Makanyane Safari Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
At a Glance
Malarial free game viewing
Only eight suites offers a high level of exclusivity
Accommodation is in glass walled luxurious suites
Spend a night sleeping out under the stars
Visit the hideout and spot animals coming to the waterhole to drink
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
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. Fall (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. Game viewing is good all year round.
Insider's View
This is such a lovely, romantic option for honeymooners.
Spend an afternoon watching wildlife come to drink at the river from your glass-walled bedroom.
A great Big Game experience in the heart of the malarial-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Fantastic guiding and great glass-fronted rooms. You MUST experience the sleep-out!!
Call us on to start planning your vacation to Makanyane Safari Lodge or take a look at our itineraries to South Africa
Description
Makanyane Safari Lodge is a luxurious and intimate lodge set in a private concession in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge consists of eight stunning, glass-fronted suites, which offer the opportunity to see game wander right past your door.
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, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and 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, outside lounge, 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, or around the fire-pit under the stars.
Activities at Makanyane include day and night game drives, guided walks and bush dinners. The guiding quality at Makanyane is excellent, with very experienced guides that know Madikwe incredibly well. 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.
For the adventurous, try a sleep out hide; you can sleep out under the stars which makes for a truly incredible experience.
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, outside lounge, 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. Certain weeks in school vacation times allow children from 6 upwards.
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 artifacts and essentials such as film and batteries, the property has 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 included in the rates. Spa services are at an additional cost. 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. (Please note that guests under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walks. Guests over the age of 65 are required to produce a medical certificate stating that they are fit for such an activity.)
Reviews
Sian Frost (Staff)
I was really looking forward to staying at Makanyane and it did not disappoint. The rooms really were fantastic, I loved the 3 glass walls looking out on to the river. I was not expecting my room to be as private as it was but although you are only 10 meters away from the next suite it feels like you are the only person for miles. You also get an outdoor shower and a sizeable deck. The dinners are beautiful and nothing is too much trouble for the staff.
The safaris are good, you do get a 25000 acre area which is reserved only for Makanyane guests and it is luck of the draw whether the game is in there or not. If its not then you can go in to the Madikwe park which is still very devoid of other vehicles. The safari vehicles are open top so do remember to bring a hat!
Louisa Verney (Staff)
I really loved the rooms at Makanyane. Each one sits facing the river and has glass walls on three sides. I spent an incredibly relaxing afternoon lying on my bed watching antelope and buffalo come to drink at the river. As dusk fell, there was the slightly strange sensation that I was sitting in a illuminated glass box and perhaps the animals had started watching me! Rest assured, there are full-length blinds so you can have privacy if you want it. This is a very romantic lodge (roll top baths, little touches around the room) and Id recommend it for honeymooners or couples on a romantic break. The food was excellent and served inside or outside in the spacious main area, which is also scattered with comfy chairs and sofas. Theres also a pool for afternoon sunbathing. The guiding was good and, although there wasnt a huge amount of game around Makanyane itself, you have access to the main Madikwe Reserve which has loads. Its also malaria-free in this area so a good choice if you are pregnant.
Experiences
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Game Drives & Bush Walks
The Madikwe Game Reserve is an incredible 'Big 5' wilderness area. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, white and black rhino, and the critically endangered Africa wild dog are just some of the amazing sightings you can enjoy in this 75 000 hectare reserve.
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South African Birding
The Waterberg is home to an incredible diversity of bird species. Besides residents, migratory species move through during the rains and the escarpment cliffs are home to the world's largest breeding colony of the critically endangered Cape Vulture.
Vacation Ideas
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Original South Africa and Mozambique
Madikwe Game Reserve & Bazaruto
from $4600 pp 11 nights
- An original Scott Dunn itinerary, offering great value for money and a wonderful introduction to South Africa and Mozambique
- A superb big 5 game experience in Madikwe Game Reserve
- A short 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg into the reserve
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Twin Center Honeymoon South Africa & Mauritius
North Coast, Mauritius & Madikwe Game Reserve
from $3700 pp 11 nights
- A wonderfully romantic honeymoon itinerary
- Spot the big 5 on an exhilarating South African safari then relax on the white sandy beaches of Mauritius
- Relax and be pampered in Mauritius or enjoy the many watersports on offer
Location & 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.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator