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Makalali Private Game Reserve

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

A 26,000-hectare reserve committed to wildlife rehabilitation, Makalali Private Game Reserve is set in pristine bushveld and offers Big Five safaris.

Once a cattle farm, Makalali underwent a restoration process to revive the splendour of the African wilderness and reintroduce animals that were once driven away. Now, the reserve is home to over 1,000 wild animals!

Must-Visit Areas in Makalali Private Game Reserve

Makalali Private Game Reserve is set in pristine bushveld and offers Big Five safaris | Photo: Getty

Imagine starting your day seeing the sun warm up the wilderness and massive elephant herds making their way across the plains:

River Lodges: Ideal for Game Viewing

Five-star safari lodges dot the banks of the Makhutswi River, affording guests prime wildlife viewing opportunities as animals come to play in the water and drink.

Many accommodations also feature private plunge pools, boma-style dining, and well-appointed suites with indoor and outdoor showers.

Community Projects: Make a Difference

Makalali Private Game Reserve does its part to uplift the local community through initiatives like the Environmental Monitor Programme that combats unemployment as well as the illegal wildlife trade.

The Siyafunda volunteer programme also provides support to a local orphanage. Volunteers are welcome to bring old clothes, school supplies, or food during visits.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Makalali Private Game Reserve?

For the best game drives and walking safaris, plan your trip for the dry season | Photo: Getty

For the best game drives and walking safaris, plan your trip for the dry season, from May to September. During this time, vegetation is less dense and there are fewer waterholes, which makes spotting wildlife easier.

Wildlife Found in Makalali Private Game Reserve

Makalali is a Big Five safari destination | Photo: Lion Sands

Makalali is a Big Five safari destination, so you’ll be able to spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.

Other species that call this reserve home include cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas. If you’re lucky, you may even spot pangolins and aardvarks.

How to Get to Makalali Private Game Reserve

From either Cape Town International Airport or OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you’ll fly to Hoedspruit, the closest airport to Makalali. Once there, it’s an hour’s drive to the reserve via lodge transfer.

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What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

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Google review

"This is the second safari holiday we have used Dev to organise. We had the privilege of visiting three beautiful lodges on this trip, Devs recommendations in three different locations, Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Makalali, which entailed a lot of organising ..."

Vivienne Lister, Australia21 May 2026

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Safari Bookings review

"Our entire experience was magnificent. Everything was in place and perfectly reliable. We wanted for nothing and were taken care of every step of the way. To use the word "life changing" seems so cliché, but my husband and I both found the whole trip an ama..."

Julie Ferguson, United States03 May 2026

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Trustpilot review

"Chrizaan arranged an amazing safari experience for six of us, who came from the UK and Australia. She secured our booking at a superb Lodge in the Kruger at relatively short notice, tied in the flight transfers and ensured that the whole experience ran smoo..."

Bethany Evans, United Kingdom10 Apr 2026

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"I contacted a few agency, Discover Africa was fast to respond. Every steps of the way in planning to the very end of departure, all things were planned with precise accuracy. Adelle was always in communication and ready to help and answer everything. Fra..."

Boaz Leung, United States21 Feb 2026

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"We started to plan our Safari only 2 months prior to arriving in South Africa. The planning and logistics provided by Discover Africa were superb. We only visited Botswana (4 different camps for 2 nights each) and each camp was a wonderful, and yet very dif..."

Peter Mckown, United Kingdom15 Oct 2025

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"Cayleigh responded almost immediately to every question or concern that I had and resolved the issue quickly."

John M, United States08 Oct 2025

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