Just 5-hours drive from Johannesburg Makalali is nestled on 22 000 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 camps - Tandane, Mkhiwa, Emtomeni and Phiva. Each camp has six luxury suites, a plunge pool, private viewing deck, dining area and boma. All the camps are private, yet within easy access of one another and are all situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River.

Suites have an en-suite bathroom plus an outdoor shower, fireplace and a raised, private, timber viewing deck (sala) set amongst the Jackalberry trees. The sala is an ideal spot for a private luncheons or dinners.

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. Available in each room:

*insect repellent
*mosquito nets
*electronic digital safe
*hairdryer
*bathrobes
*ceiling fans
*air conditioning
*fireplace stocked with logs from the reserve
*shaver plugs at Tandane, Mkhiwa & Emtomeni.
*electrical outlets provide 220 volts, alternating current 50 (Hz)
*insect proof screening on all windows and sliding doors

Tandane camp
Tandane means "place of love". Makalali’s group entertainment / conference centre is situated at Tandane camp. The centre consists of a unique thatch-covered main building, an open kitchen and entertainment area. It has been designed to accommodate conferences, groups dining together, weddings, gala events, etc. Flame torches create a mystical and fiery African ambience at night.

Mkhiwa camp
Mkhiwa means Sycamore Fig and is name after the large fig tree which stands over the main area creating some welcome shade.

Emtomeni camp
Emtomeni, Mkhiwa’s sister camp, means Jackelberry tree. This camp was created in order to accommodate groups that need more than six rooms at a time. However each camp can still run separately with its own dining area, to
create that personal touch.

Phiva camp
Phiva means Waterbuck. However you will find Nyala here which roam the camp and call it their home.