it is a whole experience, very luxury and lovely people

Stayed in April 2023

Absolutely everything! Great food, humble and hospitable staff. Even better facilities than the photos here. Makalali totally exceeded our expectations and we would come back again to stay for atleast 2 nights! Oeshan our ranger took care of everything. As we were travelling around South Africa, we booked for only one night and he did everything to make sure our 2 game drives were brilliant. We saw 4 of the Big 5 and enjoyed our short time.

Stayed in April 2023

If I had to really be picky, I would've love for the spa/wellness facility to be open. It would just take the experience to another level of satisfaction

Absolutely everything!!!!! Great food, humble and hospitable staff, facilities were as promised if not better. There really isn't anything, not too, like. Photos don't do justice to the main communal areas.

Stayed in April 2023

Liked everything.

Everything.

Stayed in April 2023

There is room for improvement on the quality of food especially at dinner otherwise the rest of the meals were great

The River lodge is quite peaceful and relaxing while its beautiful all the same. Our tour guide, Ocean was excellent at his craft!!

Stayed in April 2023

nothing

Everything was just perfect. Service, food and game drivers were amazing. The stay exceeded our expectations. We had elephants come to our lodge, it was incredible. Here you have everything you need for the perfect Safari adventure.

Stayed in March 2023

easy to navigate. we had a rainy trip but it was still kept clean.

Stayed in February 2023

This location is not good for exploration of the surroundings, like the Blyde river canyon. It takes about an hour to get to the main road again (one way). This was not a problem at all, but our initial plans were different, so we stayed in the resort/game reserve and didn't explore the surrounded area's. We really enjoyed the resort, it was more that our plans needed change :-). So not a negative item at all.

Excellent location, Game drives (2 a day) included, very nice staff. Authentic african lodge at river side. Elephant came drinking water out of the pool, which was the cherry on top! Really enjoyed our stay!

Stayed in February 2023

Nothing

The game drivers was the exceptionally very knowledgeable the rangers Rams & Rodney made the game drivers memorable and we gain a lot of info. The team friendly, approachable and visible as well. I celebrated my birthday and the team made effort to make it memorable made a cake for me and bonus was the complimentary room upgrade was the cherry on top. The cake was very delicious that you so much to chef and team this was best thing ever.

Stayed in January 2023

Food was excellent. Great service and friendly staff. Place was great all around. What a memorable vacation. Thank you!

Stayed in January 2023

The camp was beautiful and comfortable, camp staff were all very helpful and friendly, and our guide who took us out on game drives, Eunivers, was incredibly knowledgeable. We saw so many animals and Eunivers also pointed out interesting birds, insects, plants and features of the landscape. He took care to try to find animals we were most interested in seeing - and we saw pretty much everything we wanted to! Particularly special moments included a friendly elephant approaching our vehicle, being charged by a rhino and watching a pride of lions on a hunt. Eunivers kept calm and professional throughout and we never felt afraid or unsafe. And then whenever we returned to the camp we were very well taken care of by Yolanda, Meghan and the team. Thank you so much again!

Stayed in January 2023

Adored everything!!!

What an amazing find. Makalali totally exceeded our expectations. We arrived at the main gate where we parked up our hire car and got into a jeep for our 11km drive to the lodge. There we were met with a complimentary drink and escorted to our rooms. We had a balcony overlooking the reserve and during our stay saw several animals wandering by. We had a really large bathroom with shower and bath, and an outdoor shower as well where you could wash your hair and watch the animals wander by - amazing. We had 2 complimentary game drives each day, one 0530 with a stop for snacks and a cup of tea in the bush, and then another at 1600 with a drop for snack and a drink (alcoholic or soft). After the morning drive we came back and went straight to a fabulous breakfast buffet. Before the afternoon one we had complimentary cocktails, and came back after watching the sunset, ready for dinner. Everything was inclusive except the drinks we chose to have with our dinner. We have nothing negative to say - it was a perfect 5 night stay. Our driver Paul, and tracker Peacemaker, were amazing. We saw all of the Big 5 apart from the Leopard, and got up really close to them. We always felt perfectly safe. Back at the lodge, we spent time in the infinity pool, relaxed on the many comfy sofas, or sat out on the decking soaking up the bush - perfect, perfect, perfect.

Stayed in November 2022

Nothing to add.

Our stay was superb. The staff was very friendly, from the arrival until our last day. The breakfast was more than satisfying and with a great variety of food. Dinner was excellent. Once again a shoutout to the young cook, definitely a talent in what he brings to the table. Last but not least, the game drives were unbelievable. We saw the big 5 within one day, only needing 2 drives, thanks to the 2 rangers Elias and Pilot. What they are doing, their knowledge, their efforts, is just what you want. Rooms are clean and you have everything you need for the perfect Safari adventure.

Stayed in December 2022

the safari was absolutely fantastic! highly recommend! beautiful property! excellent staff! truly memorable!

Stayed in November 2022

If you book a river view lodge they should tell you when there is or there is not water in the river so you dont have unreasonable expecytations . I wanted to see the 'river' but there was a river bank with no water. It was still nice but i was dissapointed. internet/ wifi did not work in the rooms

Good

Stayed in November 2022

The food was very good and some good vegetarian options - however these did become repetitive

The lodge is exceptional and the service is 5*. Staff are friendly and helpful. The game drives were incredible with rangers go the extra mile for you to see all of the animals.

Stayed in November 2022

Nice Game Drives with Wonder and Floyd. They were delightful. Comfortable bed and very nice staff!

Stayed in November 2022

That there was no T.V in the rooms. It's also not convenient that we are far from our cars.

The game drives and the food 👌🏽 The Lodge itself looked beautiful

Stayed in November 2022

The food wasn't the best I believe it's something the lodge can work on. When we go out we expect the food to taste a bit more better than our food at home and I feel this is where the lodge fell short.

The staff were amazing! From day one up until the last day. They were warm positive and welcoming. They attended to us with grace. We really enjoyed that about the place. Even the owner did personal check ins which is very thoughtful of her. Lastly Loui and Sam the game trackers were the best,very experienced knowledgeable and considerate. They tailor made the game drive experience to our expectations. And to everyone thank you for accommodating us and making our stay hospitable.

Stayed in November 2022

One of the most memorable holidays we have had in South Africa! Excellent location, great venue and fantastic staff. The game drives were phenomenal. Our game ranger, Pilate, is one of the best trackers we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He went over and beyond to ensure we had amazing sightings.

Stayed in October 2022

N/A

Nora n Dorothy made sure we enjoy our honeymoon, from their warm welcome to a surprise picnic lunch

Stayed in October 2022

we loved this place! The lodge was very quite, clean and well designed. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. And the game rides were amazing!

Stayed in October 2022

everything was just so perfect, the food, the pool, the rooms , the game drive and the stuff was very friendly

Stayed in October 2022

The safaris. They are awesome and the Rangers are very kind people. We also liked the kindness of all the staff, they really make you feel like in home.

Stayed in September 2022

Recommend including conservation levies / fees in the overall price.

Excellent. We stayed at River 2, and although we did not get to see all of the Big Five (beyond anyone's control), the service was exceptional. From the warm welcome we received from Romi and her team, to the game drives with Weaver and Small, everything exceeded expectations. The food was delicious (we felt over fed); the suite was clean; and the staff were warm and friendly. Definitely recommend.

Stayed in September 2022