Makalali, which means place of rest is a lodge with a difference. Makalali Private Game Lodge is a 5 star luxury safari lodge where guests have the option to stay at the Main Lodge which offers superior rooms with en suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor shower or The River Lodge which comprises of private camps with plunge pools. Each suite at the river camps has a timber viewing deck with views over the Makhutswi River.
Meals are served on your private deck or in the dining lounge. Guests can also use this area to relax by the fireplace. Nestled on the banks of a river one can often view animals in and around the camps. Makalali Private Game Lodge offers 2 game drives a day (Summer – 5:30am-8:30am | 4:30pm-7:30pm / Winter – 6:30am-9:30am | 3:30pm-6:30pm) to guests which is included in the rate of accommodation. Considered one of the leading pioneers in ecotourism in South Africa, Makalali Private Game Reserve is home to the big 5 as well as cheetah and wild dog and a number of other plains game and mammals. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded on the property.
Included in the rate is accommodation, all meals, welcome drinks, sundowner stop drinks, in-room bottled water, teas/coffees and 2 game drives a day (3hrs dawn and 3hrs dusk). Excluded are all other beverages not mentioned, spa, curio shop purchases and conservation levy.
Please note Makalali Private Game Reserve Gate Times:
Opening Time: 7:00am
Closing Time: 6:00pm
Guests arriving outside of these times, even with prior notice, will be required to pay an additional fee of R50 as per the terms set out by the reserve.
Children on Game Drives
Makalali has a no under 6-years policy on game drives. Baby sitting facilities and Sole Use Vehicle hire are available to enable parents to go on drives with the knowledge that their young children are well looked after. Private vehicle hire includes your own ranger and tracker, which provides total flexibility, drive duration, starting and finishing time as well as time spent at sightings. Please enquire with reservation for charges and availability.
Amenities & Facilities
Makalali Main Lodge
- 30 rooms
- Disabled Access Rooms
- The main lodge has 1 indoor/outdoor dinning area (All day service)
- Boma with Firepit (dinner service, subjected to weather)
- Free WI-FI
- In room Spa treatment
- Safari game drive
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Conference facility for small group
- Nanny service
- Curio shop
- Laundry Service
- Free Parking
- Airstrip
- 24 hours security
Makalali River Lodge
- 3 Camps each with 6 rooms
- Disabled Access Rooms
- Able to book out exclusive use of the River Lodge
- Makalali River Lodge has a lounge and dining area in each camp.
- Boma with Firepit (dinner service, subjected to weather)
- Free WI-FI
- In room Spa treatment
- Safari game drive
- Outdoor Swimming Pool in each camp
- Nanny service
- Laundry Service
- Free Parking
- 24 hours security
Location
Situated on a 26 000 hectare conservancy in the Hoedspruit region, west of the famous Kruger National Park, in the Limpopo province of South Africa and close to the Drakensberg Mountains, lays the breathtaking Makalali. Feel at home with the great African explorers at this pristine, and ethnic bush retreat, which is only 5hrs drive from Johannesburg. 41km from Hoedspruit Airport, flights can be arranged into Hoedspruit Airport and from here transfers can be organised to Makalali Private Game Lodge.
Makalali Private Game Lodge Terms & Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does full board mean exactly?
Full board means all 3 meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and 2 game drives( 1 drink per drive) per day are included. All other beverages will be billed to your room
Are any cleaning services offered at aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does aha Makalali Private Game Reserve have airport transportation?
Yes, aha Makalali Private Game Reserve offers airport transportation for guests. Calling ahead to confirm details is recommended.
Can you cater to Halaal meals?
They do serve Halaal food however please be advised that the kitchen is not Halaal certified.