Makalali private game reserve greater kruger

Overview–southafrica

Makalali Private Game Reserve

Makalali is a fenced, private game reserve with two luxury lodges. The 4-star Main Lodge consists of 30 comfortable rooms and the 5-star River Lodge consists of 3 exclusive private camps of six luxury suites each. Both lodges are renowned for their fine dining and excellent service. All of the Big Five and other safari animals are easily spotted.

Best Time to Visit

The prime time for viewing wildlife in Makalali is during the winter months (Dry season) from May to September. The plant life thins in the dry weather while animals seek water at reliable sources and are easier to spot. The wildlife viewing improves as the season continues. September, which is less cold than the rest of the winter, is a particularly nice time in the area.

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

Wildlife is easier to spot as plant life thins out, and animals gather at water sources
Days are sunny and clear
Temperatures are fair, and humidity is low
Malaria risk is low
It is very dry and dusty
Warm clothing is essential for game drives in open vehicles

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

Fresh, green landscape
Animals are healthy, and there are many newborns
Birding is excellent, and migratory birds are present
Wildlife viewing is better during the winter
Daytime is hot and humid
Antimalarial medication is recommended

Scenery

The main habitats in the parks are savannah woodland and grassland. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Makhitswi River and boasts great views of the Drakensberg escarpment.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Jan

Feb

Dec

Mar

April

Oct

Nov

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: May to September (Dry season)

High Season

From: October to March (Rarely crowded)

Size

From: 260km² / 100mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Although bordering the Greater Kruger, Makalali is a small, fully fenced, private game reserve. It is stocked with most large safari animals, including the Big Five. Both white and black rhinos are present. Other species you're likely to encounter are cheetah, giraffe, zebra and kudu. Lucky visitors might also see the endangered wild dog.

Wildlife Highlights

All predators are very relaxed in Makalali and sightings of cheetah are of particularly high quality. Several wild cats were released in the reserve as part of a research project, and these very elusive, shy little predators (resembling our domestic cats) might be encountered on a night drive.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is best during the dry months – June through September. August and September are warmer in comparison to mid-winter, making it a very nice time for a visit. During this time, animals tend to cluster around reliable water sources after several months of the Dry season. This makes spotting animals even easier.

General Wheather

The winter and summer in Makalali Game Reserve occur at opposite times of the year to those seasons in Europe and North America. The summer months (October to April) are hot and humid, while the winter months (May to September) are dry and mild. Winter nights cool off considerably, and warm clothing is recommended for early morning and evening game drives.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

The dry conditions during winter make water in the bush scarce, so animals are attracted to water sources, which makes them easier to spot.

May – Summer ends as temperatures slowly drop. It cools down to around 11°C/52°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Bring warm clothes for game drives in the early mornings and evenings. The average morning temperature is 10°C/50°F. Afternoons are mild and fair at around 25°C/77°F.
September – Morning temperatures are a bit warmer at around 15°C/59°F, while afternoon temperatures rise to an average of 27°C/81°F. Dry conditions come to an end when the first rains arrive.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

The intense humidity and heat of the summer can make conditions almost unbearable, with temperatures often reaching above 40°C/104°F. Afternoon storms are common. Daily temperatures average 32°C/90°F.

October & November – The amount of rain increases and temperatures rise to an average of 18°C/64°F in the morning and 30°C/86°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – Characterized by massive afternoon showers and intense humidity, these months are the hottest and wettest of the year. Afternoon temperatures are often above 40°C/104°F, but the average is 33°C/91°F.
March & April – The rains come to a gradual end as the climate steadily cools. Sunshine and clear weather is typical for April, and the humidity drops. Nighttime temperatures are nice at around 15°C/59°F, while daytime temperatures average 32°C/90°F.

Prons

Excellent wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present
Day and night drives and walking safaris are available
Balloon safaris available
Cheetah breeding project
Off-road driving in open safari vehicles
Two stylish lodges offering great service and food

Cons

Expensive packages and no self-drive option
Less authentic experience than in bigger ecosystems

How To Get There

For most visitors to Makalali Game Reserve, the arrival point from abroad is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. There are connecting flights to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS), located 38km/24mi from the reserve. From there a transfer to the lodge can be arranged.

Driving to the park is also an option, and you can hire a car in Johannesburg. The 506km/314mi drive takes about 5½ hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Your tour operator can book a charter flight to Makalali’s airstrip. Domestic scheduled flights to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS) are available through several carriers.

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Please check our Getting There – South Africa page to learn about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.