Makanyi Private Game Lodge - Timbavati Game Reserve - Kruger National Park

Makanyi Private Game Lodge is located in the Timbavati Game Reserve, on the western edge of the Kruger National Park, which is an area that spans over 2.4 million hectares. The Timbavati Game Reserve is truly exceptional in that it is easily accessible from main air and road access routes and yet remains wild and unspoilt with fewer lodges and private homes than can be counted on one hand. It is this unique situation that allows our guests the luxury of exploring this arresting habitat uninhibited by other tourist vehicles in total privacy and flexibility. This intimate and exclusive setting offers a truly authentic safari experience.

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Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews

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September 23, 2026 GB Website
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us


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Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  
Annelize Taylor    September 23, 2026   GB    Website   
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Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!

Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.

Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!

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September 23, 2026 ZA Website
Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  

Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly

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Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  
Andrew W.    September 23, 2026   ZA    Website   
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Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.

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August 19, 2026 Cardiff, UK Website
The best safari oasis  

We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see

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The best safari oasis  
Mandy H    August 19, 2026   Cardiff, UK    Website   
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We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience

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July 26, 2026 CL Website
100% Recommended  

Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%

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100% Recommended  
Sven Gysling    July 26, 2026   CL    Website   
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Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.

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May 6, 2026 ZA Website
Best in the bushes  

What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone

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Best in the bushes  
Candice Tehini    May 6, 2026   ZA    Website   
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What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.

From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.

Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.

Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.


Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Just seven luxury suites (plus a 2-bedroom Marula Suite) make Makanyi Private Game Lodge an excellent choice for guests seeking exclusivity in one of Africa's most prolific game viewing destinations. Overlooking a permanent waterhole with traversing rights to over 9000 hectares of private concessions the lodge prides itself on not only giving guests a very private safari experience, but also on its homely atmosphere with welcoming staff, superb cuisine and the utmost attention to detail.
Luxury Suite (5 ROOMS) 145sqm. Open plan flowing from bathroom to bedroom to lounge to deck. All suites have a terrace to relax and view the game which frequents the lodge grounds, and all have views of the permanent dam. Luxury Pool Suite (2 ROOMS) 145sqm. Open plan flowing from bathroom to bedroom to lounge to deck. All suites have a terrace to relax and view the game which frequents the lodge grounds, and all have views of the permanent dam. Four-poster bed & private plunge pool and secluded location offering perfect privacy. The Marula Suite (1 ROOM) The Marula Suite is a 2-bedroomed private escape, ideal for small group of friends or couples travelling together. Not only is this beautiful villa set on its own away from the main lodge, offering ultimate privacy, it comes with its own private vehicle and guide for your daily game viewing pleasure. There is a large deck with swimming pool and private boma giving guests a total of 366sqm/3400sqft to enjoy.
Whilst all our guides at Makanyi are very proficient photographers in their own right and excellent at teaching guests the best ways to make the most of their camera equipment, there are many guests who wish to take their photography to the next level. For this we recommend a Private Photographic Safari. They are designed for guests who are looking for the full attention of the photographic tutor to maximize their learning and photographic skills in the number of days that have been allocated. This is open to and suitable for all levels of photographers, be it first time users or more advanced. It consists of one to one training or group (max 4 people) and the photographic tutor not only teaches and coaches the client but fulfills the roll of a private guide as well. Included in private photographic tuition is the use of a private vehicle which enables you to have maximum flexibility for your wishes and convenience. The vehicle is designed to accommodate all the lenses and photographic equipment, including supports and bean bags.
The minimum age requirement at Makanyi is 14, unless you have exclusive use of the Lodge.
FROM HOEDSPRUIT: 74.6 km. About 1 hour 11 mins 1.Head east 60 m 2.Turn left 0.3 km 3.Turn left onto Rotsvy Rd 2.2 km 4.Turn left onto Klaserie Rd/R40 23.3 km 5.Turn left onto R40 2.0 km 6.Turn left 41.5 km 7.Continue straight 1.0 km 8.Turn left 0.4 km 9.Sharp right 2.1 km 10.Continue straight 0.7 km 11.Continue straight 1.0 km 12.Slight left Destination will be on the right 75 m
Luxury Suite
1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026
R21,000.00 per person per night 
Luxury Pool Suite
1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026
R23,000.00 per person per night
2-Bedroom Marula Suite
1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026
R23,000.00 per person per night

Rates exclude conservation fees: R620 per person per night

Rates exclude gate fees: R320 per vehicle per entry 

Price Includes

Three meals daily, tea & Coffee. Two game drives per day,optional walking safaris. All beverages excluding premium brands, wines from our wine cellar and champagne.

SPECIAL OFFER

Stay 4 nights and only pay for 3

Valid  1 November – 19 December 2025 &

5 January – 31 March 2026

Please note no kids under 12 allowed unless exclusive use of the lodge is taken

SPECIAL OFFER

Honeymoon Safari

Valid until 31 March 2026

Save 50% on your partners accommodatio

Only valid for travel within 6 months of date of marriage

Marriage certificate / proof of wedding date to be supplied

Package includes a 30-minute complimentary massage for each partner

Enquiry Form - Makanyi Private Game Lodge