Makanyi: Exclusive encounter in the wild

If you are a wanderlust seeking another enthralling destination to satiate your travel passion, especially this summer, a home away from home awaits you in the wild.

For sure, it is a great deal worth betting on in a graceful yet unobtrusive sanctuary of calm that goes a long way to rival the enchantment of the bush which embraces it.

It is equally in a wonderful place where golden sunsets over the bushveld are alluring, amid intimate wildlife encounters and the raw beauty of nature that surrounds the pristine environment.

Welcome to Makanyi Private Game Lodge, a luxury game lodge that offers an unparalleled safari experience in the Timbavati, which is adjacent and open to South Africa’s greater Kruger National Park, an area of over 2.4 million hectares where animals roam freely.

Opened to visitors a decade ago, the destination is very much alive with the best of excitement for everyone, especially lovers of wildlife adventure.

While Makanyi is one of very few commercial lodges in this area, it is a truly wild, private experience, and perfect marriage of man and nature amidst world-class recreation modern facilities.

Of course, there are many reasons to visit, first; Timbavati can be translated as “The Place Where Something Sacred Came Down to Earth”, and hence, worth seeing. Timbavati is an area of prime game viewing, home to the “Big Five” as well as the infamous, albeit elusive, White Lions.

On offer at the pristine lodge are eight luxury suites that overlook the magnificent dam. Each of the suites comes with an extra-large bed, a relaxing sitting area with its own fireplace, a beautiful bathroom with a spacious shower and separate bathtub, a private deck with loungers and an outdoor shower.

The suites also blend seamlessly into their environment and offer the space and time to fully unwind: be that by relaxing on your suite’s deck with panoramic views of the bush and bustling dam beyond, curling up before a roaring fire in the evening chill or soaking up the unreal aura in a glorious pedestal bath.

But the main lodge is a perfect haven where you will find a superbly situated deck with stunning views of the dam, allowing you to unwind and watch amazing wildlife scenes unfold before your eyes. It is a lovely area to either relax on your own, take in the beauty of your surroundings, or to socialize with others and share stories about your sightings.

It also provides a graceful yet unobtrusive sanctuary of calm that goes a long way to rival the enchantment of the bush which embraces it.

The sun loungers around the pool are perfect for sunbathing, reading or dozing, whilst the cozy loft serves as a quiet reading area or lounge to enjoy TV or a movie. In the main area, there are large, comfortable sofas by the roaring fireplace to keep guests warm on a chilly evening, whereas on a warm summer’s night, nothing beats sitting on the deck by the pool sipping a refreshing cocktail to the sounds of lions roaring nearby.

Beyond the everyday guest, Makanyi gives priority to special guests on honeymoon or wedding anniversary with two of the eight rooms set apart as special honeymoon suites. They are located far from the main lodge to ensure more privacy, as well as, a romantic four-poster bed and a wonderful private plunge pool on the deck – ideal for a soak with a glass of champagne under a blanket of stars.

Dining is also an experience at the lodge. Beyond tantalizing cuisine enjoyed in a stunning setting, breakfast on the deck, sipping your wine or coffee and surrounded by different of wild birds, perching, flying low and singing praise of nature within, guests are often watched by a curious wildebeest or a rhino passing by, while dining. A light lunch by the pool is almost always in the company of a herd of impalas and the cutest little vervet monkeys.

However, while the premium accommodation offerings provide comfort and quality relaxations for the guests, on the other hand, an array of exciting daily activities keep guests enthralled and going all through their stay.

Likewise, a visit without experiencing the game drives is not complete. There are two thrilling game drives every day; in the morning and in the afternoon. The game drives afford guests the opportunity to meet and photograph the incredible animals in the heart of their natural habitat.

You can also take a stroll in the bush with your ranger and follow the animal tracks, discover hundreds of intriguing plants and bushes, and learn about the tiniest creatures. You might even sneak up to a rhino on foot, which is a thrilling experience.

It is splendid to spend the afternoon fishing by one of the peaceful dams, rod in hand, a picnic and refreshing drink by your side and most probably in the company of some curious hippos.

Beyond the call of the wild, the lodge beckons with its lovely spa where guests melt into an indulging massage in the spa parlor or in the comfort of their rooms, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature.

Well, there is a package tagged Photo Safari. As strange as it sounds, it is very necessary especially for those who want to keep memories of their safari experience. By arrangement, the lodge can book a professional wildlife photographer to spend the day with you and show you how to take the best pictures in the most amazing setting, while photographic equipment is also available for hire, if required.

However, at night guests are also in for another wonderful experience of star gazing. It is when the ranger guides them to the most astonishing sky, completely free from light pollution. Guests are opportune to see the beautiful constellations of the Southern Hemisphere and have an unspoilt view of the Milky Way, often with the odd satellite passing by.

But before saying goodbye to the lodge, guests are advised to visit the lodge’s curio shop to pick from a great selection of souvenirs and gifts for friends and families back home.

Direction:

Makanyi Lodge is 63km (approximately 50 minutes by car) from Hoedspruit, its closest airport. South African Express operates scheduled flights to and from Hoedspruit. There are many flights from O.R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg to Hoedspruit, as well.