Lighten up under a star-studded sky

There are just a few places in the world that make you feel like you have arrived at the perfect spot. Not a little too warm, a little too impersonal, or too noisy. No. Simply, perfect. Makanyi Private Game Lodge is such a place, which opens in July 2015. Owner Jessica Gold recently gave up her London city-life to combine her passions for hospitality, animals and South Africa, here, at Makanyi. The result is a stunning safari lodge. Heaven on earth for wine lovers; where a towering wine cellar packed with the most fruity, palate-arousing South African wines is waiting for you. Enjoy tantalizing cuisine, disappear in the soft mattress of your king size bed or shoot a game of pool. And the best part? It all takes place in an incredible setting; with the Timbavati Game Reserve as the perfect wildlife décor. Except that it is all really happening. Maybe you need to pinch yourself a couple of times the first day. That is alright, just don’t forget to enjoy every minute of it and wallow in this amazing African safari experience.

Makanyi Private Game Lodge is located in open, acacia woodlands in the southern Timbavati. Constructed of natural woods, thatch and stone, this contemporary property blends into picturesque environs and makes the most of the extensive views over a dam - a natural draw to the reserve’s wild inhabitants. The eight luxury chalets enjoy light, neutral colours and a stylish African flavour. Your private deck invites you to unwind, immersed in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Two of the chalets are honeymoon suites and boast private plunge pools. Savour meals by the pool or on the deck and enjoy delicious dinners in the boma, under star-studded skies. In between game drives and bush walks, feel free to cool off in the central pool, work-out in the gym or even enjoy a rejuvenating massage.

Activities at Makanyi Lodge

How often do you get the chance to do some serious star gazing, looking at an astonishing Milky Way - completely free from light pollution? You will have the option here, at Makanyi Private Game Lodge. A ranger will point out the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere and satellites passing by. Of course there are thrilling game drives with experienced rangers, but the owners of Makanyi are also happy to organise other activities. Connect with Jessica, the sweetest hippo in the world, take a helicopter ride, whisper with the elephants, or whiz down a zip line (note that these activities must be booked in advance and paid for separately). Finish the day with a glass of some of the most dazzling South African red wines and we ensure you will be seeing stars in dreamland.

Makanyi Lodge special deals

Book your Timbavati safari adventure at Makanyi Lodge for four nights and stay an extra night for free! This special offer is valid between 1 November and 19 December 2025, between 5 January and 31 March 2026, and between 1 November and 19 December 2026.

Guest reviews Makanyi Lodge

I would like to thank all of you for making us feel so at home in your spectacular environment. It really felt like we were all old friends getting together. Every person I came into contact with was so willing to share knowledge and information about the environment and everything that makes it so special. This experience has added an important chapter to the book of my life. It is very special to see so many people who are dedicated to protect and share our environment with others. Best of luck with all your conservation efforts. May it continue to add value to the lives of others.

Tony van Niekerk

Our stay at Makanyi was magical. From the fantastic game viewing (that included seeing leopard, lions, elephants, rhino and buffalo on our first two drives) to the welcoming and accommodating staff, each aspect of our stay was clearly paid special attention to. The food was amazing and the rendition of the chef’s fish and chips for lunch and bunny chow starter prior to dinner in the boma was unlike any other I have ever had – a must for those with an appreciation of good food and its beautiful presentation. I can assure you that there was nothing plain about these meals. A beautiful turn down awaited us upon return from game drive in our room, with a special birthday message packed out in rose petals and leaves on my bed, for a birthday to come later in the week. A huge thank you to each staff member from management to cleaning ladies for a truly wonderful stay. Definitely a destination I would gladly return to!

Lee Cooper