Of course I gave it 5 stars – safaris are an amazing experience and it seems like everyone who goes on one gives their lodge top reviews. I have to say, that made it incredibly difficult to compare options while I was planning my trip. But with some help of a few friends who have a little more experience with... More

My wife and I spent three (sometimes noisy--as expected) nights there in mid-February. We went on 6 game drives and saw the big 5 and 20+ more. Our ranger/driver and spotter/guide were awesome, well-informed, great-natured and very patient with the critters and us, sometimes whacky humans. It seemed to be baby time in the bush for we saw little lions,... More

This was my second trip to Makalali – I first visited three years ago and have been wanting to return ever since. I am so glad I did. I am lucky enough to visit many safari establishments and by comparison Makalali offers the best value for money by far. The experience is fabulous – three delicious meals a day, super accommodation... More

Beautiful villas..... beautiful, unbelieavble service, unforgettable breakfast with the hippos, elephants at our bedroom window, amazing game drives, beautiful private romantic dinner and candle lit bath, respect for the animals.... wonderful, wonderful holiday and sooooo glad for no internet - forced us to relax

I had been wanting to experience a private game park since I was a travel agent in my early 20's. It took 25 years to get there but I was not disappointed! After arriving from NZ and spending some time in SA, we flew from Jo'burg to Hoidspruit Airport and were met and transferred with another couple to the lodge... More

Saw big five. Even if we hadn't the fun was in the search. Shadrack and Issac were the best! They would go off road and mow down trees to make sure that we got as close to the animals as possible. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, always delicious! We do not eat meat so they made sure to serve us fish... More

After we have visited Makalali about 2 years ago already and found it a very nice lodge with good gameviewing opportunities we decided to return in spring this year. And to be honest this was one of the best decisions ever. The lodge is a private game reserve near Kruger and it takes some time to get there. We flew... More

Been to Makalali on two occasions now. it is a wonderful and very relaxing place to visit. Accommodation is fantastic, staff are wonderful and the game drives are to be remembered forever, especially when sipping a drink and watching the sun go down in the wild. They are very good with children too. Food is super. Must say the lunches... More

I thouroughly enjoyed my time here. The rooms were full of character and the beds supremely comfortable. The service levels were good and the staff cheerful and discreet. The game drives were the best I have ever experienced, with Shadrack and Isaac both knowledgeable and keen to make the experience as entertaining as possible. We saw all three species of... More