Makanyi private game lodge

Makanyi Private Game Lodge is a truly special intimate lodge in the Big 5 Timbavati Private Nature Reserve of South Africa.

There is magic in the air when you enter your home from home in the bush, Makanyi Lodge.

It is not only the astonishing setting or the wondrous wildlife but also the unwavering passion and dedication that everyone involved in all aspects of the lodge share with those who join us.

Makanyi Private Game Lodge is an exceptional way of life that has held the same family and core team enthralled and empowered for the past 7 years, since launch.

As privileged custodians of this inspiring land, we are thrilled to share our knowledge and constant sense of wonder with you and are dedicated to creating the most memorable bespoke guest experience possible whilst respecting our natural environment and its incredible inhabitants.

A stay at family-owned Makanyi begins and ends with our guests’ happiness and, to this end, authenticity, attention to detail, and total flexibility are paramount to every stay with us.

Located on the western edge of the Kruger National Park, an area that spans over 2.4 million hectares, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is incomparable in being easily accessible from main air and road access routes and yet still wild and unspoiled with fewer lodges and private homes than can be counted on one hand.

This unique situation allows our guests the ultimate luxury of exploring this arresting habitat uninhibited by other tourist vehicles and in their own time – a rare and authentic safari experience.

We want you to love this place as much as we do, to take it to heart and embrace a fuller understanding of nature and a deeper respect for its inhabitants, for we share their home.

Our greatest achievement is for you to leave us with not only an amazing photo album of all your wonderful sightings but also a deeper resonance in your heart that will stay with you forever.

Accommodation at Makanyi Private Game Lodge in Timbavati:

Makanyi Lodge provides a graceful yet unobtrusive sanctuary of calm that goes a long way to rival the enchantment of the bush that embraces it.

Seven enormous suites and one sumptuous family suite blend seamlessly into their environment and offer the space and time to fully unwind: be that by relaxing on your suite’s deck with panoramic views of the bush and bustling dam beyond, curling up before a roaring fire in the evening chill or soaking up the unreal aura in a glorious pedestal bath.

Throughout your stay at Makanyi, your comfort and pleasure are our priority which is why we strive to ensure that every detail is as nearly perfect as we can work it both indoors and out.

In every aspect of your stay, from the comfortable elegant decor to the scrumptious meals and beverages to your personalised game drives, here at Makanyi, care, quality, and service are our daily mantras.

Every one of our seven suites overlooks the awe-inspiring dam and comes with an extra-large super comfy bed, a calm-inducing sitting area with a warming gas fire for cooler evenings, a gorgeous bathroom with a spacious shower and separate bathtub, and a private deck with loungers and outdoor shower.

Every room is also complete with Premium Healing Earth amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, telephone, hair dryer, safe, mini bar, a Nespresso coffee machine, and tea-making facilities.

Two of our seven rooms are luxury pool suites, located furthest from the main lodge these offer more privacy as well as a wonderful private plunge pool on the deck – ideal for a romantic soak with a glass of champagne under a blanket of stars.

The Marula Suite is a sumptuous 2-bedroom suite escape that sleeps a maximum of 4 guests making it ideal for families, groups of friends, two couples travelling together, or if you are looking for extra privacy, flexibility, and a home away from home feel.

Set away from the main lodge and with 366m² of space (inclusive of a large outdoor deck), the Marula Suite features two en-suite bedrooms each with a shower and separate bath, a dining room and equipped kitchen, and a spacious living room with cable TV all opening onto a vast outdoor deck with its own Boma and private swimming pool.

On the deck, guests can relax and unwind with a gin and tonic at the end of an exhilarating day, ready to watch nature play at the end of a long day as the sun sets and the stars rise.

Dining at Makanyi Private Game Lodge in Timbavati:

Food and hospitality go hand in hand at Makanyi, we want our guests to experience the flavours our South African cuisine has to offer.

The bush is a magical place that captures all your senses, our food is all locally sourced and of the highest quality to indulge in.

From an intimate candlelit dinner, our new indoor dining area, a Boma night under the stars, a bush picnic, or a romantic dinner in the privacy of your room, the only food rules we have are to delight your palate!

We are also pleased to offer premium South African wines and a selection of liqueurs, beers, and spirits.

Activities at Makanyi Private Game Lodge in Timbavati:

There are many activities at Makanyi to indulge in and keep you busy and entertained throughout your stay.

Most of these are offered by us and your guide will be happy to organize them for you at your request.

There are two 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.

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 on a rhino on foot, which is a thrilling experience!

*Walks are done in our winter months only.

Makanyi Lodge now also offers its guests the opportunity to learn a little more about the night sky with the use of an amazing telescope.

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.

By arrangement, we can book a professional wildlife photographer to spend the day with you and show you how to take the best pictures in the most amazing setting!

Photographic equipment is also available for hire if required.

* Subject to availability.

How to Reach Makanyi Private Game Lodge in Timbavati:

Makanyi Lodge is 63km (approximately 1-hour 30min by car) from Hoedspruit East Gate, our closest airport.

South African AirLink and CemAir operate scheduled flights to and from Hoedspruit.

Kindly note that if you use a GPS, these are the correct coordinates (below) to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve control gate.

Once inside the reserve please follow signs to Makanyi Lodge.

S24° 21’ 00.5” E31° 09’ 26.2”

Good To Know:

Malaria

The Timbavati is in a low-risk malaria zone and there have only been very few cases of malaria reported.

However, the adage “prevention is the best cure” holds.

As the disease is spread by mosquitoes, it is important to use a strong repellent, which is provided in all the rooms and on the vehicles.

Wearing long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks are also helpful, especially at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are most active.

Please speak to your doctor who can advise and prescribe you anti-malaria tablets if necessary.

Medical Care:

We carry all essential first aid equipment and medicine at the lodge.

If you need anything more specific, there are pharmacies in Hoedspruit where many common medications, such as painkillers, are available over the counter.

Should you require medical attention during your stay, we are members of Africa SAFE-T, an organization that provides 24/7 medical assistance to lodges in a fast and efficient manner.

Voltage:

The voltage in South Africa is 220v, so 110v appliances will not work without a converter. However, we do provide hairdryers and adaptors (not converters) in every suite for your convenience.

Drones:

Drones are STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the Timbavati Game Reserve, failure to comply with this rule will result in a heavy fine or arrest by reserve management.