Makalali Main Lodge

Just 5-hours drive from Johannesburg Makalali is nestled on 26 000 hectares of conservancy and prevails as one of the finest private game lodges in the world. With its thatched spires and earthy walls, ancient mystical ornaments and Pan-African cuisine Makalali offers a truly unique experience.

Located close to the mighty Drakensberg mountain range, west of the Kruger National Park, this ethnic bush retreat lies in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Considered one of the leading pioneers in ecotourism in South Africa, Makalali Private Game Reserve is home to over one thousand wild animals including Africa's "Big Five".

The lodge consists of four exclusive camps situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River each camp offers a uniquely designed swimming pool, open air boma and an enclosed dining and lounge area. Each camp has six luxury suites with en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, fireplace and a raised private timber viewing deck (sala) set amongst the Jackalberry trees. Rooms are individually decorated in African design styles with sculptured metalwork lamp shades, taps and ceramic basins. Mosquito nets surround the kings-size beds by night.

Makalali offers personalised service and all the modern conveniences you could wish for. Dining at Makalali is a culinary adventure. Guest can expect a combination of regional African cuisine using the multitude of cooking styles left behind by centuries of exploration on this great continent. Our waiters are call Muchinda’s which means a servant to the king. The Makalali team treat and respect our guests like kings and queens (and of course, princesses and princes).

The team looks for any opportunity to enhance our guests stay. For the staff at Makalali going the extra mile is not an effort, but a habit.