Intro
Toro River Lodges is a privately owned Game Reserve located between The Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve and Pidwa Private Game Reserve, on the doorstep of South Africa's most visited Kruger wildlife region, providing with this location the perfect opportunity for the safari adventurer to get up close and personal with the Big 5, an abundance of other amazing wildlife, fauna, flora, in a scenic, authentic bush setting.
Toro has the Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, Panorama Route within arm's reach.
We specialize in catering for private and family groups where we share our intimate settings with hippo and crocodile residents on the banks of the Makhutswi River, which also serves as a favorite water hole for the frequent Big 5 visitors.
We offer affordable 2-night minimum accommodation from 2 Suites or 3 Suites booked at a time or 'exclusive-use' 10 bed River Lodge, Trail, Walking, Viewing, Photographic Safaris, 1-week packages (or longer) including private accommodation, 2 meals per day, safaris in open new Ford Vehicles and excursions into the surrounding areas. Choose full-board, self-catering, private parties, exclusive use Lodge, larger parties, host by owner, etc.
On all safaris and excursions, English-speaking Nature Guides will accompany and inform you. Toro is the ideal destination for visitors wanting a quiet nature retreat with the option of indulging in safari activities with the family. At Toro River Lodges, 5 of the luxury private chalets and the main lounge, dining area overlook the game-rich flood plain. Beyond the plain is the Makutswi River and one of the best game viewing areas of the magical Makalali Private Game Reserve.
The lodge has been beautifully designed to match the natural colours which surround it. The buildings feature thatched roofs and strong earthy colour walls creating a warm and welcoming ambience for guests. The main lodge and the rooms have all been decorated using traditional African patterns, designs, and artworks. The lodge is within the wildlife-rich reserve which is home to hundreds of animal species including the famous African "Big 5”.
The reserve is located about 15 miles north of the town of Hoedspruit and is about 15 miles west of Kruger National Parks Western boundary.
Private Nature Game Reserve, Makalali has been granted Protected Area from the government affording it many privileges and securities to its owners.
The Makhutswi River flows through the Southern part off the reserve. The Selati river flows through Pidwa North. These two rivers along with Kristi’s dam, provide ideal habitat for it’s multitude of animal species, flora and fauna.
Highlights
The lodge nestles in 26 000 hectares of land which is home to Africa's magnificent wildlife. The most widespread activity is the daily safari drives. Safari drives depart twice daily, in the morning and the afternoon. Guests are taken out of a 4 x 4 vehicle and lead on a hunt for the wildlife that calls the reserve home. If guests are lucky, they may have the opportunity to observe Africa's "Big 5."
Why book with us
Special features and selling points unique to your property: Exclusive-Use, Full board, Self Catering, whole camp, larger parties, private parties
- Our specialty is catering for private and family groups, in the most spectacular of intimate of settings.
- Your game viewing experience is not confined to main roads as our guides are able to navigate through dense bush following our trackers who go up front leading you to sights otherwise unseen.
- With the number of vehicles limited on each property and strict criteria governing sightings, guests are able to spend extended periods of time watching wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Your morning, late afternoon drives or guided bush walks, all take advantage of prime viewing and game movement hours, giving you the very best of Safari experiences.
- 10 Bed camp ‘exclusive-use’ with an option of adding an extra vehicle at R 2,500/day for those parties bringing their kids - able to accommodate 5 couples and 10 kids and 2 vehicles.
- Cleaning staff and cook available for those self-catering parties
- 2 Game Drives a day with one vehicle / Guide only
- Additional vehicle/guide @ R 2500/day for those parties larger than 10 pax.
Self Catering: Cook available and cleaning ladies included
Winter Specials: stay 5 at full rate and get 1 night for free - full board
Non Refundable Booking: get 10% discount
TAILOR-MAKE
Tailor-make your very own Safari – take the basic package or 'add on' extras to make your experience the one of your dreams. Our specialty is catering for private and family groups, in the most spectacular of intimate of settings. Your game viewing experience is not confined to main roads as our guides are able to navigate through dense bush following our trackers who go up front leading you to sights otherwise unseen. With the number of vehicles limited on each property and strict criteria governing sightings, guests are able to spend extended periods of time watching wildlife in its natural habitat. Your morning, late afternoon drives or guided bush walks, all take advantage of prime viewing and game movement hours, giving you the very best of Safari experiences.
Quick Facts​
Offers its private landing strip for private charters
Tours and activities in the surrounding areas can be arranged with the lodge manager
Children are welcome at the lodge
Need To Know
- Conservation and Anti-poaching levies is R260.00 per person per stay – not included
- When making a booking, non refundable deposit of 25% will be requested to be made in the next two weeks of sending the invoice
- Payment has to be done by a WIRE transfer direct into our South African US$ company account or by credit card payable in the USA – please note 5% will be added when paying with a credit card.
- The balance must be paid no later than 45 days prior to arrival.
If you would like us to confirm the reservation, please provide the following information for each person:
- Surname and First names as they appear in the passport with copies, this is needed when you book the internal flights with us
- Nationality
- Arrival and departure methods
- Any special dietary requirements or special requests
- Mobile contact number
- Room configuration – SHARING/SINGLE king size beds
- Instagram, Twitter, Facebook names for social media tags and posts
Important information
- Check in time is after 13:00 and check out time is at 11:00am.
- Brunch is served at Toro ‘lapa’
- In the event of premature departure guests will be liable for the full extent of the pre-booked stay.
- Spa treatments are available at Toro River Lodges – previous arrangement.
- Children 2-5 years of age are not permitted on game drive
CANCELLATION POLICY
Upon confirmation of reservation, TRL reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee unless the reservation is cancelled within 24 hours of the original confirmation of the reservation. Applicable cancellation fee equivalent to:
60 to 31 days prior to arrival at the lodge = 25% Cancellation fees (Non-refundable deposit to apply)
30 to 00 days prior to arrival at the lodge = 100% Cancellation fees, unless the reservation is cancelled within 24 hours of the original confirmation of the reservation.
All deposits of 25 % received on confirmation are Non-Refundable and will apply as cancellation fees.
TRAVEL CANCELLATION INSURANCE
The Guest is obliged to ensure that they have taken out adequate travel insurance to cover the financial implications of The Toro River Lodges Cancellation Terms and Conditions. The Guest will bear the sole and absolute responsibility therefore.
HEALTH MATTERS
As the group’s lodges border endemic Malaria areas we recommend that guests take necessary precautions by consulting with their Doctor or Pharmacy prior to visiting any of our Lodges, particularly in the Summer periods. Whilst Malaria cases in guests at our lodges are rare, it is the absolute responsibility of all who visit Malaria endemic regions to take recognized precautions. Guests are to be reminded that most of these precautions require the ingestion of medication sometime prior to arrival in the endemic area.
All visits to the Lodges are subject to The Toro River Lodges Exclusion of Liability and Indemnity, a copy of which is available on the website.
What to bring when staying at the lodge​
Long sleeve clothes for evening safari drives
Camera with extra batteries
Binoculars
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen
Hat
Read more here ‘link to Wildlife’
Best Time to Visit
The Dry season (May to September) is usually regarded as the best time to visit Kruger Area. Skies are normally clear, wildlife viewing is at a premium and it is low season. However, if birding is your interest, consider scheduling your trip during the Wet season (October to April) to see the reserve’s migrant bird population.
Kruger experiences winter and summer at the opposite times as Europe and North America and they correspond to the Dry and Wet season, respectively. The wet summer months (October to April) are hot and often humid. Dry winters (May to September) are warm and mild although it cools off considerably at night. It is advisable to take warm clothing for early morning and evening game drives. During the Wet season, it rarely rains all day, but afternoon thundershowers are common
Weather & Climate
Dry season –May to September – Winter
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There is virtually no rainfall during the whole of winter, and the humidity is very low. Animals are attracted to permanent water sources as water becomes scarce in the bush.
May – This is a transitional month and marks the end of summer. Temperatures are cooling down to typically 12°C/54°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold, so it's recommended to pack warm winter clothing. The average morning temperature is 10°C/50°F. Afternoons will be pleasant with temperatures around 26°C/79°F and cloudless skies.
September – The heat gradually builds to about 29°C/84°F in the afternoon, and the first rains bring relief from very dry conditions. Mornings are less cold with temperatures around 14°C/57°F.
Wet seasons –October to April – Summer
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It can be uncomfortably hot and humid in summer. Peak temperatures frequently reach well over 40°C/104°F, although average daytime temperatures reach 32°C/90°F with high humidity. It seldom rains all day, but the pattern is afternoon storms.
October & November – It gets warmer and starts to rain more often, mostly in the afternoon. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 31°C/88°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – These are the wettest and hottest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon and high humidity. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 32°C/90°F but can soar up to an unbearable 40°C/104°F.
March & April – Rainfall decreases, and it slowly gets colder. April has lovely, clear weather and few clouds. The nights get a bit chillier but are still pleasant at about 18°C/61°F. Daytime temperatures are around 30°C/64°F and the humidity drops.
Getting Here
Most visitors to Makalali Private Game Reserve, fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) near Johannesburg. From here a connecting flight goes to Easte Gaste (HDS) in Hoedspruit.
Alternatively, you could hire a car in Johannesburg and drive to the reserve via the N4. The drive takes between 4½ and 5½ hours.
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Pretoria
– Take the N4 towards Malatheni (Witbank) onward towards Belfast.
– Take the Belfast off ramp
– In Belfast, turn right at Belfast Toyota onto Dullstroom / Mashishing (Lydenburg) road (R540)
– At the T-junction (R540 & R36) turn left to Mashishing.
– In Mashishing, turn left at the Ohrigstad sign & follow the main road (de Clercq Street) towards
Ohrigstad.
– Follow the R36 through Ohrigstad and through the Strijdom Tunnel.
– Turn left towards Tzaneen (still R36).
– There is a Total Filling Station of your left. This is the last stop to re-fill before reaching the Toro River.
– Follow the road across the Olifants River, past the Oaks (local village).
– Follow the road and past the Phalaborwa / Mica turnoff (+- 10 km) and follow the Makalali Signs.
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Nelspruit
– Take the R40 towards White River
– Continue onwards on the R40 towards Hazyview
– Drive through Hazyview and follow the signs posted for Bushbuck Ridge (still R40)
– Drive through Bushbuck Ridge and continue straight towards Tzaneen (R36)
– There is a Total Filling Station of your left. This is the last stop to re-fill before reaching the Toro River.
– Follow the road across the Olifants River, past the Oaks (local village).
– Follow the road and past the Phalaborwa / Mica turnoff (+- 10 km) and follow the Makalali Signs.
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Hoedspruit
– Take the R40 (Klaserie Road) towards Phalaborwa.
– Follow the R40 +- 27km, crossing the Olifants River.
– Turn left on the R526 at the signpost Ohrigstad / Lydenburg.
– Follow the R526 until you get to a T-junction.
– Turn right onto the R36 towards Tzaneen
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Finish for all routes:
– Turn right at Gravelotte turnoff, this road becomes a gravel road.
– Proceed through the boom gate.
– Travel +- 9 km on the gravel road towards the Makalali Private Game Reserve main gate on your right
– Once through the gate, follow the Toro River Lodges site posts.
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Safaris
Open Game Vehicle Experience
Whilst everyone gets a window seat, head into the lively wilderness with your expert field guide and tracker to explore a picturesque world of nature, which only an African Safari can reveal to you. Your early morning and late afternoon drives take advantage of prime viewing and game movement hours, offering you the perfect opportunity to witness the behavior of wildlife in their natural, unspoiled environment.
Guided Safari Walks
Your walking safari takes on a whole new perspective in bringing all your senses to life whilst on foot in the bush. Our trained walking rangers and trackers are eager to share their knowledge on wildlife and its habitat with you.
Feel the African earth beneath your feet, touch the bark of a thousand-year-old Jackalberry tree as you find solace under its canopy, smell the musky scent of waterbuck in the vicinity and hear the kudu’s alarm bark.
The ideal opportunity to be taught the art of tracking, recognize the signs of the bush, enjoy smaller insects, vegetation, birds, geology and micro-cosmos only accessible by foot.
Wildlife
Wildlife: Big 5 and many other animals
Situated within the Greater Makalali and Pidwa Game Reserves in the Greater Kruger Area, Toro Private Game Reserve is part of an ecosystem which is home to the largest, and one of the highest concentrations and diversity of wildlife species per acre on the planet, which includes the Big 5. Coupled with long-term ethical and responsible conservation management practices, animals are perfectly habituated to human presence.
The Big Five
The Big Five includes elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and the black rhino (white rhino are also present). Although elusive and shy by nature, our large numbers ensure spectacular, memorable sightings.
General Game Species at Toro River Lodges
Equally beautiful, we also boast with various other species: • African Wildcat • Burchell’s Zebra • Limpopo bushbuck • Black-backed jackal • Blue Wildebeest • Cachuma Baboons • Caracals • Cheetah • Genet • Grey duiker • Giraffe • Hippopotamus • Impala • Klipspringer • Greater Southern kudu • Mongoose, variety of sub-species • Nyala • Servals • Spotted hyena • Side-striped jackal • Warthog • Waterbuck • Vervet Monkey and many more.
Our Guiding Culture
Every safari is driven by a great guide. Our rangers, trackers and staff are a huge contributing factor to the perfect stay. Our head ranger, Willem Scheuer and head field ranger, Andrews, have been based in our reserve for many years and know it intimately and are eager to share their knowledge and passion for our guests.
Wildlife & Birds
The reserve is home to the Big 5, including both Black and White rhino, with previously extirpated species including lion, elephant, rhino, hippo, cheetah, hyena and disease-free buffalo, being reintroduced. Leopard, brown hyena and the smaller mammal species as well as the endangered ground hornbill and the many threatened and endangered vulture and raptor species are present on the reserve.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The best time for wildlife viewing in the Kruger Area is during the dry months of June to September when the vegetation is less thick. August to September is a recommended time as temperatures are higher than in mid-winter and the animals are concentrated around water sources making for excellent wildlife watching.​
June to July is also recommended for those families traveling with kids due to the school holidays.
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