Description
Makanyane Safari Lodge offers guests an unforgettable wildlife experience, exquisite accommodation, mouthwatering cuisine and outstanding personal service. The lodge is situated on 1,800 hectares of private land within the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve. The reserve consists of a rich variety of rocky peaks, riverine woodland, open grasslands and verdant valleys, each with its own distinctive inhabitants. Madikwe is fortunate enough to have lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, black rhino and white rhino as residents. In addition, over 340 bird species also make their home in the reserve.
The accommodation consists of eight stunning glass-fronted suites, hidden in lush woodland and offering views over the tranquil Marico River. Each air conditioned suite offers total privacy with its own private sun deck, en-suite bathroom with shower and claw-foot bath and secluded outside shower.
The stylishly designed main lodge blends perfectly into the surrounding wilderness and consists of an open living/dining area, viewing platform and swimming pool set overlooking the river. The chef is proud of creating a delicious variety of dishes and guests can even enjoy a private dinner in the wine cellar over a glass of Merlot or two.
Activities at Makanyane include day and night game drives, guided walks, bush dinners, sleep-outs under the stars, riding. Guests can spend the middle of the day lounging by the pool or enjoying a relaxing massage or aromatherapy treatment in the bush spa or on your private deck.
Accommodation
The accommodation consists of eight stunning glass-fronted suites, hidden in lush woodland and offering views over the tranquil Marico River. Each air-conditioned suite offers total privacy with its own private sun deck, en-suite bathroom with shower and claw-foot bath and secluded outside shower. The suites also feature fireplaces, overhead fans, a telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and minibar.
Childcare
Children over the age of 12 years are welcome but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
Facilities at the lodge include a spacious lounge area with two rock fireplaces which opens out onto a wide wooden deck hanging over the ravine and waterhole below. An elegant dining room also extends out onto the vast deck area where you can enjoy a blend of European and African cuisine under the trees while watching game drink below. The main lodge has a curio shop selling bush wear, African artefacts and essentials such as film and batteries, a library and an extensive wine cellar. There's also a spa offering massage and aromatherapy, air conditioned gym, and heated swimming pool.
Activities
Day and night game drives, guided walks, bush meals, sleep outs in the hide and use of the gym are all complimentary at the lodge. Paid activities include horse riding and massages. From time to time, experts from various fields will be invited to Makanyane to give informative talks and demonstrations on various subjects such as astronomy, cuisine, trees, birds and animal behaviour.
When to travel
The best game viewing is from May to the end of September. Summer (November to March) days can get quite warm (up to 28-32 degrees on average) but it is a dry heat. Summer rainfall, normally in the form of thunder storms are usually in the evening, however, the African climate is still always unpredictable. Autumn (April to May) days can still be warm but the evenings cool down. Average day time temperature 22-28 degrees. Evenings 10-15 degrees. Winter (June to August) days are warm (temperatures in the mid-twenties) evenings and early mornings very cold with average early morning temperatures 5-12 degrees. It very rarely rains at this time when the bush is golden and dry. Spring (September, October) days start getting hotter, evenings and mornings could still be crisp but not as cold. A very slim chance of rain.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Makanyane Safari Lodge is located on 1,800 hectares of private ground incorporated into the magnificent 75 000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa.
How to get there
Madikwe Game Reserve is 50 minutes by air from Johannesburg. Driving time from Johannesburg is approximately 4 hours.
