Makalali Main Lodge is nestled within the 26 000 hectare Big 5 Makalali Private Game Reserve, which is west of the Kruger National Park. The lodge consists of 30 air-conditioned en-suite superior rooms boasting luxurious interiors with classic leather & wood furnishings.

The lodge has a central dining & boma area where guests are able to indulge in an array of African cuisine under the superb African sky. The lounge at Makalali Main Lodge is designed in a striking way, featuring rustic structures which effortlessly redirect the outside elements indoors. The library makes for a lovely venue to read a book or magazine in between game drives. The spectacular rim flow swimming pool offers a refreshing swim during the warm summer months & is also a perfect spot to unwind. Apart from great game viewing & amazing culinary adventures one can enjoy a variety of soothing spa treatments. There are also a number of nearby attractions & offsite activities. The overall aesthetic is modern and contemporary with prominent use of steel frame elements softened by the use of reeds to provide both shade and visual interest.

Each air conditioned superior room at Makalali Main Lodge is comfortably designed with an en-suite bathroom, indoor & outdoor shower with classic leather & wood furnishings that provides guests with a relaxing and luxurious environment. There are also inter-leading rooms which are perfect for families which are of the same luxurious standard as any other superior room.

Makalali Private Game Reserve represents a conservation mission to expand South Africa’s green frontier by re-establishing the ancient wildlife migration routes that linked the famous Kruger Park in the east to the lush Drakensberg Mountains in the west. In the process lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, and rhino have all been reintroduced to the wild, making Makalali home to over one thousand wild animals including all of Africa’s “Big Five”. These can all be tracked and viewed on early morning and late afternoon/evening/night drives from open vehicles. Game drives are conducted by knowledgeable guides and trackers.

After your evening game drive head for dinner under the stars at the sandy floored boma and afterwards chat to your fellow guests around the open firepit.

Unlike the reserves along Kruger National Park borders, Makalali’s Bushland is undulating with elevated viewpoints giving panoramic views of the reserve. The expansive area is covered with Jackalberry, Knobthorn and Marula trees.