Name: Makumu Private Game Lodge
Address: South Africa

Makumu Private Game Lodge

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Makumu Private Game Lodge

- Emma Gatland

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All you need to know

Intro

Makumu Private Game Lodge is an intimate oasis surrounded by the harshness, unpredictability and unspoiled appeal of the African bushveld.

Aptly meaning ‘endless view’ in the Xitsonga language, the Lodge has an elevated position over the vast ‘Big Five’ Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, one of the largest privately owned nature reserves in South Africa that covers some 60 000 hectares, forming part of the greater Kruger National Park.

With the Klaserie river bisecting the reserve on its way to the Olifants River and Mozambique, this unfenced, untamed wilderness has it all - from spectacular scenery, an amazing array of wildlife and an abundance of bird species.

Highlights

Our Rangers are certified Full Trails Guides, meaning that they are trained to track big game on foot, without extra charge.

Makumu Private Game Lodge offers minimal light pollution. The lodge comes alive by candlelight at night with little to no electricity. International plug points are available in all suites.

The rock pool overlooking a watering hole provides the ideal cool-off while spotting any game with a similar idea. Shaded loungers beckon for an afternoon siesta before setting out with the dipping sun in an open landrover. Pearl-spotted owl, giraffe, hyena, wild dog, zebra, warthog, elephant and vervet monkey are among the frequent visitors — not forgetting a variety of antelope: kudu, impala, waterbuck and nyala. Back at the all-inclusive lodge, situated above the banks of the Dundee riverbed, the wooden-decked boma offers the perfect spot for evening dining. Situated under the vast African skies, bathed in the gentle light of candles and lanterns, guests can listen to the far-off roar of the lion and the gentle rasping of the leopard while tucking into a delectable meal.

Another exciting addition to Makumu is the photographic bunker. 'iThumbela' as the bunker has been named, which loosely translated from the Xitsonga language means ‘place to hide', is sunken below ground and overlooks a watering hole, offering guests the opportunity to photograph wildlife coming to the water to cool down or drink, at ground level.

Need To Know

Makumu works well as an exclusive-use safari lodge for up to 12 guests. The sole-use rate provides excellent value for a completely private safari experience.

Our new spa situated below the floating boma offers massages and uninterrupted views.

'iThumbela' is our photographic bunker, which loosely translated from the Xitsonga language means ‘place to hide'. It is sunken below ground and overlooks a watering hole, offering guests the opportunity to photograph wildlife coming to the water to cool down or drink, at ground level.

Safaris

Game viewing at Makumu is opportunistic, with no time constraints nor schedules - the ultimate benefit of luxury. The highly skilled ranger and tracker team, with many years experience, offer a multifaceted safari offering that includes day and night game drives, walking, big game tracking and quiet observation from a hide - all part of the Makumu wilderness experience. End the day around the boma fire under the African starlit sky, drink in hand, as the sun dips behind the horizon.

Wildlife

The ‘Big Five’ Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is one of the largest privately owned nature reserves in South Africa, covering some 60 000 hectares and forming part of the greater Kruger National Park.

Game viewing opportunities abound at Makumu. From the early morning birdlife as the sun peeks over the horizon, to our resident warthog family that frequents the lodge lawns during the day and the elephant herds that choose to quench their thirst in the swimming pool. Relax on the Lodge's upper deck overlooking the watering hole where herds of antelope, giraffe and other widlife gather to escape the heat of the day.

Quick Facts

Average Stay

3+ nights.

Average Price

2024:

King Suite ZAR 14 300 (Rack) pppn sharing (50% single supplement applies)
Impi Suite ZAR 11 800 (Rack) pppn sharing (50% single supplement applies)
ZAR 133 110 (Rack) exclusive-use for up to 12 guests

2025:

King Suite ZAR 15 730 (Rack) pppn sharing (50% single supplement applies)
Impi Suite ZAR 12 980 (Rack) pppn sharing (50% single supplement applies)
ZAR 146 421 (Rack) exclusive-use for up to 12 guests

Child Policy

All ages welcome when booking exclusive use of the Lodge
FIT bookings: children aged 8+ years welcome (children aged 8+ pay the full adult rate)

Rates Url

https://www.makumu.com/rates/

Accommodation

Six luxurious and beautifully appointed suites, accommodating a maximum of up to 12 guests, ensure an exclusive blend of absolute comfort, style and privacy. Inspired by the Bushman, Ndebele and Zulu tribes of Africa, the suites are decorated with their own style and character. Each is large and spacious, to reflect the open air and space of the African bush.Of the six suites, three are King Suites and three are Double Suites. Each set of a King and a Double Suite is designed according to one of three African tribes – the Bushman, Ndebele and Zulu tribes of Africa.

The expansive King Suite boasts a walk in closet as well as en-suite bathroom, with both a shower and a perfectly positioned ‘tub with a view’. This suite option also has a wooden deck offering a hammock, perfect for those lazy afternoons. The spacious Impi Suite features a sitting area and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The wooden deck offers stunning views of the bushveld.

Season

Open year round.

Makumu Activity Sheet

Validity 01-01-2024 to 31-12-2024

Download

Best Safari Experience

Plenty of animal's to see

27-02-2024 @ 4:29pm

Best Safari Property Location

Excellent view over the bush below

27-02-2024 @ 4:29pm

Best Safari Guiding Team

The staff is excellent and lots of experience

27-02-2024 @ 4:29pm

Best Safari Experience

I have experienced multiple safaris and this superseded the rest by far. Truly incredible!

27-02-2024 @ 3:43pm

Best Safari Property Location

Makumu “the endless view” couldn’t sum it up more perfectly, amazing views of the horizon with animals in sight, incredible!

27-02-2024 @ 3:43pm

Most Romantic Safari Property

The rooms are so romantic as is the view we were left rose petals and candles to the bath and in the bath with champagne and chocolates, it is amazing

27-02-2024 @ 3:43pm

Best Safari Guiding Team

The team feel like family they are so knowledgable about the local area and animals and if they don’t know something they are more than happy to find it out

27-02-2024 @ 3:43pm

Best Community Focused Safari Property

They collect for local communities do lots of work to support local communities and support maintaining the environment

27-02-2024 @ 3:43pm

Best Value Safari Property

The house is the most luxurious place I have ever stayed each part of it is wonderful and the candlelight at nighttime is not only eco friendly but adds to the charm

27-02-2024 @ 3:43pm

Most Romantic Safari Property

Absolutely its really so romantic and special!

MD from Germany

19-01-2020 @ 9:09am

Best Safari Cuisine

Absolutely!!! Love the food!

MD from Germany

19-01-2020 @ 9:05am

Best Community Focused Safari Property

Karin and Stefan really supports their lovely team and more!

MD from Germany

19-01-2020 @ 9:04am

Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Only candles at night!

MD from Germany

19-01-2020 @ 9:04am

Best Value Safari Property

Good price for all the inclusions and lovely team!

MD from Germany

19-01-2020 @ 9:04am

Best Safari Property Design

Beautifully designed with love to detail!

MD from Germany

19-01-2020 @ 9:03am

Best Safari Property Location

Quiet ans peaceful place! Perfect for Relaxation!

MD from Germany

19-01-2020 @ 9:03am

Additional Comments

We would love to go back and spend another week at Makumu!!! We loved it in every detail!! Customer oriented in everything they do!

15-01-2020 @ 6:11pm

Most Romantic Safari Property

We spent honeymoon there! Amazing!

15-01-2020 @ 6:10pm

Best Safari Guiding Team

Richard, the best!

15-01-2020 @ 6:10pm

Best Mobile Safari Operator

2 safariÂ´s a day for 5 days, a unique adventure! Specially with Richard, he finds every single animal!!! We saw the big five!

15-01-2020 @ 6:09pm

Best Safari Cuisine

Amazing food, at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cooked at the kitchen and also on a fire. Plus the nice meals and drinks at the Safari scene.

15-01-2020 @ 6:07pm

Best Community Focused Safari Property

Yes, community oriented. Staff is almost 100% South African, local people

15-01-2020 @ 6:05pm

Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Eco friendly in various aspects, including electricity!

15-01-2020 @ 6:05pm

Best Safari Property Design

Design and very comfortable, nice tables, sofaÂ´s, etc, in more than one floor, with many South African Wild features

15-01-2020 @ 6:03pm

Best Safari Property Location

Amazing Location!!! With a great view of the land and animals

15-01-2020 @ 6:02pm

Best Safari Cuisine

Amazing food from sun up until sunset - you will never go hungry!

14-01-2020 @ 9:16am

Best Community Focused Safari Property

Work with EcoChildren

14-01-2020 @ 9:16am

Best Value Safari Property

Fully inclusive - all game drives, walks, meals and drinks included in the rate

14-01-2020 @ 9:15am

Best Safari Property Design

Very open and spacious. All suites are large and airy

14-01-2020 @ 9:15am

Best Safari Property Location

Private, beautiful, endless views and not very commercial. Still Big 5

14-01-2020 @ 8:59am

Additional Comments

We were at Makumu for 10 times and it was always a great experience the most wonderful place we have ever been...

CD from Germany

12-01-2020 @ 8:27am

Best Safari Property Location

Best lodge that i ever see

ME from Germany

12-01-2020 @ 8:16am

Most Romantic Safari Property

Best place for a romantic and breathtaking wedding in the bush.

KS from Germany

11-01-2020 @ 2:34pm

Additional Comments

The Makumu Family have so much Heart. From the moment you are greeted you are Welcome Home.

11-01-2020 @ 12:23pm

Best Safari Guiding Team

Ruan and Sibu work very well together and go out of their way to give us an exciting and memorable experience. Ruan's knowledge takes the experience to the next level from good to great. Sibu a kind soul with s

11-01-2020 @ 12:20pm

Best Safari Cuisine

To everyone from the kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance and gardeners I appreciate you.

11-01-2020 @ 12:10pm

Best Safari Cuisine

12 ;-)

BG from Germany

11-01-2020 @ 11:33am

Additional Comments

Makumu has a great location, staff that is like family, great service, unbelievable views and safaris that gives a deeper understanding and meaning to Nature and conserving it.

11-01-2020 @ 6:56am

Most Romantic Safari Property

Small, intimate, just simply STUNNING!

11-01-2020 @ 6:52am

Best Safari Guiding Team

Passion, Experience, Knowledge, Care.... At Makumu it is all about the overall Safari experience, about Nature in its whole entity and not focused on this mad rush to see the over glorified big 5. Nature is abo

11-01-2020 @ 6:52am

Additional Comments

Such a heart warming team, caring and you can tell everyone who works there is part of the family and happy. I love my visit there and canâ€™t wait to go back!

11-01-2020 @ 6:45am

Most Romantic Safari Property

They laid the bed with a heart. The evening candle light adds to the romantic setting

11-01-2020 @ 6:44am

Best Safari Cuisine

The food, especially the breakfast was so diverse!

11-01-2020 @ 6:42am

Best Community Focused Safari Property

Great in supporting children in the local communities through the Eco Children foundation with education and FUN!

11-01-2020 @ 6:42am

Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

No electricity at night, only one plug per room to keep the ambiance as natural as possible

11-01-2020 @ 6:42am

Best Value Safari Property

The staff go above and beyond what you pay for!!

11-01-2020 @ 6:41am

Best Safari Property Design

Huge cottages and private decks with space between cottages

11-01-2020 @ 6:41am

Best Safari Property Location

High up view

11-01-2020 @ 6:40am

Best Value Safari Property

Top class experience (FULLY INCLUSIVE with AMAZING exclusive list) and service in a lower price range

11-01-2020 @ 6:39am

Best Safari Property Design

Designed to be like a private estate Manor, so generally a great design.

11-01-2020 @ 6:37am

Best Safari Property Location

Makumu means "Endless Views" and the position up on a hill facing West (into sunsets) are AMAZING!!

11-01-2020 @ 6:35am

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Makumu Private Game Lodge

20 Awards