Makanyane Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve
Makanyane Safari Lodge is situated on private land within the magnificent 75,000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve – home to the Big 5 and a myriad of other animal and bird species. Makanyane, which lies hidden in lush riverside forest, offers unforgettable wildlife experiences, exquisite accommodation and cuisine as well as outstanding personal service.
Visit Makanyane Safari Lodge to experience the drama and mystery of Africa’s vast natural history, exhilarating wildlife, ancient legends and rich cultural history and to relax and revitalise body and mind.
Location: Located on 1,800 hectares of private ground incorporated into the magnificent 75 000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa.
Madikwe Game Reserve is 50 minutes by air from Johannesburg. Driving time from Johannesburg is approximately 3.5 hours using the route via Sun City and 5 hours using the route via Rustenburg and Zeerust.
Main Lodge: Makanyane Safari Lodge was designed by a team of award winning architects to effortlessly blend with the surrounding bush. The relaxed yet luxurious interiors complement the design perfectly, tastefully enhancing the atmosphere of comfort in this idyllic environment.
The lodge consists of a beautiful main building and eight stunning suites, which lie hidden in the lush forest, offering spectacular views over the tranquil Marico River. Situated on 1,800 hectares of private ground within the 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, the lodge has accommodation for a maximum of sixteen guests, ensuring that each guest has privacy and individual attention.
Suites: A stroll along the shady path winding through the riverine forest will bring you to your romantic and secluded suite. As in the main lodge, rich African textures abound, walls of natural rock and dried tree trunks merge with rough teak doors and contrast with the overhanging thatch. The glass walled bedroom suites allow uninterrupted views of the river and the surrounding bush.
The open-fronted lounge with its private sundeck is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush. The call of the fish eagle echoes down the river as elephants, escaping the heat of the day, plunge into the deep water and disturb the sleeping hippo.
The spectacular bathrooms have under-floor heating as well as indoor and outdoor showers. The wide, folding doors can be opened to allow the sounds and scents of the surrounding bush to join you in the luxurious freestanding bathtub. The understated luxury of your suite flawlessly compliments your untamed surroundings.
The suites have fireplaces, overhead fans and are fully air-conditioned and heated. The rooms also have a telephone, hot beverage making facilities, mini safe and a bar fridge. Bathrobes, hairdryers, insect repellent, body and sun lotion, soap as well as shampoo and conditioner are all provided.
GAME DRIVES
Lion, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo and leopard are all here in abundance, as well as cheetah, giraffe and both spotted and brown hyena and you have the chance of seeing any of these species. Madikwe is also the one of the best places in Southern Africa to watch the elusive and rare wild dog, a fascinating species on the brink of extinction. Travelling through Makanyane’s completely private 1,800 hectares and the 75,000 hectares of the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve, your guide will share their wealth of knowledge with you, from the fascinating private life of the dung beetle to the intricacies of the wild dog’s social system. There are two daily game drives at Makanyane, timed to make the most of the periods when the game is the most active, one in the early morning and another in the late afternoon. The afternoon drive, after a brief stop to enjoy sundowners, continues into the night, a shielded spotlight revealing the nocturnal wildlife of the bush.
GAME WALKS
For an even more in-depth exploration of the bush, a game walk is essential. A highly educational and uniquely enlightening experience, your armed and experienced guide will lead you along game paths in the footsteps of the animals, allowing you to feel the thrill of walking through this wild environment. Away from the noise and disturbance of the game drive vehicle, guests are able to experience the more subtle nuances of the bush – the sounds, smells and textures of the surroundings can be appreciated. The walks are planned according to the interests and abilities of the guests and are a highly recommended experience! (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.)
