Madikwe: Accommodation
MAKANYANE SAFARI LODGE is a small, privately-owned luxury safari lodge in the malaria-free, ‘Big Five’ Madikwe Game Reserve, in the north-west of South Africa. The lodge is made up of a beautiful main building and eight magnificent suites, which lie hidden in the lush forest, and provide stunning views over the Marico River. It accommodates a maximum of sixteen guests, to ensure that each guest has privacy and individual attention.
The lodge is set on a private land-holding of 1,800 hectares within the 76,000 hectares of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The Marico River runs along the edge of the private concession, which is also bisected by a ravine, attracting the game to this area of the Madikwe, where there is permanent water – and no other visitors.
Each of the eight secluded suites has a glass wall overlooking the river - so that you can watch the wildlife from your bed! Or sleep out under the stars on your private elevated viewing deck. Suites are equipped with ceiling fans and air-conditioning, as well as fireplaces and heating, so that they can be enjoyed year-round.
Makanyane Safari Lodge - suite
The bathrooms have under-floor heating as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Their wide, folding doors can be opened to allow you to savour the scents and sounds of the bush from the luxurious freestanding bathtub.
Day and night drives on Makanyane’s private land and on the 75,00 hectares of Madikwe allow you to discover the sights of the African bush from the comfort and safety of an open safari vehicle. There are never more than 7 people in a vehicle, so the ranger can give personal attention to each guest, each of whom has an unobstructed view. There may also be an impromptu game drive in response to game activity near camp.
Game walks, accompanied by armed and experienced rangers, allow you to experience the solitude of the bush and examine its less obvious aspects.
Makanyane has a number of hides where you can just relax and watch the birds and animals conduct their daily lives.
The ‘Star-View Sleep Out’ enables you to have a direct experience of night in the African bush, without the barrier of even glass walls and roofs. Your bed will be made up on the upper deck of a hide deep in the bush, next to a waterhole. Fall asleep under the brilliant stars to the sounds of the wild.
Makanyane's main lodge is located on the edge of a ravine, and overlooks a stream-filled waterhole shaded by a dense canopy of trees. The thatched roof of the lounge and dining room are supported by enormous, ancient leadwood trees. The spacious lounge area has two rock fireplaces and opens out onto a wide wooden deck - where is the bar - hanging over the ravine and waterhole below. The dining room also opens onto the vast deck area. You can buy souvenirs and bush wear at the curio shop or visit the library area or extensive wine cellar.
Close to the main lodge is the boma, an open air dining area enclosed by bush and trees. Above the dining room, the elevated position of the air-conditioned den and viewing deck provides panoramic views of the grasslands.
Makanyane Safari Lodge pool
The heated swimming pool is an ideal place to take advantage of the African sun while enjoying the idyllic scenery. Its location, above a waterhole, makes it a good place for game viewing, too. The lodge is also well equipped with a gym and a bush spa. Not too far from the pool, an isolated viewing deck stands on the edge of the plains: this is the good spot to enjoy a drink while watching elephants, zebra and impala...
The quality of Makanyane's food and wines is exceptional. It is the skilful blend of African and European 5-star experience with the flavours and fresh local produce of the area that combine to create a memorable dining experience. The cuisine is complimented by South African wines from Makanyane's extensive and imaginative cellar.
Breakfast and dinner may be served in the bush. Enjoying delicious food, its aromas commingling with the scents of wood fire and the African bush, is truly unforgettable. Makanyane’s kitchen can provide vegetarian, Kosher and Halaal meals.
Makanyane welcomes children over the age of 12, but extra beds cannot be provided in the suites.
There is a generous discount for honeymooners. In addition, Makanyane offers honeymoon couples complimentary sparkling wine and a fruit basket on arrival, and spa treatments to the value of R1,000!
From £368/448
Rates are per person per night sharing, including meals, most drinks, game drives and escorted bush walks.
Special offer: stay 5 nights and only pay for 4
Short on time, but wanting maximium experience? Our Makanyane 'Long Weekender' offers six glorious days on safari, staying 5 nights at Makanyane Safari Lodge. All flights, meals, most drinks, guided bushwalks and morning & evening game drives included.
From £2595 per person sharing in Aug and from £2895 per person in Sep 2010.
Prices are subject to currency fluctuation.