Makalali Main Lodge is located in the Makalali Private Game Reserve, west of the Kruger Park. This ethnic bush retreat lies on 26,000 hectares of bushveld which boasts the ‘Big Five’ - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - and other species sucha as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and kudu.
Makalali has a number of game viewing activities available, including morning or afternoon game drives in an open safari vehicle, guided bush walks, hot air balloon rides that coincide with the game drives and visits to the The Cheetah Breeding facility. Golf excursions to the Hans Merensky Golf Course next to the Kruger National Park can also be arranged.
The central area is designed with rustic structures that effortlessly redirect the outside elements indoors. It also features a chic library, giving you a quiet space to reflect or retreat with a book. You can enjoy an array of African cuisine in the main dining area, with its characteristic dual aspect fireplace that connects the bar lounge and dining area; perfect for keeping the night chill at bay and enjoying an intimate dinner. The spa offers a variety of therapeutic treatments, assured to restore mind body and soul, unwind and take in the echoes of the African bush.
The outside area is set around the natural surrounds with a spacious deck, overlooking a watering hole. It’s the ideal place to see wildlife interact and take in the scenery. Equally spectacular is the large crystal blue rim flow pool. Its comfortable chairs and sun-loungers are a perfect place to relax. In the evening, enjoy time under the Africa night sky from the elegantly designed boma and listen to the wildlife come alive.
The lodge comprises of 30 comfortably designed superior rooms all with en-suite bathrooms and indoor and outdoor showers.The rooms are air-conditioned and feature luxurious interiors with classic leather and wood furnishings, as well as a private balcony/deck.
Special offers for longer stays or when booked as part of a longer itinerary may apply - details on request.
Save
Enquire Now
Rates Include
All meals; the Conservation Levy; and 2 daily game drives are included.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.
Bush knowledge course for children.
As children can enjoy lighter and smaller meals, the menu has therefore been catered to their specific needs. There is a has a choice of all their favourite foods to satisfy their taste buds. The chefs prepare appetising meals using fresh, healthy ingredients and these include favourites like: fish & chips, spaghetti bolognaise, hamburgers, roast chicken with rice and pizza. Please liaise with the Camp Manager / Chef to arrange your children’s meals.
Reload Map
Makalali Main Lodge Location.
Directions For Drivers
Directions from Hoedspruit to Makalali Private Game Lodge: From Hoedspruit take the R527 towards Mashishing (previously Lydenberg). Follow the road till you reach the Tzaneen turn off and turn right here (R36). Follow this road over the Oliphants River, slowly through The Oaks village, then past the Phalaborwa/Mica road, and turn immediately right at the Makalali sign and onto a dirt road (Gravelotte D202). You will then come to a boom gate, proceed through the boom. Then follow this dirt road for another 9 km and turn right into the Makalali Game Reserve Gate. The main Gate to reception is a further 11 km (30 min) in the Reserve.
Directions from Hazyview: At the 4-way stop in Hazyview, take the turn off towards Sabie, and go through Sabie towards Graskop. Go through Graskop toward God's Window, and at the T-Junction turn right towards the Abel Erasmus Pass. Go through the JG Srtijdom tunnel and take a left turn on the R36 towards Tzaneen. Then turn right onto the Gravelotte Road and continue for about 10 km until you see the Makalalai stone pillars.
Directions from Johannesburg: Take the N1 North towards Pretoria, and then take the N4 East to eMalahleni (previously Witbank) and onwards to Belfast (Belfast to Pretoria approx 240 km). Turn left off the Highway to Belfast. In Belfast, turn right at Belfast Toyota onto the Dullstroom/Mashishing (previously Lydenberg) Road (R540). At the T-Junction (R540 & R36) turn left to Mashishing (previously Lydenberg). In Mashishing at the Ohrigstad sign, turn left and follow the main road of Mashishing (De Clerq Street) on the Ohrigstad road (R36). Follow the R36 through Ohrigstad and through the Strijdom Tunnel. Turn left towards Tzaneen (still R36). There is a Total Garage on your left - this is also your last petrol stop before the lodge. Follow the road over Olifants River, past the Oaks (local village) and past Phalaborwa /Mica turnoff (approx 10 km) and follow Makalali signs. Turn right at Gravelotte turnoff, this road becomes a gravel road. Proceed through the boom gate and travel 17 km on the gravel road to the Makalali Main Gate on your right hand side.
General Information For Guests
The rooms are all en-suite with indoor and outdoor showers, a bath, balcony and room safe.
The main area consists of the boma, main deck, spa, swimming pool, indoor/outdoor dining areas and curio shop.
Activities available nearby and offsite include game drives and guided bush walks.
All game viewing vehicles have a maximum capacity of 6 guests.
There is a therapist on request for a variety of soothing treatments.
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
Babysitting services are also available (additional cost).
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Amex) are accepted.
Popular Alternatives to Makalali Main Lodge
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Makalali Main Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Makalali Main Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
