Gravelotte Road, Hoedspruit, 1380 Makalali Game Reserve, South Africa
#1 of 1 hotels in Makalali Game Reserve
Guests' ChoiceBased on 326 hotel reviews
9.0Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.4
Location
9.1
Facilities
9.1
Staff
9.5
Value for money
9.0
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End of dialog contentReviewed: 2 May 2024
Lerato
South AfricaThe people are friendly, facilities are clean, full-board meals, and daily game drives.
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 27 April 2024
Jacquie
South AfricaNothing!
Quiet and well maintained
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 21 April 2024
Gerhard
South AfricaNothing to complain about
Rivier suits have Excellent location right next to the river with frequent wildlife sightings from the room. Food is great, staff and guides excellent.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 7 April 2024
Delano
NetherlandsThe only minor inconvenience we encountered was the fact that when we arrived at the reception (in the middle of the bush), it was closed. Since we didn’t have cell service, we wouldn’t have been able to reach the lodge. Luckily two other guests had been able to arrange the transportation to the main lodge. This would literally be the only thing that could be improved in our view.
Our stay at the aha Makalali Private Game Lodge was unearthly! We can’t put into words how amazing our stay was. We loved the lodge and amazing staff so much we extended our stay after the first day! We spent two nights in the Main Lodge (a dream) and two more nights in the River Lodge. Although we loved staying in the river lodge, we personally liked the main lodge a bit more as there were more people around and it was over all just a bit larger. Everything is taken care of from A to Z. The lodges are absolutely beautiful and are unfenced, so expect to spot some wildlife on the way to your room/suite and hear the lions roar when you’re having dinner in the boma. Speaking of wildlife, we saw so many animals (including the big 5 after just two days). This was all thanks to the “A-team”, tracker Rodney and driver Isaac. Every game drive was an absolute adventure with these two! Even in the dark they were able to spot the smallest animals, like a little chameleon on a branch. From the get go it was clear they were very experienced in and passionate about their jobs. They are also very interested in their guests and bring a dose of humor into the game drives as well. Rodney and Isaac, thank you so much for the unforgettable game drives! Hygiene is absolutely on point and the rooms were thoroughly cleaned every day. Although all the staff members we’ve met were absolutely amazing individuals that always took care of us with a big smile and we unfortunately couldn’t thank them all personally, we’d like to specifically thank a couple people for their outstanding service during our stay. Norahh, she knows what hospitality is about! We loved getting to know her and she truly made us feel like we were welcomed in the Aha Makalali family! Thank you once more for everything, the conversations about life and especially your care when my sister fell and hurt her knee. Romi, a diamond in the rough.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 4 April 2024
Lange
IrelandEverything!!! Nice staff, specially Isaac and Butter that made our daily drives really fun 😊 The food is really good and the facilities are impressive!
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 2 April 2024
Charlotte
SwedenWe had a magical stay filled with exciting game drives and a lovely staff!
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 1 April 2024
Wayne
South AfricaReally had to search for wildlife
Maybe a spa More animals
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 28 March 2024
Elise
United Arab EmiratesNOTHING
EVERYTHING
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 2 March 2024
Monik
Mexicoall waks great
Everything
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 1 March 2024
Natalie
United KingdomThe bathroom shower was very slippy and no reachable handrails, it felt unsafe.
Location, very comfortable beds. Returning visitors and we noted the food was even better than last year.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 18 February 2024
Courtney
United KingdomNothing, it was all perfect!
The grounds were stunning! Everywhere you looked was beautiful scenery! The property itself was very well designed!
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 14 February 2024
Thokozane
South AfricaWe had a buffet in Christmas, I think they should make it available for breakfast and dinner
The staff were exceptional. The venue wonderful
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 10 February 2024
Jenusha
CanadaToo many spiders/insects in our room :(
Game drives were great, food was good, staff were friendly.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 7 February 2024
Sarah
AustraliaThere was an issue with the water, we didn’t have water for about 7 hours.
Great pool, friendly staff
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 7 February 2024
Rachel
IrelandNothing!
This game lodge was exceptional!! I visited with my partner and parents and we loved every minute we spent there. Everything about it was fantastic, the food, staff, game drives! Wonder boy and Butter were fantastic on the game drives!!! Nothing but good things to say!!! Amazing rooms / showers too!!!
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 7 February 2024
Elena
United Statesi think the food could be a little bit improved. Overall it was good, but I wouldn't say it was the best food I've had.
we absolutely loved our stay at Makalali. The room (private lodge) was very spacious, comfortable, and fancy yet in tune with nature. It was beyond my expectation. The game drives were a lot of fun, and Andrew was very kind and knowledgeable. The staff was very nice and they surprised us on the last night with a special honeymoon set up. I also loved the general facilities: pool, grounds,e tc
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 1 February 2024
Tyler
United StatesWe loved everything
Everything! Great value, great food, great staff, amazing rooms, safari guides were outstanding.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 25 January 2024
Denis
FranceCommunication about the possibility to go to the main house( reception)and to have dinner outside What a damage not to see the river from the room The breakfast is a bit light / the choice
Charming room Outside shower Fine attention with the champagne Safaris well organized
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 17 January 2024
Tai
South AfricaThere is nothing I did not like. Everything was perfect.
I loved everything. The staff and the rangers were very friendly. The food was so delicious! The game drive was amazing and the Ranger Mahlangu was so polite and friendly.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 15 January 2024
Funanani
South AfricaIt was raining when we arrived at the reception, we used the Land Cruiser to go to the lodge we were soaking wet when we arrived
Loved everything, the place is very clean and beautiful. The food was amazing. It’s a pity it was raining so we didn’t go on the game drive the first day but everything was beautiful. The view from the room is beautiful
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 10 January 2024
Suzanne
NetherlandsThe people were amazing! We had the best safari with Sam and Wendi, we saw all the big 5, and they really did our best to make it the best experience. Everyone was so friendly, Nora and Solomon in particular. I can highly recommend this logde, the rooms are super clean, we got new towels twice a day. The food and the vibe was perfect.
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 8 January 2024
Tricia
South AfricaThe rooms are very clean and amazing staff, Dinky,Romi,Mapula,Jeritha and Sam,they were so helpful even the rangers, we had an amazing experience
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 8 January 2024
Ramadimetja
South AfricaWell the road from the gate to the building
The staff is soo friendly and lovely,makes it easier for one to move around and such a beautiful place 😊
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 8 January 2024
Malatji
South AfricaThe property email was sent late and we missed the part of collection at the gate for small vehicles. It was a long drive to reception. The property should sent the information email earlier.
The tranquility was breath taking. The facilities were clean and the game drives were great.
Stayed in January 2024
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