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Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge

Madikwe, South Africa
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4.9 /5
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Based on over 1000 Verified Reviews.

Overview

Designed by award-winning architects, Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge offers genuine 5-star luxury in South Africa's Madikwe Private Game Reserve. Set on the edge of a ravine and overlooking a riverside forest, Makanyane accommodates no more than 16 guests at any time to ensure an intimate and exclusive experience.

Discover this wonderful malaria-free environment on the edge of the Kalahari with knowledgable guides and trackers in open-sided game viewing vehicles. Madikwe is Big 5 country and morning, afternoon and evening game drives are offered as are guided bush walks, Viewing hides that overlook well-frequented waterholes and even open-air sleep-outs on a raised sleeping platform.

Highlights

  • Set in malaria-free Madikwe Private Game Reserve
  • Intimate & exclusive ambience; only 8 suites
  • Beautiful, glass-fronted suites with fantastic views of the Marico River
  • Excellent safari cuisine paired with great South African wines
  • Overnight sleep-outs on raised platforms

Activities

  • Bush dining
  • Game drives
  • Star gazing
  • Guided walking safaris
  • Bird watching
  • Guided walks
  • Night drives
  • Specialist guides
  • Fly camping
  • Day tours
  • Local village visits
  • Private game-drives
The lodge is perfect for your next safari, as they have beautiful glass fronted rooms with fantastic views of the African bush.
Shelley Fernandes

Shelley Fernandes

Client Experience Manager

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Rooms

Luxury Suite

Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge has only eight suites to ensure that no more than 16 guests can be accommodated at any time.

The romantic and secluded suites are reached by a shady path winding through the riverine forest; inside, rich African textures, warm earthy colours, walls of natural rock and dried tree trunks combine with rough teak doors and overhanging thatch to create a unique ambience while glass-walls allow uninterrupted views of the river and surrounding landscape.

Each air-conditioned suite has an open-fronted lounge and private sundeck and comes complete with a fireplace and overhead fans as well as a telephone, tea and coffee facilities, mini safe and a bar fridge.

Bathrooms have under-floor heating, a free-standing bath plus indoor and outdoor showers. Bathrobes, hairdryers, insect repellent, body and sun lotion, soap as well as shampoo and conditioner are all provided.

Facilities

Large leadwood trees support the sweeping roof of Makanyane's lounge and dining room, making the Madikwe landscape part of every experience at the lodge.

This theme is carried through to the two rock fireplaces and the wide wooden decks that hang over the ravine and waterhole below - perfect for watching wildlife while sipping a cocktail or indulging in a delicious meal.

Other facilities that make Makanyane a 5-star experience are a well-stocked safari shop, a spa and gym, library, bar, wine cellar and heated swimming pool.

Upstairs, an air-conditioned den has a viewing deck that provides panoramic views while not far from the main lodge there is a secluded, tree-shaded viewing deck where you can enjoy a quiet drink.

Makanyane will make up beds on the upper deck of a hide set deep in the bush and overlooking a waterhole for guests to safely experience the magic of the African wilderness at night.

Dining

Makanyane's executive chef uses fresh local produce and blends the flavours of Africa and Europe to create unique dishes served with panache on the wooden viewing deck or in the gracious dining room.

The main lodge's boma, an open-air dining area enclosed by reeds and trees, has views of the Marico River and it is here that you will enjoy delicious bush cuisine under a canopy of African stars, complemented of course by superb South African wines from the lodge's extensive cellar.

Afternoon tea and pre-dinner snacks have been replaced with a scrumptious all-day snack menu, offering guests a unique range of delicious delights.

General facilities

  • Boma
  • Curio or Gift shop
  • Wi-fi available
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Gym
  • Computer facilities
  • Bar
  • Laundry service
  • Library
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Traveller Reviews

Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge
SW

Simon Warner

Makanyane Lodge was a Lovely lodge with a rustic luxury feel. Rooms were large and very comfortable with the glass fronted sides giving it an open ‘in the bush’ experience which was very nice. The property was unfenced so it made for exciting walks b ack and forth from our room to the main lodge, accompanied by a member of staff after dark. The main lodge’s lounge, dining area, bar, deck and pool were cleverly designed to fit in with the general ambience of the African bush. All meals, breakfast, lunch, tea (before evening game drive) and dinner were excellent and nicely presented with a choice on the menu and just the right amounts. Any specifics or variations of food were accommodated without any problems at all. Mini-bar was also replenished daily and laundry was complimentary. The Management and staff were extremely helpful, very friendly and fun. Our ranger was one of the most knowledgeable we have come across, a living encyclopaedia and very interesting to talk to so we learnt much even though we have been on many game drives. Game sightings were plentiful with all seen except Leopard. Communication between Lodge vehicles was effective in the reserve.
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VB

Valerie Butt

I just wanted to thank you for an incredible trip. Every detail was perfect and we all fell in love with Makanyane - it was one of the best places I have ever stayed and the staff was phenomenal. We saw tons of animals and really enjoyed the whole ex perience. Looking forward to working again with you - you were fantastic. Thinking about going to Botswana next year and will of course reach out!
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Tom Freer

I think I can safely that we had a fantastic time. Having experienced the Motswiri lodge last October and now the Makenyane Lodge this time around we have an overview of what is available at the reserve. Although we enjoyed Motswiri, the experience w e had at Makenyane takes it to the next level. Everything was perfect from arrival to departure, the game drives were second to none and having met the “BIG 5” in the first 3 drives everything else was a bonus. The highlight for us both was following 4 male cheetahs for 45 minutes one morning as they hunted, this will stay with us for a long time. But that in no way detracts from seeing the rest of the game. Our guide, Eugene, was so knowledgeable and took the time to explain little known facts and figures about everything we passed. It is a pity he will leave there soon to take up his new management role in another reserve.
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