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Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Step into the enchanting realm of Makanyi Private Game Lodge, where the very air seems infused with magic. It’s not merely the breathtaking setting or the mesmerizing wildlife that captivates; it’s the unwavering passion and dedication of every individual involved in curating every aspect of the lodge experience. Makanyi isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a way of life, an extraordinary journey that has captivated our family and dedicated team for the past seven remarkable years.

As stewards of this awe-inspiring land, Makanyi are honored to shares a profound knowledge and unwavering wonder with you, all while upholding the utmost respect for the natural environment and its magnificent wildlife. Your journey at Makanyi begins and ends with your happiness, and to ensure this, authenticity, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled flexibility define every aspect of your stay with us.

Nestled on the western fringes of the renowned Kruger National Park, within the vast expanse of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. With only a few prestigious lodges dotting the landscape, it allows guests the luxury of exploring this untamed habitat unhindered by the bustle of tourist crowds. Activities at Makanyi Private Game Lodge tailored to suit every preference. Embark on two exhilarating game drives daily, one at sunrise and another into the sunset. Traverse the bush alongside your knowledgeable ranger, tracing animal tracks, discovering diverse flora and fauna, and experience close up sightings of the Big-5 and other magnificent wildlife. At Makanyi Private Game Lodge there are wildlife photographers to guide you through capturing breathtaking images. A selection of family and couple photoshoot packages are also available on request.

Accommodation options at Makanyi are designed to elevate your comfort and pleasure to unparalleled heights. Each of our seven suites boasts panoramic views of the awe-inspiring dam and adorned with plush furnishings. Guests can opt for our luxury pool suites for added privacy and a romantic private plunge pool on the dec, a perfect retreat for stargazing under the African sky.

At Makanyi Lodge, every moment is meticulously curated to create treasured memories and foster a deep appreciation for the natural wonders that surround us. From intimate candlelit dinners to alfresco bush picnics, our locally sourced, high-quality dishes are crafted to tantalize your taste buds. The main lodge at Makanyi Game Lodge offers state of the art facilities, a gym, Spa, multiple relations area, open-air Boma, sparkling swimming pool and large viewing terrace overlooking the grounds.

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Wildlife:

High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
Large number of White lions live in the reserve.
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:

54 300 hectares in size.
No fences which allows free movement of wildlife between the reserves.
Nhlaralumio river is a prominent landmark, which spreads out over the reserve.
Famously known for its rare white lions.
Home to some of the counties best luxury lodges offering a diverse range of adult only and family options.
Exceptional outdoor dining experiences.
Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
Renowned for sightings of leopards, white lions and the wild African dog.

Getting there:

There are several private airstrips in Timbavati, two daily chartered flights from Johannesburg are operated by Federal Airlines.
Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to the Timbavati, 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 Timbavati take 30 – 120 minutes lodge depending.

Location:

Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and borders the Kruger National Park, Klaserie Game Reserve, Umbabat Game Reserve and Thornybush 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.

Special offers:

Enjoy one free night with our PAY 3 STAY 4 offers.
Honeymoon offers include 50% off one partners accommodation, plus extras.
South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.

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

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
Open-air Boma
Swimming pool

Fire pit
Picnics
Gym
Spa
Library
Stargazing

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Highlights

5-star luxury
Uncrowded Big 5 game drives
Overlooking a permanent waterhole

Closest airport

Hoedspruit (HDS)
Thabamati private airstrip

Children policy

Children 12 years and older are welcome.

Included

2 x Game drives per day, bush walks (seasonal), all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and laundry.

Excluded

Premium brand drinks, cellar wines, gate fees, additional activities, spa treatments, private-use vehicles, and transfers.

Terms & conditions

Rates are per person sharing, per night
Single supplement of 50% applicable
Third adult in a Luxury Suite will pay 50%
Rates are valid to 28 February 2025

Accommodation Options

Luxury Suite

Sleeps 2 Adults

Each of our seven suites offers breathtaking views of the stunning dam and features an oversized, ultra-comfortable bed, a serene sitting area complemented by a cozy gas fire for cooler evenings, a luxurious bathroom with a spacious shower Read more and separate bathtub, and a private deck adorned with loungers and an outdoor shower. Additionally, every suite is equipped with Premium Healing Earth amenities, Wi-Fi, telephone, hairdryer, safe, minibar, coffee machine and tea-making facilities. Less

Refer to T&C's above

Price R 17,000 per person, per night

Select Option

Luxury Pool Suite

Sleeps 2 Adults

Two of the suite are luxury pool suites and are positioned farthest from the main lodge, providing enhanced privacy. These suites include the same luxuries of the luxury suites. In addition they boast a delightful private plunge pool Read moreon the deck, offering an ideal setting for a romantic indulgence, where you can enjoy a tranquil soak with a glass of champagne under the shimmering blanket of stars. Less

Refer to T&C's above

Price R 19,000 per person, per night

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Marula Suites

Sleeps 4 Guests

The Marula Suite, situated away from the main lodge, spans 366m², including a spacious outdoor deck. It features two en-suite bedrooms with separate showers and baths, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a generous living room with cable TV. Read moreThe expansive outdoor deck includes a Boma and a private swimming pool, where guests can unwind in nature's beauty after an adventurous day. Less

Refer to T&C's above

Price R 19,000 per person, per night

Select Option

Enquire at Makanyi Private Game Lodge

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Getting there

By Road

Makanyi Private Game Lodge is approx a 90 minute drive from Hoedspruit Eastgate airport. It can be accessed via a rental car or arranged road transfer.

Flying

Fly from major centres in South Africa to Hoedspruit Airport. Alternatively take the scheduled charter flight to Thabamati private airstrip, followed by a 15 minutes road transfer.

Flight Duration