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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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Trustpilot review

"I worked with Adelle on our travel itinerary and from start to finish she was incredibly. She arranged all flights, transfers, accommodations and tours perfectly! The accommodations and tours were beyond our expectations! The entire experience was seamless ..."

Elizabeth Conte, United States•28 Sep 2026•

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Trustpilot review

"From the very beginning, Bianca was a wonderful help in planning our South African safari. Her knowledge, attention to detail, and thoughtful recommendations made our trip truly exceptional. Becks Safari Lodge was, in our group’s opinion, a six-star expe..."

Leanne Morris, Australia•12 Jun 2026•

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Google review

"Excellent trip -- tour operators were professional and on time. Safari lodge choices excellent. Adelle communicated issues that cropped up in a timely manner and the whole process was a pleasure."

Jake Sanderson, United States•29 May 2026•

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Safari Bookings review

"A trip of a lifetime. Great guides covering Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyana, Ngorongoro crater and southern Serengeti, where we saw herds of elephants, giraffes, antelope, zebra, wildebeast, cape buffalo, eland, jackels, hyenas, mongeese, hippopotomi,..."

Paul Couch, United Kingdom•16 Mar 2026•

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Safari Bookings review

"All bookings were at luxurious and convenient places. The camp tents are beautifully decorated with a rustic look and feel. Food service were amazing for most part. The bush drives are as best as it could be given the rainy season etc. Punctuality has been ..."

George Jacob, Canada•10 Mar 2026•

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"It was an extensive planning process to put together a 24 day safari and adventure trip covering Victoria Falls, Mana Pools and Hwange Park in Zimbabwe, followed by a wonderful experience in Botswana on the Chobe River and Okvango Delta. There were flight c..."

Tami Jones, United States•19 Nov 2025•

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