The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

Makanyi Private Game Lodge

6 Awards

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Makanyi Private Game Lodge

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All you need to know

Intro

Makanyi is a 5 star luxury lodge located in the Timbavati, which has been dubbed as “The Place Where Something Sacred Came Down to Earth”. Indeed, Makanyi Lodge itself is a heavenly place and, what’s more, it couldn’t be better located. The Timbavati is an area of prime game viewing, home to the “Big Five” as well as the infamous, albeit elusive, White Lions. We are in the Greater Kruger National Park, an area of over 2.4 million hectares in which animals roam freely and, being one of very few commercial lodges in this area, it is a truly wild and private experienc

Highlights

The lodge offers a top notch facilities in an outstanding setting. We pride ourselves on our fantastic service and great team – we have only top qualified rangers and trackers who are passionate about what they do and they transmit this to the guests. Furthermore, as we’re the only commercial lodge in the southern sector of the Timbavati, there is virtually no congestion from other vehicles from other lodges, which could often result in limited time at sightings as well as curfews. We can spend all day at one sighting if the guests wish, and we are also free to go out at any time. So we have all the animals one could hope for (including the Big 5), and a lot more privacy. As a consequence, we enjoy a much better animal “night life” which you may not have in places that are more congested. The safari experience is more exciting because we look for and track all the animals ourselves as opposed to being told where they are, which adds to the thrill of the game drives. We also offer photo safaris and art safaris.

Safaris

We offer two thrilling game drives in our unique open safari vehicles every day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. As we explore the spectacular, big 5 Timbavati Game Reserve our guests have the opportunity to meet and photograph the incredible animals in the heart of their natural habitat.

Wildlife

The Timbavati is brimming with various species of wildlife, including the sought-after Big Five, namely lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. The reserve also boasts over 40 other species of mammals. For bird-lovers, they would struggle to replicate this caliber of bird watching anywhere else in the world, as the Timbavati features over 360 different species.

Quick Facts

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Average Stay

To experience the best of what Makanyi Lodge has to offer we recommend a minimum stay of 3 / 4 nights.

Average Price

Prices are valid for JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016

  • Classic Suite - R 8,000
  •  Honeymoon Suite - R 10,000

Prices are valid for JANUARY 1, 2017 - DECEMBER 31, 2017

  • Classic Suite - R 10,000
  •  Honeymoon Suite - R 12,000
Child Policy

The minimum age requirement at Makanyi is 14, unless you have exclusive use of the Lodge.

Accommodation

Throughout your stay, your comfort and pleasure are our priorities, which is why we strive to ensure that every detail is just right, both indoors and outdoors. From every aspect of your suite, to your food and drinks and your game drives, at Makanyi, quality and service are our watchwords. Every one of Makanyi’s seven luxury suites overlooks the magnificent dam and comes with an extra large bed, a relaxing sitting area with its own fireplace, a beautiful bathroom with a spacious shower and separate bathtub, a private deck with loungers and an outdoor shower. Premium Africology amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, and a Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities are found in every room. Two of the seven rooms are special honeymoon suites. As they are located furthest from the main lodge they offer more privacy, as well as a romantic four-poster bed and a wonderful private plunge pool on the deck – ideal for a soak with a glass of champagne, under a blanket of stars.

Accolades
  • 2015 - Boutique Hotel awards winner 
  • 2016 - The Condé Nast Traveler HOT LIST Award!
  • 2016 - Best new safari lodge in South Africa  - The safari award
  • 2016 - Top rated on Tripadvisor

 

Season

Every season is unique in that it offers different things: summer can be hot but it is green and all the birds are there. Winter offers gorgeous, clear days where you can sunbathe by the pool and and crisp nights to sit by the fire - making for a lovely atmosphere.

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Best Value Safari Property

The all inclusive experience makes this home away from home but in a luxurious setting

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

The Management and staff responsibly manage and care for the environment

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Five star menu and food

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Best Safari House

Luxarious, spacious, comfortable, cosy, well equiped

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

Experienced and knowledgeable walking guides

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Best Mobile Safari Operator

Experienced and knowledgable guides

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Best Safari Spa

The spa staff are experienced, friendly and its a place one can leave one's busy life at the door at

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Extremely experienced and knowledgable guides who are passionate about nature, their craft and proud to give guests the best time

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Most Romantic Safari Property

Everything about this lodge is romantic - from the setting, the rooms, the cuisine, the service

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Best Safari Property Location

It is in the heart of South Africa where one can simply relax and rejuvenate

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm
Best Safari Experience

Absolute best experience we have ever had.

11-03-2024 @ 12:45pm

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