Makanyi is located in a remote part of the Timbavati Game Reserve, an area of prime game viewing and home to the Big Five as well as a multitude of other game and birdlife. The reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger Park, and area of over 2 million hectares in which the animals roam freely.
There are 2 thrilling game drives every day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This is your opportunity to meet and photograph the incredible animals in the heart of their natural habitat. Makanyi also boast an electric 4x4 safari vehicle - totally silent, and both environmentally and wildlife friendly. Game vehicles take a maximum of 6 people per vehicle only. In between game drives during the winter months, you can take a stroll in the bush with your ranger and follow the animal tracks, discover hundreds of intriguing plants and bushes, and learn about the tiniest creatures. You might even sneak up to a rhino on foot, which is a thrilling experience!
At night, your ranger will be your guide to the most astonishing sky, completely free from light pollution. You’ll see the beautiful constellations of the Southern Hemisphere and have an unspoilt view of the Milky Way, often with the odd satellite passing by.
The main lodge is a perfect haven where you will find a superbly situated deck with stunning views of a waterhole, allowing you to unwind and watch amazing wildlife scenes unfold before your eyes. It is a lovely area to either relax on your own and take in the beauty of your surroundings, or to socialise with others and share stories about your sightings. There is also a spa and a fully equipped gym.
All of Makanyi’s 5 Luxury Suites and the 2 Luxury Pool Suites overlook the dam and have a relaxing sitting area with its own fireplace, a beautiful bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower and separate bathtub, and a private deck with loungers. The Pool Suites are located furthest from the main lodge and offer more privacy, as well as a romantic 4 poster bed and a wonderful private plunge pool on the deck. There is also the 2 bedroomed Marula Suite with its own private pool, vehicle and guide - ideal for families or friends travelling together who want some privacy.
Food and hospitality go hand in hand and at Makanyi - all food is all locally sourced and of the highest quality. From an intimate candlelit dinner under a galaxy of stars to a bush picnic or a romantic dinner in the privacy of your room, the only food rules here is to delight your palate!
Rates Include
All meals and beverages; the Timbavati Conservation Levy; 2 daily game drives; other daily activities taking place (bush walks, fishing, picnics, star gazing); use of the gym; and a laundry service are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance fee of R280 per vehicle (subject to change), which is payable at the Timbavati Gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only).
Children Policy
Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.
Directions For Drivers
From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie. Once past Klaserie, continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.
From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn left and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.
Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the left for Eastgate Airport. Turn left here and follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.
From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.
ONCE AT THE TIMBAVATI CONTROL GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance cash fee of R280 per vehicle payable at the gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only and subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve.
Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.
Also, we would advise that you do NOT use a GPS once in the Timbavati, as it is likely to give you incorrect directions!
General Information For Guests
Each Luxury Suite is 145 square meters and is open plan, flowing from bathroom to bedroom to lounge to deck. All suites have a terrace and views of the permanent dam. Facilities include a lounge area with open fireplace, en-suite bathroom with a separate freestanding bathtub and both indoor and outdoor showers,air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a hair dryer, a telephone, mini bar, mosquito nets, and tea/coffee making facilities. The Pool Suites also have a private plunge pool with loungers and a 4-poster bed.
The Marula Suite has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms both with double basins, an indoor shower and a separate bath, a fully stocked mini bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, hair dryers, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, a diing room and a kitchen, a main living area with satellite TV and a fireplace, a private outside deck with a private plunge pool and sun loungers, and an outside sitting area.
The main lodge area has a main swimming pool with sun loungers, and a deck overlooking an active waterhole. There is also a spa room, a lounge and bar area, indoor dining room, outdoor dining area, a thatched outside dining area (lapa), a fire pit area and a boma.
The lodge accepts all major credit cards. Travellers cheques are NOT accepted.
There are a maximum of 6 guests per game viewing vehicle, and a maximum of 6 guests per bush walk. Walking safaris take place over the winter months only.
Fishing can also be arranged - there is a range of dams to choose from and this is the perfect afternoon activity inbetween game drives. All equipment is supplied.
Popular Alternatives to Makanyi Private Game Lodge
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Makanyi Private Game Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Makanyi Private Game 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.
