Makalali, which means place of rest, was an old cattle farm when bought in the early nineties. Restocking and regeneration of the veldt were top priorities, but so was creating a lodge with a difference.

 

The innovative design was conceived by Sylvio Rech who envisaged a lodge built under the giant trees that guard the river.

 

Local craftsman where employed to bring Sylvio design to life. They loved Sylvio’s ideas and his vibrant energy.

 

In the interest of sustainability large quantities of rock found on-site was used during the construction of the lodges. His efforts were rewarded when Tatler magazine voted Makalali as “the most innovatively designed hotel in the world”.