One of less than a handful of lodges in this area of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, you get a real sense of seclusion when you stay in Makanyi. It’s a family owned destination in the heart of Big 5 country in the west of Kruger National Park. And its isolated location, coupled with the presence of only 7 suites, means you regularly feel it’s just you and the wildlife.

7 large suites

The thatched roofs and terracotta tones help all seven suites blend into their surroundings. Each has a deck from where you can watch wildlife comings and goings in the bush and at the dam. Previous guests have been lucky enough to see elephant roaming the grounds of the lodge from their bedroom, as well as a giraffe taking refreshment at the waterhole. Fingers crossed you get as lucky.

Either way, there’s no danger of fingers of any other part of your body feeling cold, as your suite has a gas fire in its sitting area to ensure your comfort. Your bed is extra large and noted for its quality, and whoever wakes first in the mornings can flick on the Nespresso machine and get the wonderful aroma of coffee wafting around the suite.

There’s a choice of ways to refresh and get ready before you head out, with a tub in the bathroom and a shower indoors as well as out on the deck.

The two luxury pool suites, situated furthest from the main lodge, have their own plunge pools on their decks.

Things to do

Two game drives leave the lodge daily in the morning and afternoon, giving you two chances to spy the Big 5 as well as all the other wonderful wildlife that calls this part of the world home. A maximum of 6 guests can travel in the vehicle at once, which is lower than the 9 or 10 that usually travel in the jeeps of other safari providers – another example of the difference between Makanyi and other bush experiences.  

As well as tours on four wheels, you can explore the area on two feet on a guided bush walk. This will involve you following animal tracks and discovering all kinds of plant and bird life. Seeing rhino close-up has been known to happen on such walks, although they only take place in winter.

Back at the lodge, you can grab yourself a lounger by the pool, or book yourself into the spa for a treatment or two. Or you can head to the fitness centre for a workout. The views of the surrounding wildlife you’ll get from the treadmill and exercise bike are way more impressive than you’re ever likely to see at your local gym back home.

And the views don’t all disappear into darkness at night. If anything, they become more spectacular with stargazing a popular pursuit for many guests. An expert is available to point out any planets, constellations and passing satellites.

When you’re ready to eat, delicious meals are served in the outdoor Boma or in the dining and lounge areas, and there’s a bar in which you can enjoy a drink afterwards and swap stories of lion encounters and leopard sightings with fellow guests.