Makanyi Private Game Lodge
Makanyi Private Game Lodge Is A Superb Luxury Lodge In The Exclusive Southern Timbavati
Makanyi Private Game Lodge is a very exclusive lodge offering high levels of hospitality. With sweeping views and a remote location in south-western Timbavati, Makanyi is ideal for those looking for a tranquil and relaxing bush experience, combined with some wonderful game-viewing. Game drives tend to be more private than elsewhere in Timbavati, with fewer vehicles traversing the area, and the excellent guides will take time to introduce you to all aspects of the bush. The accommodation is luxurious and the food is excellent, but Makanyi doesn’t charge the very top end prices, making it a good value luxury experience.
Rooms
The lodge accommodates up to 16 guests in seven one-bedroomed and one two-bedroomed suites. The five Luxury and two Luxury Pool suites all have views of the bush and are built under cooling raised thatch. The basic layout of the suites is the same although the Luxury Pool suites occupy a more private location at either end of the property and have a four poster bed and private plunge pool. The air-conditioned suites are extremely spacious with an open plan bedroom, bathroom, and lounge leading to a private terrace overlooking the natural bush. Bathroom facilities include a double vanity, free standing bath, both inside and outside showers and separate toilet. Each is custom furnished and contains a minibar and fridge, tea/coffee facilities and a room safe. The two bedroomed Marula Suite is suitable for up to four guests and comprises of two en suite bedrooms either side of a shared lounge, dining room and kitchen (although meals are generally taken at the main lodge). The suite also has a large outdoor deck, private boma, fire pit area, swimming pool and benefits from a private vehicle and guide when booked by four guests.
Central Areas
The central areas of the lodge, built under thatch, consist of an open-plan lounge and bar, a mezzanine ‘snug’ with a photographic studio, and the dining area which leads out onto the swimming pool deck. There is a boma for evening dining. Other facilities include a spa and gym.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
The Timbavati is a private wildlife reserve bordering the famous Kruger National Park. It was started in 1956 where conservation minded landowners decided to pool their individual farms and create a wilderness habitat. In 1993, the fence between the Kruger and the reserve was removed allowing animals to move freely between the two.
The habitat of the region is predominantly mopane/bushwillow woodland on an underlying strata of granite. The Oliphants River is the major watercourse through the reserve, flanked in places by open floodplains and in others by riverine woodland. Animal species likely to be seen include elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, impala, duiker, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebra, hippo, warthog and wild dog. Under the guidance of your ranger, you will be able to learn about the intricate workings of the habitat, and its inhabitants – the animals, birds, insects and reptiles. The birdlife of South Africa is exceptional, and the Timbavati is no exception. Birds likely to be seen include the beautiful rollers (Lilac Breasted and European), various kingfisher species, as well as a variety of species usually associated with the bush – shrikes, widowbirds, babblers, starlings, vultures and raptors.
Activities
Activities include morning and afternoon game viewing drives which are hosted by professional guides using open 4×4 vehicles (maximum 6 guests per vehicle), bush walks (during the winter season only), dam fishing, picnics and star gazing with a digital telescope.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to experience the bush after dark. Using a spotlight on the vehicle, you may have the luck to see some of the many nocturnally active species of wildlife – honey badger, leopard, civet, serval, genet, aardvark, pangolin, African wild cat, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, and hyena.
Seasons
Makanyi is open all year. Game viewing is superb all year round, though you could experience rain from November through to March.
Children should be over the age of 14 years to stay at Makanyi Private Game Lodge. The two-bedroomed Marula suite is a wonderful family unit with plenty of space for families with teenage kids.
Every guest who stays in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve pays a conservation levy which is crucial for the operational functioning of the reserve. It aids in funding essential activities such as fenceline maintenance, anti-poaching efforts, and overall security measures. Furthermore, 10% of all conservation levy income is used for community development projects through the Timbavati Foundation.
The primary objective of the Timbavati Foundation is to reach underprivileged communities neighbouring the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve with quality environmental education, skills-development opportunities, social upliftment projects and healthcare support.
