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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.
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.
Garonga Safari Camp
Makalali Private Game Reserve
Now $ 624 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Garonga Safari Lodge is an intimate luxury camp with 6 secluded tented suites, and private decks, overlooking a dry riverbed. It also features a raised deck and swimming pool.
Ages 12 years and older
Aha Makalali River Lodge
Makalali Private Game Reserve
Now $ 464 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Little Garonga is an intimate lodge with 3 suites, including 1 two-bedroom suite, accommodating up to 8 guests. Each suite has a raised deck with a hammock and bush views.
Ages 6 years and older
Little Garonga
Makalali Private Game Reserve
Now $ 746 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Makalali River Lodge consists of 3 luxury thatched camps, each with 6 private suites. Each suite, including the Family Suite, features a viewing deck offering views over the Makhutswi River.
Ages 6 years and older
MCH Private Tented Camp
Makalali Private Game Reserve
Now $ 1,001 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
MCH Private Camp is a luxury tented camp on a hill with panoramic views of the reserve and Drakensberg Mountains. With stylish interiors and just 4 luxury tents, it’s ideal for exclusive use.
Ages 8 years and older
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