At Makanyane Safari Lodge, luxurious accommodation, welcoming service, exceptional food and thrilling game viewing combine to create an unforgettable safari experience.
The lodge’s eight luxurious suites, each with glass-walled bedrooms, are hidden in lush riverside forest overlooking the Marico River.
Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rands • Subject to availability
| Sancutuary Makanyane |
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| |
1 Jan to 31 Dec 2024 |
| Group of 2 to 6 guests accommodated in up to 3 suites - for the group per night |
R92 400 |
| Group of 7 to 16 guests accommodated in up to 8 suites - per person per night sharing. |
R15 400 |
| Group of 12 to 15 guests staying 4 or more nights in up to 8 suites - per person per night sharing. |
R14 900 |
| Group of 16 guests staying 4 or more nights in up to 8 suites - per person per night sharing. |
R14 400 |
| Last Minute Special: 2 to 4 guests accommodated in up to 2 suites* - for the group per night |
R61 600 |
All rates, except the Last Minute Special, are quoted on the basis of exclusive use of the entire lodge and facilities.
Rates are quoted in South African Rand and are subject to change without
Rates Include
- Exclusive use of Makanyane Safari Lodge.
- Luxury accommodation in double thatched suites.
- Daily breakfast, lunch (or brunch) and dinner as well as tea, coffee and cakes.
- Lunch is included on day of arrival and day of departure if required.
- Beverages including wines, beers and spirits, soft drinks and mineral waters.
- An evening and early morning game drive.
- Game walks accompanied by an experienced ranger if required.**
- Transfers to and from the Eastern airstrip in Madikwe
- Wifi (available in each suite).
- Daily Conservation Levy of R 190 per person per day.
- Laundry services.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance.
- Tariffs are quoted inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) at 15% where applicable.
**Please note that guests over the age of 60 need to produce a medical certificate confirming that they are fit to engage in walking activities in the Madikwe Game Reserve
Rates Exclude
- Beverages not typically stocked by the lodge and specifically ordered for the group by specific request.
- Transport to and from the lodge, other than from the Eastern airstrip.
- Curio Shop purchases.
- Health and Beauty treatments.
- Gratuities
CLIMATE
South Africa is a big country just south of the tropic of Capricorn, but it is the topography and surrounding oceans that influence its climate, rather than the latitude. Although the climate varies from region to region, it is generally mild and sunny throughout the year.
Winter (May – August) in Madikwe Game Reserve is generally cool and dry with temperatures averaging between 3°C
(38°F) to 23°C (73°F).
Summer (September – April) is characterised by hot and wet weather, with temperatures averaging between 25°C (77°F)
to 40°C (104°F). The area is classed as a semi-arid region, with 500 mm (19.5 inches) of annual rainfall. This is usually as
a result of short thunderstorms in the late afternoon or night time during the summer months.
CLOTHING
From November to March light summer clothes are best, although do bring a jumper for the evenings. From April to October warmer clothes are advised as the mornings and evenings can be cold. The days are typically warm and summery though. It’s best to bring neutral coloured clothes for the game drives. A complimentary overnight laundry service is offered in the lodge. Comfortable walking shoes or boots, swimwear, sun bock, insect repellent, sun hat and sunglasses are recommended. We have waterproof ponchos in the game-drive vehicles in case you are caught in any rain. Binoculars and good cameras are an absolute must
HEALTH
South Africa requires all travellers journeying from yellow fever risk countries to show proof of yellow fever vaccination by means of a valid yellow fever certificate.
The Madikwe Game Reserve is not a malaria area. Other areas in South Africa are malaria areas, should you be traveling to other parts of the country, please consult your personal physician for more information.
TIPPING GUIDELINE
You are travelling on an independent itinerary and the cost of your program does not include gratuities. Tipping is a very personal matter and should only be considered when our staff have gone above and beyond for you.
Whilst tipping is entirely at your discretion, we advise US$ 30 per person, per day. 1/3 of gratuities is allocated to the guide, and the remainder of the balance is divided amongst the rest of the staff. Gratuities can be added to your account upon check out, given to the lodge manager for distribution, or given directly to the individual staff members.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge prides itself on its personalised services. Please let us know if you have any special requests, interests, dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions.
PHILANTHROPY PROJECTS
Local communities
Makanyane Safari Lodge actively supports the local communities in the area. The majority of our staff are Tswana people from the local communities, providing employment and advancement opportunities and an exciting and varied livelihood.
Guests at the lodge can actively participate, either financially or practically, in assisting impoverished local communities, thereby also supporting the Madikwe Game Reserve. The Makanyane Children’s Tree-planting Campaign is part of our programme where children and their parents are involved in planting saplings in the reserve.
LUXURY, NATURALLY
Sanctuary Retreats was born in Africa with the launch of our first luxury safari camp, Sanctuary Olonana, in Kenya, in 1999. Today, the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio of luxury safari lodges and expedition ships brings a much wider choice of our boutique adventure than ever before – but our standards remain the same. We promise adventure, enchantment and ‘Luxury, naturally’, all delivered with a quiet, understated charm and understanding of place
Your excursions at Makanyane are not just confined to safaris.
The finest local ingredients are combined in the kitchen by our talented staff of chefs to produce delectable dishes that will give your stay with us a new thrilling dimension. African flavours and European influences are combined to produce distinctive and unforgettable dining experiences.
Meals are provided throughout the lodge in a variety of settings. Visitors can eat on the main deck while gazing at the sky, near to the glittering pool, in our “Boma,” which is encircled by trees and lit solely by flickering lanterns, or even out in the reserve while having a “bushbraai.”
All menus can be discussed in advance with the chefs for preferences and dietary requirements to be accommodated
From our wine cellar we serve outstanding wines to go with our delectable meals. In addition to offering traditional South African wines like Kanonkop’s Paul Sauer and Klein Constantia’s Vin de Constance, our award-winning wine list has received meticulous attention to detail, and we have gone to great lengths to source wines of excellent quality and variety to compile a selection with something to appeal to everyone. Visitors can explore our underground cellar and choose their own wine from a wide range of delectable options.
Allowing our expert health and beauty therapist to pamper you is a great approach to relieve the stress and strain of daily life. There is something for everyone on our extensive selection of Health and Beauty treatments, which range from massage, aromatherapy, and hot stone therapies to facials and manicures.
The isolated bush spa, the terrace of a guest’s room, or other settings, like our look-out point, where the treatment may be enjoyed while taking in the scenery, are all options for where guests can enjoy their treatments.
Rates Include
- Exclusive use of Makanyane Safari Lodge.
- Luxury accommodation in double thatched suites.
- Daily breakfast, lunch (or brunch) and dinner as well as tea, coffee and cakes.
- Lunch is included on day of arrival and day of departure if required.
- Beverages including wines, beers and spirits, soft drinks and mineral waters.
- An evening and early morning game drive.
- Game walks accompanied by an experienced ranger if required.**
- Transfers to and from the Eastern airstrip in Madikwe
**Please note that guests over the age of 60 need to produce a medical certificate confirming that they are fit to engage in walking activities in the Madikwe Game Reserve
Rates Exclude
- Beverages not typically stocked by the lodge and specifically ordered for the group by specific request.
- Transport to and from the lodge, other than from the Eastern airstrip.
- Curio Shop purchases.
- Health and Beauty treatments.
- Gratuities
Check-in time is at 12pm and check-out time is at 11am.
Deposit Policy
For all bookings made within 45 days of travel
Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
For all bookings made more than 45 days of travel
A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
Cancellation Terms
- All cancellations should be made in writing. Cancellation charges are calculated on the total value of the booking.
- If cancelation is received more than 60 days prior to arrival - 20%.
- If cancellation is received from 60 days to 31 days prior to arrival - 50%.
- If cancellation is received less than 31 days prior to arrival - 100%.
- A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.
Terms and Conditions
- All Reservations are subject to the Makanyane Safari Lodge cancellation policy which is:
- A reservation is not secure until the deposit is received. Makanyane Safari Lodge reserves the right to automatically release any accommodation being held where the required deposit has not been received within the stated period.
- All rates quoted are subject to change without notice. The above rates supersede any rates previously distributed by Makanyane Safari Lodge.
- Payments can be made by electronic transfer or by credit card. (A credit card authorisation form will be provided).
- Reservation information, such as any special dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions, guest’s contact number (if possible) and the estimated time of arrival at the lodge needs to be communicated well in advance of arrival at the lodge.
At Makanyane Safari Lodge, luxurious accommodation, welcoming service, exceptional food and thrilling game viewing combine to create an unforgettable safari experience.
The lodge’s eight luxurious suites, each with glass-walled bedrooms, are hidden in lush riverside forest overlooking the Marico River.
Romantic & secluded suites
- Shaded by riverside forest, the thatched and fully air-conditioned suites are secluded and private, each with overhead fans and fireplaces
- The wrap-around glass-walled bedroom allows uninterrupted views of the Marico River while the wide folding doors of the bathroom can be opened to the surrounding bush.
- The spectacular bathrooms have a romantic free-standing roll-top bath as well as indoor and outdoor showers
- Each suite has a fully-stocked fridge, a coffee and tea station, a safe and telephone. Other amenities include bathrobes, hair dryers, insect repellent and sun lotion as well as Makanyane’s signature scented shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and handmade soap.
Suites
You reach your private, romantic suite by strolling along the shady route that winds through the woodland. Rich African textures are prevalent throughout, including walls made of natural rock and dried tree trunks that blend with rough teak doors and contrast with the thatch that hangs over them. Uninterrupted views of the Marico River and the nearby bush are provided by the bedroom suites’ wraparound glass walls.
The private sundeck and open-fronted lounge are the ideal places to unwind and take in the sights and sounds of the bush. Elephants dive into the deep water to escape the heat of the day and disturb the resting hippo, as the call of the fish eagle reverberates down the river.
Roll-top baths, underfloor heating, indoor and outdoor showers, and stunning bathrooms are all featured. The luxury freestanding bathtub’s wide, folding doors can be opened to let the sights, sounds, and aromas of the nearby bush join you. Your suite’s subtle grandeur perfectly complements the wild surrounds.
The suites have fireplaces, overhead fans and are fully air-conditioned. They all have a telephone, hot beverage making facilities, mini safe and a fully stocked fridge. Bathrobes, hairdryers, insect repellent as well as Makanyane signature scents for body and sun lotion, soap as well as shampoo and conditioner are all provided.
Spa treatments can easily be arranged on your private sun deck to make the most of your private and luxurious haven of tranquility.
Makanyane Safari Lodge is ideally situated overlooking the Marico River in a secluded corner of the north-eastern part of the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Located on 1,800 hectares of privately owned ground reserved exclusively for the use of guests at Makanyane, the lodge does also own full traversing rights over the entire 75,000 hectare Madikwe Reserve.
Madikwe Game Reserve is approximately 45 minutes by air from Johannesburg. There are daily shuttle flights between the reserve and Oliver Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport.
Driving time by road from Johannesburg is approximately 3.5 hours using a route via Sun City and 5 hours using an alternative route via Rustenburg and Zeerust.
BY CAR
- There are two routes by road from Johannesburg International Airport to Makanyane
- The first route (approximately 3.5 hours driving time) travels via Sun City to the Makanyane private entrance. This route travels over approximately 20 km of gravel road. Detailed directions and map are available on request.
- The second route (about 5 hours driving time) travels via the towns of Rustenburg and Zeerust. Detailed directions and map are available on request.
- Makanyane’s private gate will be attended in anticipation of guest’s arrival. Please advise the lodge of your estimated time of arrival when making your booking. If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could confirm your time of arrival while en-route to the lodge.
- Makanyane is approximately 60 kilometres from Gaborone, Botswana.
BY PLANE
- Federal Air provides daily scheduled return flights between Oliver Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg International Airport) in Johannesburg and Madikwe Game Reserve.
- O.R. Tambo International to Madikwe Game Reserve:
- Departs from O.R. Tambo at 13:00 and arrives in Madikwe Game Reserve at 14:00 at the latest.
- Passengers must check in for the flight by 12:00. (Check in opens at 09:30)
- Madikwe Game Reserve to O.R. Tambo International
- Departs from Madikwe Game Reserve at 11:15 and arrives at O.R. Tambo at 12:15.
- (Federal Air advises that no onward International flights that depart from O.R. Tambo before 16:30 and no onward Domestic flights that depart from O.R. Tambo before 15:00 should be booked.)
- Your guide will meet you at the airstrip on arrival and take you back to the airstrip for your departure.
BY PRIVATE AIRCRAFT
- Madikwe Game Reserve has a 1200 metre, all-weather, gravel airstrip approximately 10 kilometres south of Makanyane. Transfers to and from the lodge are free of charge.
- Co-ordinates: 24°44’00” S and 26°24’27” E
- Elevation: 3200 Ft
- Runway direction: East/West 11/290
- Please note that all private pilots wishing to make use of the Madikwe airstrip must sign a pilot indemnity form before doing so.
Allowing our expert health and beauty therapist to pamper you is a great approach to relieve the stress and strain of daily life. There is something for everyone on our extensive selection of Health and Beauty treatments, which range from massage, aromatherapy, and hot stone therapies to facials and manicures.
The isolated bush spa, the terrace of a guest’s room, or other settings, like our look-out point, where the treatment may be enjoyed while taking in the scenery, are all options for where guests can enjoy their treatments.
As the lodge is reserved on an exclusive-use basis, game drive timesare completely flexible and can be specifically timed to suit the guests.
After settling into the open vehicle specially designed to ensure your comfort and safety, your qualified, professional and armed safari guide will take you on an adventure through the African bush.
Lion, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo and leopard are all here in abundance, as well as cheetah, giraffe and both spotted and brown hyena and you have the chance of seeing any of these species. Madikwe is also the one of the best places in Southern Africa to watch the elusive and rare wild dog, a fascinating species on the brink of extinction. Energetic, entertaining and with a highly complex social hierarchy, these fearsome predators range widely across the changing landscape of the reserve in search of prey, providing excellent and unique game viewing.
One of the most significant aspects of Madikwe is the extremely varied terrain, providing a backdrop to the rich diversity of plant, bird and animal life. Located on the edge of a very arid Kalahari region, but still receiving relatively high rainfall, Madikwe is unique in that both dry area and moist area plant and animal species are found in the reserve. (As an example, it is unusual to find both springbok – typically an arid species – and impala – dependent on higher rainfall) – flourishing in the same area, as they do in Madikwe.
Travelling through Makanyane’s completely private 1,800 hectares and the 75,000 hectares of the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve, your guide will share their wealth of knowledge with you, from the fascinating private life of the dung beetle to the intricacies of the wild dog’s social system.
Typically we recommend two daily game drives at Makanyane, timed to make the most of the periods when the game is the most active, one in the early morning and another in the late afternoon.
But exclusive use gives guests the freedom to choose to spend the day out exploring the bush across the reserve, or head out after dinner to look for elusive nocturnal animals on Makanyane’s private ground.
The afternoon drive, after a brief stop to enjoy sundowners, continues into the night, a shielded spotlight revealing the nocturnal wildlife of the bush.
Game drive times will vary according to guest requirements and game activity and spontaneous drives may also go out in response to animal activity near the lodge.
Game walks
For an even more in-depth exploration of the bush, a game walk is essential. A highly educational and uniquely enlightening experience, your armed and experienced guide will lead you along game paths in the footsteps of the animals, allowing you to feel the thrill of walking through this wild environment.
Away from the noise and disturbance of the game drive vehicle, guests are able to experience the more subtle nuances of the bush – the sounds, smells and textures of the surroundings can be appreciated.
The walks are planned according to the interests and abilities of the guests and are a highly recommended experience!
(Please note that guests under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walks. Guests over the age of 65 are required to produce a medical certificate stating that they are fit for such an activity.)
SAFARI WEDDINGS
Makanyane is the ideal venue for the ultimate intimate and romantic wedding. As the lodge is booked on an exclusive-use basis only, the entire lodge is reserved only for you and your party to savour this unforgettable experience.
Imagine the romance of your wedding deep in the African bush, surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of a truly wild place. Here, secluded from the pressure and stress of city life, you can relax, unwind and truly enjoy your most important day in the company of your family and friends.
The staff at Makanyane understand how precious this day is to you both, and how everything, from the setting to the service, must be as you want it to be. We will go out of our way to ensure that your wedding is a fairy tale come true. Let us worry about the details of the catering, the flowers, the decorations, the photographer and the minister. All you have to do is enjoy your special day!
Makanyane is ideally situated for a dramatic, unforgettable ceremony, with stunning views of the surrounding bush. Wedding photographs can be taken around the lodge, in the bush against the backdrop of wide African plains, or in the cool romance of the forest.
With just eight luxury suites, each secluded in the forest on the bank of the river, privacy and exclusivity are assured.
To give you an idea of what you can experience at Makanyane, here is a proposed itinerary:
DAY 1
Arrive at Makanyane in time for lunch on the main deck, overlooking the waterhole where animals regularly come down to drink. After lunch, unpack and then relax by the swimming pool.
After afternoon tea it’s time for a game drive to head out and explore. While the rest of the party will be taken on drives together, the wedding couple will experience a private game drive, giving them a chance to enjoy a romantic exploration of the Madikwe Game Reserve and its “Big 5”. At sunset, the drives stop for sundowners. Sparkling wine and snacks are enjoyed in the quiet of the bush before the vehicles make their way back to the lodge after dark. A delicious gourmet dinner is served in the riverside boma, surrounded by flickering lanterns, next to a roaring fire under the broad African sky.
DAY 2
At sunrise the wedding party departs on an early morning game drive, followed by a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, the wedding couple enjoy a complimentary spa or beauty treatment of their choice on the privacy of their own suite.
Following a delicious lunch, the wedding party prepares for the wedding. The ceremony can take place anywhere that suits the wedding couple. This could be on the lodge’s main deck with its dramatic view over the waterhole, or at the lookout point against a backdrop of vast open plains. After an unforgettable ceremony and photographs, the group is driven out to a specially selected site in the bush, to toast the couple as the sun sets.
Back at the lodge, dinner is served on the main deck; the tables beautifully decorated for a sumptuous celebratory four-course meal.
DAY 3
The wedding couple are served a private brunch in their suite, while the rest of the wedding party is taken on a morning game drive and then returns to the lodge for brunch.
The rest of the day can be spent at leisure in the company of the family and friends gathered for this special occasion.
After a delicious high tea later in the afternoon, the afternoon game drives depart, all meeting to enjoy sundowners together.
After the game drive, it is time for another delicious dinner, this time served out in the bush, the tables lit by lanterns and a roaring fire, surrounded by the African bush.
DAY 4
The wedding couple and the rest of the party enjoy a morning game drive and return to the lodge for a delectable brunch before departure.
The ceremony
The Minister who will perform the ceremony can perform either a Christian (Non-denominational) Wedding Ceremony or a Civil (Non-Religious) Ceremony, whichever is preferred. The minister will register your marriage at South African Home Affairs and apply for your Unabridged Marriage. Once Unabridged Marriage Certificate is received from the SA Home Affairs, the minister will also apply for an Apostil at the Department Foreign Affairs for the couple.
