Makhalali Private Game Reserve Garonga Safari Camp Aha Makalali River Lodge Little Garonga MCH Private Tented Camp

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Makhalali Private Game Reserve

Nestled along the far western fringes of the Greater Kruger, the Makalali Private Game Reserve stands as a secluded sanctuary, often overlooked but brimming with natural splendor. Its vantage point offers panoramic views of the Drakensberg mountain range, while the tranquil flow of the Makhutswi River, a tributary of the Olifant’s River, meanders through the reserve.

Spanning an expanse of 26,000 hectares, Makalali is a fenced reserve and shares its borders with the Karongwe Game Reserve. Every animal is accounted for, underscoring the reserve’s commitment to conservation and responsible stewardship of its resources.

Makalali boasts a remarkable biodiversity, with the illustrious Big 5 gracing its landscapes. Through dedicated conservation efforts, previously extirpated species such as lion, elephant, rhino, and cheetah have been successfully reintroduced, reclaiming their rightful place in the wilderness. Beyond the iconic megafauna, Makalali teems with life, from elusive leopards and brown hyenas to an array of smaller mammal species. It also serves as a vital habitat for endangered avian species like the ground hornbill and various vultures and raptors, further emphasizing its ecological significance.

Accommodation options within Makalali cater to various preferences, from the exclusive adult-only tented camps at Garonga, favored by honeymooners and couples seeking romantic escapades, to the welcoming embrace of family-friendly lodges at Makalali Game Lodge and Makalali River Lodge.

With a plethora of activities on offer, including guided game drives, walking safaris, and birdwatching excursions, guests are invited to delve deep into the heart of the reserve, forging unforgettable connections with nature

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.