Makalali Private Game Reserve - South Africa
The Reserve, founded in 1992, consists of 30,000 acres of Lowveld Acacia bush and open savanna grass land and all surrounding the lush river. Four twelve bed camps have been build along shady banks of the river. Each camp offers luxury accommodation and consists of six spacious guest huts, each with a large bedroom and bathroom ensuite and an adjacent day room or "sala" built on stilts nestled in the branches of Jackelberry trees that is ideal for relaxed game viewing or meditation. Additionally, each camp has it's own uniquely designed swimming pool, boma, and enclosed dining and lounge area.
Makalali's hand crafted camps have been custom designed to restore a sense of personal connection with nature for every guest and combined with the creative architectural vision of it's owner, Charles Smith, and architect, Silvo Rech, celebrate the creative spirit of a thousand years of African Craftsmanship. Built in traditional African styles using local artisans and villagers in it's construction, Makalali represents the merging of an exclusive African safari experience with a strong commitment to protecting the earth and it's rare wildlife. Considered one of the leading pioneers in ecotourism in South Africa, Makalali Private Game Reserve, represents a conservation mission to expand South Africa's green frontier by re-establishing the ancient traditional wildlife migration routes that linked the famous Kruger Park in the east to lush Drakensberg Mountains in the west. In the process lion, cheetah, leopard, and breeding herds of elephant, rhino, and the rare sable antelope have all been reintroduced to the wild, making Makalali home to over one thousand wild animals including four of Africa's "Big Five" wildlife species.
In the process of relocating animals Makalali has contributed to the ongoing conservation efforts of endangered species. The elephants have been relocated from Kruger sparing them from annual cull. A breeding herd of white rhino and sable antelope were relocated to continue the spread and diversify the populations and in so doing contribute to the survivability of the species. "We have used indigenous products in building our lodges ñ uncut thatch, raw timbers and natural tree trunks, all designed to create a true African bush experience that is one of a kind in South Africa," said Charles Smith. "The idea behind Makalali is to allow our guests to experience the entire scope of what Africa has to offer, and hopefully in the process feel a new sense of respect and pride for the wonders of nature.
ACCOMMODATION
Makalali has four separate 12 bed camps situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River. Luxury accommodation is offered where each air-conditioned room has an en-suite bathroom, outside shower, private deck, fire place and a raised timber "sala" which doubles as a lounge or dayroom as a viewing platform. The rooms are decorated in African design styles with vivid Kentle cloths and sculptured taps and basins. Each of the four camps are totally private, yet within easy access of each other and situated along the verdant banks of the Makhutswi river. Guests may reserve individual camps as their own, or else may combine all four camps for exclusive seminars or incentive groups. Makalali has it's own entertainment area where conferences can be conducted or where incentive groups can meet for their meals. A full range of guest amenities are available. Insect proof screening on all windows and sliding doors. Hairdryers and bath robes are available in all rooms for the guests' use. Insect repellent in all suites and on all vehicles. Complimentary laundry and valet service. There are no television sets in the rooms, but a television is available in the conference room.
ACTIVITIES
Game drives in open landrovers and informative walks are available on a daily basis. In addition to this we are now offering a range of special activities which includes the following: River rafting on the Olifants River; Golf Packages at the Hans Merensky Golf Course, visits to cultural village and a facility which specializes in the captive breeding of especially cheetahs; A panoramic day trip to experience splendor and history in the greater Lowveld area and Drakensberg escarpment and the world famous Kruger National Park. These activities are available on request, please inform reservations when making the reservation.
