Ms N Harris - Adelaide, Australia
10 April 2011
I am struggling to find the right words to describe this reserve and lodge...gorgeous, paradise, outstanding, magical and unbeliveable are just a few.
I stayed here with my mum as part of a 2 week trip to South Africa. We were at the lodge for 3days/2 nights. Had already paid for Capetown hotel and flights but if we hadn't we would have cancelled and stayed here for a week or more. From the very start we were made to feel so welcome and after the hot 1 hour drive from Hodespruit we were welcomed with a cold drink and refresher towels. Everything was explained to us and we were shown to our divine living quarters. It was spacious and decorated beautifully and really allowed the incredible scenery/atmopshere in. We stayed in camp 2. Everything here has a very private feel.
There are 2 game drives a day. After each one my mum and I couldn't wait for the next! so exciting. We had the best tracker and guide/driver you could ever ask for. Marvel and Phanuel, you guys are the best!! your professionalism/knowledge and sense of humour was wonderful and you made our experience something we will never forget. You took us on some real 'adventurers'...thankyou.
The overall service and food was exceptional. I have a serious allergy to nuts and the staff went out of their way to ensure i was looked after on the food front. Speaking of food it was the best i had in my entire trip in sth africa. Constance and Adelaide were wonderful as was everyone associated with this lodge. There is a beauty therapist on sight. I had a facial and my mum a massage and we were both very happy with this service also.
on our last day here i was up at 5am in the morning getting ready for the morning game drive. I loved the outdoor shower (there is both indoor/outdoor shower). Whilst in the shower while it was still dark i could hear one of the male lions roaring and calling. That is something that stays with you forever.
I could go on and on about this place. After 7 years of travel to different parts of the world this place has ruined me i think! I almost want to keep this place a secret. I am planning to return in 2012. Can't wait.
Mr & Mrs Pack - Berkshire, England
18 March 2011
Spent 3 days here at start of 2 week holiday in South Africa. From moment arrived was welcomed by staff and treated to 5 star experience. Stayed in camp 4 which was well run and friendly. Excellent food, lovely accomodation with 4 poster bed, mosquito nets, luxury bath, night turn down service, laundry etc etc. Atmosphere relaxing , with sun bathing by pool, overlooking river during day with early morning and sun down game drives taken by knowledgable and entheusiatic rangers were exciting with sightings of the big 5 ( except the elusive leopard). Meals, coffee/ rusks prior to early drive, mid morning breakfast, lunch , tea and dinner taken with other guests at camp leads to enjoyable interaction - we made good friends enabling exchange of ideas on places to visit etc whilst in South Africa along with great fun evenings.
Staff all excellent and happy to help in all aspects of ensuring you have a great stay-
Would throughly recommend to anyone looking for an exceptional safari experience.
Judy Richardson - Johannesburg, South Affrica
20 July 2010
I felt like royalty. The staff had the attitude of "Your wish is my command". The staff were supremely friendly and obliging. I felt so at home and pampered. They looked after us so well. A highly recommended experience!!
Martine Daziel de Kock - Pretoria, South Africa
2 June 2010
Our stay at Makalali was absolutely magnificent! The setting and decor is absolutely beautiful, the service outstanding and the staff exceptionally friendly. We had a great time and had a great ranger a tracker (Wise and Pilot) who made great effort in finding the game we wanted to see and made our game drives so special. We will definitely return!...
G. & S. Pope - Fitzroy Crossing, Australia
4 April 2010
My partner and I were a bit apprehensive about this part of our journey, having read and heard about South Africa and it's troubles lately but once we got off the plane and met Civilised at the airport we were reassured that this was going to be a superb choice and we were not disappointed. The location is ideal, the accomodation has a rustic feel but with all the required mod-cons and the staff could not have been more friendly, outgoing and helpfull. From the very first evening tour where we saw Lion and a miriad of other animals to the very last where we got to see the final of our "BIG FIVE" the Rhino's, it was a magnificent and memorable experience. With personal guides and staff such as Lynette, Isaac, Civilised, Wise, Pilot, Bishop, Lillian (our magnificent chef), Solly (our security man with the sexy Barry White voice - so my fiance' reckons) and Debbie we could not fault Makalali as a tourists dream location. Take your appetites and camera's and leave the rest of your troubles behind, trust us we did and have memories to last a life time.
SJ Crane - Melbourne, Australia
12 March 2010
I don't even know where to begin! Makalali is AMAZING!
I grew up in Africa and moved overseas when I was 17, so love coming back for visits to see my family here and travel to the African bush. On this particular visit I have come back to South Africa to find a place to have my wedding later this year. I wanted something that reminded me of the bush when I was a child - the smells, the sounds and the feel. Most lodges I had looked at were too commercialized and overpriced for what they were offering. However, as soon as I arrived at Makalali, I knew I had found the place for our wedding!
The General Manager, Chris, was there to meet us upon our arrival, along with his colleague Graeme. Both of them were extremely accommodating, entertaining and informative. Chris and Graeme spent their afternoon escorting us around the sites to give us an appreciation of the lodge. Which I may just add is out of this world! Rustic, charming, AFRICA!
The afternoon was spent relaxing by the pool before an evening game drive, upon which we came up close and personal to a Lion and his pride of cubs! Dinner was outside in the Boma (outdoor eating area under the stars), the food was fantastic - starter was a delicious lentil soup, followed by mains - buffet on the barbeque (or Braai as its called in South Africa) with grilled vegetables, potatoes, Eland and Fish... very tasty! Desert was a delicious Malva pudding... but I was full by then! We sat up sipping on wine around the fire until the early hours before we had the sense to get to bed for an early morning game drive! Breakfast was out on the deck surrounded by the sounds and calls of the African bush - cereals, fruit, and cooked breakfast!!
Sadly our time came to an end too soon!
Would I recommend this lodge to friends and family - ABSOLUTELY! Very attentive staff, great value for money, amazing bush experience. I plan to be back there in the next two weeks for a longer stay!
