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Aha Makalali River Lodge
Set within 26 000 hectares of open savannah plains and riverine forest, Makalali Private Game Reserve is located west of the Kruger National Park. The diverse vegetation offers an ideal habitat for a variety of game and birdlife. With the guidance of skilled rangers and trackers, safari drives include exciting sights of South Africa’s magnificent Big 5 as well as giraffe, cheetah, zebra, wild dog, and kudu. Makalali River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River. Here guests can expect exceptional wildlife viewing from the lodge as well as bushwalks, exhilarating game drives, exciting and unusual activities, as well as outstanding luxury accommodation.
Makalali River Lodge is comprised of three luxury thatched camps within easy reach of each other. Each camp boasts 6 lavish private suites. Each Thatched Suite and Family Suite has a raised viewing deck showcasing spectacular views over the Makhutswi River from which to see wildlife and a variety of birds. From dinner in the bushveld to unforgettable boma dinners under the stars, talented chefs provide an array of cuisines and dining experiences for adults and children. With organic elements, natural walls, and mystical accents, Makalali River Lodge provides guests with a unique safari experience of luxury, comfort, and relaxation.
Wildlife:
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
- Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bushwalks are permitted.
Activities & facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air traditional African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Large viewing deck
- Bar & lounges
Highlights:
- 26 000 hectares in size.
- Fenced reserve, mainly due to conservation reasons to reintroduce endangered wildlife to the area.
- Lesser known Greater Kruger reserve.
- The perennial Makhutswi River, a tributary of the Olifant’s River is a prominent landmark and a vital water source for the animals.
- The Reserve was established to promote the conservation of the land and wildlife within its boundaries
- Exceptional outdoor dining experiences.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
- Renowned for close up sightings of the Big-5.
Location:
- Located on the far western edge of the Greater Kruger and borders Karongwe Game Reserve.
- The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Getting there:
- Makalali private airstrip is the closet airstrip, two daily chartered flights from Johannesburg are operated by Federal Airlines.
- Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to the Makalali, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit or private airstrip: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Skukuza: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Road transfers from Hoedspruit to Makalali take 90 minutes lodge depending.
Child Policy:
- Pioneer Camp welcomes children over years
- Children under 6 years can be accommodated if the camp is booked for exclusive use
- Children 6 – 11 years pay 50% of adult rate
Special offers:
- Enjoy one free night with our PAY 4 STAY 5 offers.
- Honeymoon offers are available.
- South African resident rates are bookable all year round.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, and private airstrip transfers.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, commercial airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below
- Rates are charged per person, per night
- Single supplement of 50% applicable
- Rates displayed are valid until 15 December 2024
Seasons:
- Peak season: 20 December – 03 January
- High season: 04 January – 19 December
Packages:
Cape Town and safari packages are designed by our on-trend team of travel experts. Packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, and full board safari experience. View packages or enquire via the contact form on the page below.
Activities
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Swimming
- Children’s Bush knowledge course
- Hot air balloon rides (outsourced)
- Gin stop
- Cheetah Breeding Program
Highlights
- 5-star luxury
- Exceptional Big 5 game drives
- Exclusive accommodation
- Cheetah breeding facility excursion
Closest airport
- Hoedspruit (HDS)
Children policy
Children of all ages welcome. Children under 6 years of age are not permitted More Details on game drives.
- Children under 12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate
Included
2 x Game drives per day, all meals and game drive snacks and refreshments.
Excluded
Beverages, conservation levies, additional activities, private-use vehicles, and transfers.
Seasons
High: 01 April – 30 September
Peak: 01 October – 31 March
Terms & conditions
- Rates are per person sharing, per night
- Single supplement of 50% applicable
- Rates displayed are valid to 31 March 2024
Accommodation Options
With gorgeous views of the Makhutswi River from private timber decks, each of the 17 luxury suites, spread over 3 camps, accommodates 2 guests in style. Bathrooms boast a bathtub with a view, indoor and outdoor showers, and double vanity. Read moreEach air-conditioned thatched unit further features a covered patio, wood-burning fireplace, coffee facility, and fully stocked minibar. Less
Refer to seasons and T&C's above
Peak season R 8,000 per per person, per night
High Season R 7,735 per person, per night
With gorgeous views of the Makhutswi River from a private deck, the family suites sleep a family of four, comfortably with a queen-size sleeper couch for 2 kids under 12. The spacious bathroom boasts a bathtub with a view, Read moreindoor and outdoor showers, and double vanity. The air-conditioned thatched unit further features a covered patio, private plunge pool, wood-burning fireplace, coffee facility, and fully stocked minibar. Less
Refer to seasons and T&C's above
Peak season R 8,000 per per person, per night
High Season R 7,735 per person, per night
Best-price guarantee
Enquire at Makalali River Lodge
