Makanyane Safari Lodge - North West Province, South Africa

Rooms & Suites: 8

Makanyane Safari Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province, was designed by a team of award winning architects to effortlessly blend with the surrounding bush.

The relaxed yet luxurious interiors complement the design perfectly, tastefully enhancing the atmosphere of comfort in this idyllic environment. The lodge consists of a beautiful main building and eight stunning suites, which lie hidden in the lush forest, offering spectacular views over the tranquil Marico River. Situated on 1,800 hectares of private land within the 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, the lodge has accommodation for a maximum of 16 guests, ensuring that each guest has privacy and individual attention.

Located on the edge of a ravine, Makanyane's dramatic main lodge overlooks a stream-filled waterhole shaded by a dense canopy of trees. Enormous ancient Leadwood trees in the lounge and the dining room support the sweeping thatch roof. The spacious lounge area has two rock fireplaces and opens out onto a wide wooden deck hanging over the ravine and waterhole below. On this wooden deck is the well stocked bar with its sweeping roof. The gracious dining room also opens onto the vast deck area, perfect for enjoying a meal under the trees while watching game drink below. The main lodge has a curio shop where you can browse for souvenirs, a library area and an extensive wine cellar.

Upstairs is the air-conditioned den with a viewing deck, the elevated position providing panoramic views of the grasslands. Sweeping plains roll out towards the horizon, surrounded by a breathtaking skyline. The heated, secluded swimming pool is the ideal place to soak up the African sun, while enjoying the idyllic scenery.

Close to the main lodge is the boma, an open air dining area enclosed by bush, reeds and trees. The boma is the perfect place to enjoy dinner next to a blazing fire. Sit back and enjoy the view out over the Marico River, the stars blinking through the canopy of leaves above you. Not far from the main lodge, an isolated viewing deck stands on the edge of the plains. In this tranquil, tree shaded place, you can enjoy a quiet drink, while watching elephants stride through herds of waterbuck, zebra and impala grazing in these breathtaking grasslands. You may even see lion or cheetah moving through the grass, their vigilant stare searching for their next meal.

Madikwe Game Reserve is South Africa's second largest game reserve and Makanyane is situated on 1,800 hectares of private ground within the reserve. Established in 1991, Madikwe was the site of operation Phoenix - the largest translocation of game ever undertaken - with over 10,000 animals reintroduced into the reserve. Madikwe Game Reserve is more than just an incredible malaria-free safari destination, it is an internationally significant conservation initiative.

The species that populate Madikwe include lion, leopard, black rhino and white rhino as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo. The rare African wild dog (in the Tswana language, "Makanyane"), cheetah, spotted and brown hyena, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species also roam the reserve. Over 340 bird species also make their home in Madikwe which sprawls across richly varied eco-zones, from rocky peaks, across open grasslands, to verdant valleys, each zone with its own distinctive inhabitants.

Trip Type

Adventure/Eco/Nature, Romantic Getaway, Safari

Airport

Johannesburg International Airport (JNB)