dinner in the bushveld, to a ‘boma dinner’ under the stars – Makalali’s talented chefs produce a combination of regional African cuisine to represent the ‘melting pot’ of cooking styles found around Africa.

Why not discover the natural beauty of the bush through a morning balloon ride, head off on a full-day golf-excursion, experience a decadent gin-stop in the heart of the bush, or visit the cheetah breeding facility in Hoedspruit – essential to research and protect a variety of endangered species.

SUPERIOR ROOMS:

  • King-size beds
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Outdoor shower
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Private patio

RIVER LODGE

The River Lodge offers an elegantly refurbished lodge situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River.

The lodge is comprised of three smaller camps; all easily accessible from the other, yet still offering offer guests plenty of privacy. This helps to cater to a wide variety of guest; from weddings and conferences, to families with children.

Each camp offers six thatched suites, each featuring an en-suite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower and a bath, and a raised timber viewing deck that offers spectacular views over the Makhutswi River. Each camp also hosts a plunge pool, boma, fireplace, and enclosed dining and lounge area.

THATCHED COTTAGES:

  • En-suite bathroom
  • Outdoor shower
  • Private viewing deck
  • King-size beds
  • Ceiling fans
  • Air conditioning
  • Private viewing deck
  • Fireplace
  • Insect protection
  • Digital safe
  • Hairdryer
  • Fully stocked mini bar fridge
  • Tea and coffee station

Activities

The rangers at Makalali offer morning and afternoon game drives in open vehicles. The 26 000 hectares private reserve offer an exclusive experience and is home to the famous Big 5. Walking Safaris and Night Drives can be organized on request. All rangers are educated in astronomy and will unveil the secrets of the African night sky in star gazing sessions.

Makalali is particularly proud to offer exciting and educational activities for children. The Mini Rangers Children’s Programme is a captivating two-day course that teaches young wildlife enthusiasts all about the fauna, flora and survival skills in Southern Africa. Children between six and 12 will learn skill like making rope and fire, how to pitch a camp, purify water and identify edible plants. Warning signs of dangerous animals, orienteering, first aid and facts about southern Africa’s most popular species fill the second day. A graduation ceremony and photographs establish bragging rights for the new rangers.

Team building events as well as tribal dancing and drumming are available on request. The team at Makalali is happy to assist you in organizing activities in the vicinity of the reserve including rafting, hot air balloon trips, golf, fishing and many more.

Makalali Private Game Lodge is unfenced, allowing animals to move freely through the camp. During the day rangers are always on guard to ensure guest safety. At night rangers will escort you to the communal and dining areas.

 

The pool area is an ideal retreat on sunny days and an in-house therapist offers massages and treatment.

Makalali gladly caters to conferences, weddings and any other occasion that deserves an exclusive venue.

Other facilities include:

  • Babysitting during game drives.
  • The team can arrange service form external car hire companies.
  • The Gallery offer arts and crafts from around the African continent.
  • Laundry service is complimentary for all Makalali guests.
  • If you want your game drives to be completely individual you can hire a private game ranger and game viewing vehicle.
  • A gravel airstrip allows private charters to land at the lodge.

The cuisine at Makalali combines traditional African recipes with international influences. Dinners under starlit skies create a truly African dining experience. Makalali caters to any request, be it special dietary needs, lunch packs, room service or functions and events.

The Makalali Private Reserve is situated just west of Kruger National Park and a mere 5 hour drive from Johannesburg. The 26 000 hectare conservation area is home to more than 1000 wild animals including lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo – the Big 5.

The area was bought as a cattle farm in the early nineties and regeneration of the veld launched immediately. The lodge was constructed in an intelligent and unique way using local techniques and materials.

Makalali lies in a malarial area, so precautions are advised. The summer is warm with short, impressive thunderstorms. Winters are still warm but the nights tend to get a bit cooler.

Itinerary

Arrival Day

Arrive at the Makalali private game lodge mid-day, in time for a light lunch. Freshen up and relax before it’s time to depart on a late-afternoon game drive in the reserve.

Overnight in a luxury suite at Makalali private game lodge.

Days on safari

Wake up early for hot beverages and rusks before departing for a 3-hour sunrise game drive in the Kruger National Park. Return to your lodge for a late breakfast and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the pool or treating yourself to a afternoon sleep. Depart late afternoon after High Tea for a 3-hour sunset game drive in the private reserve.

Departure day

Head out as the sun is rising to enjoy your last game drive in Kruger National Park. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing mid-morning to your next destination.

What's Included

  • Accommodation at the Jock Safari Lodge
  • 3-hour game drives in Kruger National Park
  • 3- Meals a day
  • Local beverages

What's Excluded

  • Scheduled flights and transfers to the lodge
  • All purchases of a personal nature
  • Beverages not stated
  • Kruger Park  conservation levy (charged per person per night)
  • Gratuities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Any activity not specified in the itinerary
  • Visa fees if required

Location

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