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Located in the pristine wilderness of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, bordering the Greater Kruger National Park, Makanyi Private Game Lodge offers a sublime blend of elegant design, authentic safari experience, and unmatched comfort. This intimate and exclusive retreat is renowned for its tasteful architecture, where natural materials like local stone, hardwood, and leather combine with contemporary lines to create a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Makanyi is more than just a lodge — it’s a sanctuary of calm, artfully integrated into its wild surroundings. Nestled beside an active dam, the lodge’s positioning offers exceptional wildlife viewing right from your deck. Whether you’re sipping champagne in your private plunge pool, reading beside a crackling fireplace, or soaking in a freestanding bath, you’ll feel immersed in nature without sacrificing comfort.
The lodge features seven elegantly designed luxury suites and one exclusive two-bedroom family suite, each with a front-row seat to the dam’s wildlife activity. Every suite is beautifully appointed with:
An extra-large king-size bed
A plush sitting area with a personal gas fireplace
An expansive en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and a deep soaking tub
A private viewing deck with loungers and outdoor seating
Luxury amenities including a Nespresso machine, minibar, Healing Earth bath products, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more
For those seeking extra seclusion, the two Luxury Pool Suites are set further from the main lodge and include private plunge pools — perfect for a romantic evening beneath the stars or cooling off in the midday heat.
Makanyi’s main deck is a gathering space where you can relax on oversized sofas, enjoy al fresco dining, or simply take in the expansive views over the dam as elephants, antelope, and birdlife pass through. The bar area, swimming pool, and outdoor lounge invite you to socialise or retreat into peaceful reflection.
For quiet moments, visit the cosy upstairs loft, designed as a reading nook or media room. Curl up with a book, watch a movie, or listen to the distant roar of lions as evening sets in.
Daily morning and evening game drives offer thrilling opportunities to encounter Africa’s Big 5, including frequent sightings of lion, elephant, rhino, and the elusive leopard. The reserve is also known for rare sightings of African wild dogs, making each drive a unique adventure.
Guided walking safaris provide a deeper connection to the bush, with skilled rangers and trackers interpreting every sign and sound. For those seeking relaxation, spa treatments, fishing excursions, and stargazing evenings under crystal-clear skies are all part of the experience.
Makanyi offers truly intimate safari experiences thanks to low vehicle density across its vast traversing area. This means guests can linger longer at wildlife sightings without the pressure of rotating out for waiting vehicles — a rare privilege in popular safari destinations.
Each safari vehicle is carefully limited to only six guests, ensuring spacious seating, personal comfort, and unobstructed views for photography and game watching. With every guest enjoying a dedicated “window seat,” no one ever misses a moment of the action.
The lodge’s location in a private, less-trafficked sector of the Timbavati Reserve allows for a peaceful and exclusive connection with nature, far removed from busier routes in Greater Kruger.
Whether you’re a serious wildlife photographer or simply want perfect holiday shots, the minimal vehicle interference and optimal viewing angles make Makanyi one of the best lodges in the Timbavati for capturing wildlife at its most natural and unhurried.
One of Makanyi’s most rewarding and often overlooked safari experiences happens right from the comfort of the lodge. The dam directly in front of the main deck and pool area is a magnet for wildlife, attracting a steady flow of animals throughout the day — from elephants quenching their thirst to antelopes cautiously approaching the water’s edge.
Be sure to spend some quiet time lounging by the pool or sipping a drink on the deck in the early morning or late afternoon. These are prime times to spot wildlife in action, all without leaving the lodge. Guests have reported sightings of buffalo, hippos, and even predators like lion or leopard, drawn by the water and prey activity.
If you’re a wildlife photographer or simply love observing animal behavior, pack your binoculars and camera — the unobstructed views and golden light make this setting ideal for photography and tranquil moments of connection with the bush.
