Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa

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Stay at Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Makanyi is located in the southern sector of the South African Timbavati, an area known as ‘The place where something sacred came down to earth’. Guests enjoy a truly vast game viewing area, whilst the lodge itself is 856 hectares in size it has direct traversing rights over a further 6,000 hectares and is directly adjacent and open to the 2.4 million hectares of the Kruger National Park. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is not only home to an abundant variety of wildlife and birdlife but also to the famous ‘Big Five’ and the extremely rare and world-renowned white lion.

The architecture of Makanyi is clean and contemporary, cleverly blending seamlessly into its bush surroundings. There are a total of 8 open plan suites, 6 classic and 2 honeymoon, of approximately 140m2 each making them some of the largest rooms to be found in the bush. All suites have an extra-large bed, sitting area with fireplace and a spacious bathroom with a shower and separate freestanding bath. Outside, a private deck overlooks the bush, with an outdoor shower and inviting sun loungers. The 2 honeymoon suites are situated at the far reaches of the camp offering total privacy. Four-poster beds, private plunge pools, secluded candle-lit dinners and flower petal strewn picnics make Makanyi the perfect romantic hideaway.

Guests are spoilt for choice at Makanyi with activities including exhilarating game drives, guided bush walks with a highly experienced ranger, fishing in one of the many dams

accompanied by wallowing hippos and mesmerising night-time star gazing. With a longer stay, Makanyi couldn’t be better located for exploring a vast array of world renowned attractions and activities (such as visits to Blyde River Canyon and the Drakensburg Mountains amongst others) which can be organized from the lodge.

For those wanting to take life a little slower, the lodge provides a perfect haven to retreat to; spend a blissful few hours by the pool, soak in a hot tub, enjoy a spa treatment in room or in the peaceful massage area or burn excess energy in the fully-equipped gym. Then at the end of the day, watch nature’s ever changing performance with a chilled evening sundowner in hand or on cooler nights retreat by the fireplace with a glass or red wine and a book.

Variety is also the order of the day when it comes to meal times. After gently waking to a birdsong serenade breakfast can be taken on the deck watching curious wildebeest. A light lunch by the pool or picnic in the bush could be accompanied by a herd of impala and the cutest vervet monkeys and who could resist a delightful high tea of scrumptious treats whilst watching a rhino pass by? Dinner is the highlight of the day with delicious local specialities served with simplicity and finesse in the beautiful dining room or under the sparkling African sky sitting around the fire in the boma.

Why we love it

Enjoys stunning views of the dam, a draw for all manner of wildlife
Explore the reserve on expertly guided game drives and bush walks
Makanyi’s seven luxury suites each have huge beds, a sitting area with its own fireplace and a beautiful bathroom

Facilities

Swimming Pool

Restaurant

Experiences

Photographic Safaris

Capture incredible moments with the help of a private photography tutor, maximising your skills as you head out into the bush.

Night Drives

With the help of a shielded spotlight, Makanyi's night drives are a great way to see some elusive nocturnal species or to do some stargazing.

Game Drives

See how many of the Big Five you are able to spot on an early morning or late evening game drive.

Spa

Relax after an action packed day with a massage at the spa, unwind in the pool or work out in the air conditioned gym.

Bird Watching

Whilst cooling off in the pool, catch a glimpse of some spectacular species of birds flying overhead, or simply relaxing in a nearby Acacia Tree.

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Missy & Harry

Absolutely amazing holiday. Garonga is heaven! We did everything possible and our guide was brilliant and hilarious. I can definitely recommend True Travel for their excellent advice and professionalism – they clearly are very knowledgeable about where they send their clients and made sure we had a worry-free holiday that perfectly suited us. We were particular grateful for the collection off our flight and help onto our transfer in Johannesburg, which included a very nifty queue jump due to their reputation!