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Makalali Game Reserve – 4 hotels and places to stay

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aha Makalali Private Game Lodge

Makalali Game Reserve

Situated within Makalali Private Game Reserve west of Kruger Park, aha Makalali Private Game Lodge offers accommodation in 2 lodges. This Big Five game reserve spreads over 26000 hectares.

A
Altamish
From
India
Our three day trip turned out to be absolutely marvellous and we loved every bit of it. First of all, I would like to acknowledge both our guide and tracker, Sharon and Rodney. They were entertaining and very knowledgeable. They not only gave great description of every animal we came across but educated us quite a bit about the local life and even the plant species we came across. There were many Aha (!) moments for us. Thanks to Rodney and Sharon we had one of the most interesting encounters when a pride of lions were strategising to take down a buffalo. They had created a circle around them- however the extremely powerful buffalos were quite nonchalant, walked towards the male alpha and scared him off! No hunting scenes for us but on another day we saw the same pride eating what appeared to be an Impala (they had hidden the food behind a thick bush. The African elephant is a formidable beast. On the first day, seeing it cross our safari vehicle gave us some jitters. These looked more like Woolly Mammoths ( without fur) because the tusks almost touched the ground. Watching a herd of giraffe pass by gave us Jurassic park vibes. Another special moment was when a herd of female elephants walked by our camp to the river below and I could see a tiny elephant baby with a wiggly gait following its mother in the most adorable fashion. Watching every animal is exciting, be it a zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, funny warthogs or tortoises! Impalas were omnipresent and were described as McDonalds for lions (fast food, in a way). Among the big 5 we missed the Leopard but watching an extremely lazy Cheetah turning and tossing like like a house cat was endearing. The river lodge were we stayed is extremely beautiful. It is right across the river where we often saw a herd of Kudus and once a giant Hippo. It has all amenities you can think of and is cleaned twice a day by the extremely kind staff which made it so welcoming when we came back from a Safari.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 331 reviews
Price from
US$751.55
1 night, 2 adults

Karongwe - Kuname Safari Lodge

Hoedspruit (Near Makalali Game Reserve)

Set on 9000 hectares of unspoiled African bush, Karongwe - Kuname Safari Lodge offers exclusive and luxurious accommodation in Hoedspruit.

C
Caroline
From
Australia
We enjoyed an amazing family holiday staying in the Manor House. Everything was exceptional, from the comfort of the accommodation to the meals, staff and of course the safari drives! We would highly recommend coming here.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 138 reviews
Price from
US$1,112.94
1 night, 2 adults

Karongwe - River Safari Lodge

Hoedspruit (Near Makalali Game Reserve)

Situated in Karongwe Game Reserve, Karongwe - River Safari Lodge features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, and access to a garden with an outdoor swimming pool.

S
Sharon
From
New Zealand
All the staff were very friendly, the rooms were very large and appointed beautifully. The game drives were excellent with great viewing of all the big 5 and was very organized.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 257 reviews
Price from
US$687.43
1 night, 2 adults

Kamoka Camp

Hoedspruit (Near Makalali Game Reserve)

Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, a garden as well as a terrace, Kamoka Camp is set in Hoedspruit, within 37 km of Kinyonga Reptile Centre and 24 km of Lissataba Private Game Reserve.

S
Sophie
From
Netherlands
We had a fantastic time at Kamoka camp. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. In the area, there are lots of animals walking around. The tiny house exactly matched the pictures and Camilla was a great host. Additionally, Camilla showed us the work that she does for the NGO just around the corner of Kamoka camp, where wounded animals are being cared for and the local population is being taught about the animals, the environment and more. The pool there was a nice extra to cool off, as it got quite hot… We would definitely recommend the accommodation. Thanks again Camilla for the great time!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 48 reviews
Price from
US$193.22
1 night, 2 adults

Karongwe- Shiduli Safari Lodge

Hoedspruit (Near Makalali Game Reserve)

At Shiduli Safari Lodge, lush gardens open to the sounds of birdlife, a chorus that drifts through shaded walkways and thatched retreats, offering a haven of warmth and welcome.

A
Aisling
From
United Arab Emirates
Food was absolutely exceptional. The range of fresh fruits and salads at every meal was out of this world. Despite the searing summer heat they also hosted a brai to really make us feel at home in South Africa. An effort is made to change the location of your meals each day which is such a lovely touch. There are a lot of negative reviews about the wifi, but you are in the bush, so it might be worth taking a reality check if you think you’ll have top notch wifi. You’re there for nature after all. The guides were outstanding. We were incredibly lucky to have Peter as our tracker and Peter as our guide. They could not have been more hospitable in terms of sundowners and refreshments, but were also always focused on safety along with maintaining a high level of professionalism at all times. We also got to see some incredible things on safari too. All in all, this is an amazing place and would fully recommend for a less commercial safari than normal.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 133 reviews
Price from
US$665.25
1 night, 2 adults

Bushriver Lodge

Mica (Near Makalali Game Reserve)

Situated along the Olifants River, Bushriver Lodge features two swimming pools and a large deck with BBQ facilities.

P
Phuluso Justin
From
South Africa
The view outside room 5 was absolutely amazing. The tub as well as the large amount of space, absolutely great!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 329 reviews
Price from
US$120.95
1 night, 2 adults

Tjhora Sunset Cottage

Cambridge (Near Makalali Game Reserve)

Situated in Cambridge, 30 km from Drakensig Golf Club and 40 km from Kinyonga Reptile Centre, Tjhora Sunset Cottage features spacious air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.

S
Samantha
From
South Africa
The location was beautiful and the cottage is stunning with so much space.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 5 reviews
Price from
US$53.20
1 night, 2 adults

Shepherds Rest

Hoedspruit (Near Makalali Game Reserve)

Boasting river views, Shepherds Rest features accommodation with an open-air bath and a balcony, around 30 km from Drakensig Golf Club.

E
Eduard
From
Switzerland
The location is fantastic and the cottage lovely, we had a great stay at Shepherds Rest
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 94 reviews
Price from
US$81.20
1 night, 2 adults

Kelora Bush Camp

Hoedspruit (Near Makalali Game Reserve)

Located just 38 km from Kinyonga Reptile Centre, Kelora Bush Camp provides accommodation in Hoedspruit with access to an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, as well as a housekeeping service.

G
Gontse
From
South Africa
Excellent service from from Kristian and Jenni, they definitely went over and above to provide outstanding service, the food was beautiful and very tasty, the staff was very friendly and professional, always willing to help and the rooms were very neat. The bush walks, night fires camps and game drive were very fun and beautiful, it was a pleasure booking with them. In summary , it was a fun experience of a luxury camping. Definitely do it again
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 7 reviews
Price from
US$288.83
1 night, 2 adults

Karongwe - Becks Safari Lodge

Hoedspruit (Near Makalali Game Reserve)

Situated 39 km from Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, Karongwe - Becks Safari Lodge offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi.

J
Javier
From
United States
Loved all of the game drives!! Very personalized. Also, food was amazing!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 55 reviews
Price from
US$1,200.95
1 night, 2 adults
See all hotels in and around Makalali Game Reserve

Best hotels with breakfast in Makalali Game Reserve and nearby

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 257 reviews

Situated in Karongwe Game Reserve, Karongwe - River Safari Lodge features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, and access to a garden with an outdoor swimming pool.

From US$1,154.14 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 48 reviews

Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, a garden as well as a terrace, Kamoka Camp is set in Hoedspruit, within 37 km of Kinyonga Reptile Centre and 24 km of Lissataba Private Game Reserve.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 138 reviews

Set on 9000 hectares of unspoiled African bush, Karongwe - Kuname Safari Lodge offers exclusive and luxurious accommodation in Hoedspruit.

From US$1,209.18 per night

What guests said about Makalali Game Reserve:

2.0

1. Your room not cleaned 2.

1. Your room not cleaned 2. You are not fair when you say all inclusive, paying for water n drinks you are not fair 3.Paying for conservation not fair 4.Other Lodge when it says all inclusive like Vuyani where we stayed 02 nights we were all have safari,drinks in the room, drinks when we eat but on your side we paid money for water 5.Your housekeeper are lazy to put water in the kettle for tea in the room
Guest review by
Zwane
10

Liked so much about Makalali.

Liked so much about Makalali. The staff were all super friendly - they sang a South African Happy Birthday to a guest, and had such a good reception from all the guests, the following night they did some more songs. They went out of their way to be accommodating. The setting, the food, the rooms - just can't fault it at all. I've been recommending it to everyone I know. Well worth a visit.
Guest review by
Sarah m l
United Kingdom
8.0

Please let guests know how far you are from a met talked...

Please let guests know how far you are from a met talked road. You finally come near the resort by R36. When you turn off the main road, there is a boom gate, and then a dusty but well graded unmettaled road for 9 kms. This brings you to a second boom gate. Another 11 kms from there in a poorly graded unmetalled road. The resort offers to pick you up from this gate. Take up this offer. The 11 kms is a difficult 25 minutes drive. You then arrive at the Old “Reception”, which is NOT THE RECPTION. You transfer to a resort jeep (very helpful staff) which then takes you the last 2 kms to the resort. All okay. But please warn the guests of these last 22 kms. After a long 450 Kms drive from Joburg, the last 22 are an unwelcome surprise.
Guest review by
Bala Natraj
India
10

The Guides were awesome, always looking out for animals.

The Guides were awesome, always looking out for animals. We saw 4 out of the Big5 (Leppard was missing) Sure we would have find some with a longer stay. It was very quiet (less people) but the staff was really friendly even though and always helpful.
Guest review by
Bibi
Austria
10

The best bush experience of my life, It felt that I was in...

The best bush experience of my life, It felt that I was in my own space connecting with nature. The staff of Makalali from the cleaners to the rangers are so friendly, welcoming and clued up with their surroundings. Waking up to seeing elephant from your patio or hearing the sound of lions at night was an awesome experience. Very seldom do we get to see the big 5 and we sighted the big 5 and more over a 2 day period. I will definitely re-visit.
Guest review by
Singh
10

Beautiful long 3hrs game drives, in the morning and evening!

Beautiful long 3hrs game drives, in the morning and evening! Which was excellent to make the most of site seeing on the reserve. I love the midway breaks on the drive, to take in the views Boma dinners with the fire pits around made it a great way to end the day
Guest review by
Sashnee
South Africa