Makanyi Private Game Lodge, located in the exclusive Timbavati Private Game Reserve inside Kruger National Park, offers an unparalleled safari experience. This lodge stands out for its luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and prime location for wildlife viewing. Situated on the farm Avoca in the southern part of Timbavati, Makanyi provides guests with an intimate connection to the African bush.
Location of Timbavati Private Game Reserve in South Africa
Location and Traversing Area
Makanyi is located on portion 2 of the farm Avoca, which spans 856 hectares. Furthermore, they have exclusive traversing on the whole of Combretum (which is actually portion 1 of the farm Tangala, the rest of which is in Thornybush), some 2,150 ha. On top of that, they have "invitation only" traversing on Johnniesdale (3,152 ha). Makanyi also has traversing rights on portions 1, 3, 5 and "remaining extent", for a total of 2,632 ha.
Makanyi's core traversing area is 4,782 ha. The good news is that they have almost complete exclusivity. They share with the land owners of course, but those tend to be infrequent visitors. Portion 5 and "remaining extent" of Avoca (collectively known as "Van der Merwe") are shared with Shindzela (Johnniesdale). That puts the total maximum of commercial game viewing vehicles at four, perhaps five on a really bad day.
Combretum is fenced on two sides. Thornybush lies to the west, Sandringham to the south. The underlying geology is granite, but gneiss in the northern parts of Avoca. Soils are thus on the acidic side, and rather poor in nutrients. The associated vegetation can be described as open woodland savanna (mixed Combretum/Terminalia woodland, to be a bit more specific).
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There are no salient features such as koppies or rivers of any size. There are far too many dams, especially in the north, and a ridiculously large one on Combretum.
Wildlife Encounters
The game comprises all the usual species. Elephants and buffalo are plentiful, even more so in the dry season. The latter can occur in very large herds. Animals don't stick to designated traversing areas. The lion population mainly consists of the Avoca pride, the Avoca males, the Old Avoca males and the Ross brothers.
The pride often splits in two, and at times moves out of the traversing area. Then you get all sorts of nomads passing through. Leopards are pretty common, but not commonly seen. Makanyi got lucky last year, when Combretum was burnt late in the austral winter.
MAKANYI SAFARI LODGE (SOUTH AFRICA): Makanyi Safari Lodge - Discover 5 Star Luxury in the Timbavati
Lion in Timbavati
Luxurious Accommodations and Amenities
The seven-room Makanyi Private Game Lodge is full-on luxury with the feel of a family home. British owner Jessica Gold bought the private property and turned it into a safari in 2015, conforming to a classic aesthetic of thatched-roof villas in terra cotta tones. This place is relaxed, void of stodginess, and perfect for people looking for a more intimate experience.
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Each standard unit boasts a spacious double bed, bedside tables with lamps, a writing desk and chair, a lounge area including a cosy fireplace, and a private deck with relaxing sunloungers and an outdoor shower. The en-suite bathrooms comprise flush toilet, twin washbasins, shower and separate bathtub! There is also a mini bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a hairdryer, a telephone and complimentary Wi-Fi. The honeymoon suites are just as well appointed and include a romantic four-poster bed and a private plunge pool on the deck.
- Absolutely luxurious rooms
- Careful attention to every detail
- Powered Range Rover open air car with no seats in the middle
- Exquisite lounge decor
Exceptional Service and Activities
From the start to the end, everything is managed with top notch service. They offer two daily game drives which always ended up in a delicious coffee or a classy sundowner drinks. The rangers and guides are experienced and very professional.
Makanyi Private Game Lodge is a perfect haven where you will find a superbly situated deck with stunning views of the dam, allowing you to unwind and watch amazing wildlife scenes unfold before your eyes. Venture out on game drives where you will encounter the Big 5 and perhaps even the elusive African wild dog. Get closer to the earth on an adventurous bush walk, conducted by knowledgeable guides and trackers.
- Game drives
- Bush walks
- Fishing in nearby rivers
- Relaxing spa treatments
The sun loungers around the pool are perfect for sunbathing, reading or dozing off, while the cosy loft serves as a quiet reading area or lounge to enjoy TV or a movie. In the main area, large, comfortable sofas by the roaring fireplace keep you warm on a chilly evening.
Dining Experience
The food and beverage are delicious, but the first position goes to the service - absolutely friendly and welcoming - they spared no efforts to make us feel comfortable and special.
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Lodge Details
There is magic in the air when you enter your home from home in the bush, Makanyi Lodge. Located on the western edge of the Kruger National Park, an area that spans over 2.4 million hectares, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is incomparable in being easily accessible from main air and road access routes and yet still wild and unspoilt with fewer lodges and private homes than can be counted on one hand. This unique situation allows our guests the ultimate luxury of exploring this arresting habitat uninhibited by other tourist vehicles and in their own time - a rare and authentic safari experience.
The main lodge is a characterful building with wood floors, stone walls and a thatched roof. Inside, there is a very comfortable lounge with leather and fabric sofas and armchairs positioned around coffee tables, with plenty of large lamps generating a rich golden glow come night-time. This area has a fireplace too, providing a snug environment when the weather turns chilly! The dining room and the bar are tucked either side of the lounge - the dining room has a long table surrounded by elegant upright chairs for communal meals, while the bar is great for mingling with your fellow guests! A short flight of stairs leads up to a loft - this has further comfy seating and shelves full of interesting books.
Room Features
- Spacious double bed
- Bedside tables with lamps
- Writing desk and chair
- Lounge area with fireplace
- Private deck with sunloungers
- Outdoor shower
- En-suite bathroom with toilet, twin washbasins, shower, and bathtub
- Mini bar
- Tea- and coffee-making facilities
- Hairdryer
- Telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Important Note
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns.
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