Timbavati Nature Reserve · South Africa

Makanyi Private Game Lodge

A quieter rhythm in the Timbavati.

SettingTimbavati Nature Reserve
Property typeSafari lodge
Rooms & suites8
CollectionMakanyi Private Game Lodge

Why stay here

The setting.
The experience.

An intimate safari retreat in the Timbavati, Makanyi pairs spacious suites with unhurried time in the bush. Set out with your guide in the early morning, return to a quiet deck overlooking the landscape, and gather for dinner as the light fades. We will shape the stay around your wider journey, preferred suite and travel dates.

Ask us which room suits your party, what is included and how this stay connects with the rest of your route. We will check availability for your dates before confirming arrangements.

Ask if this stay suits you

Why consider it

The details that
shape the stay.

  1. 01

    Eight generously proportioned suites

  2. 02

    Two Pool Suites with private pools

  3. 03

    Guided safari activities

  4. 04

    Spa, gym and photography facilities

Rooms & suites

Choose the space
that feels right.

From the setting to the sleeping arrangements, the right room makes a difference. We will help you choose the space that suits you and your travelling companions.

Six suites · two adults; one child aged 12–18 may share by arrangement

Makanyi Suite

An expansive bedroom and sitting area open to a private deck. A fireplace, en-suite bathroom and indoor and outdoor showers make returning from a game drive part of the pleasure. Third-person arrangements must be confirmed before booking.
From R31,000per person sharing per nightSix suites · two adults; one child aged 12–18 may share by arrangement · Price based on 2–3 guests sharing · Single occupancy on request · Minimum 2 nights
Rate guide details

2026/27 published rate · 14 Oct 2026–31 Dec 2026

Indicative rate. Your journey curator will confirm the price and availability for your travel dates.

Inclusions and exclusions Enquire about this stay

Two suites · maximum two guests

Makanyi Pool Suite

A secluded suite with a private plunge pool and outdoor living space. Designed for two guests, with an en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and a generous sitting area. No third-person configuration is offered.
From R33,000per person sharing per nightTwo suites · maximum two guests · Price based on 2 guests sharing · Single occupancy on request · Minimum 2 nights
Rate guide details

2026/27 published rate · 14 Oct 2026–31 Dec 2026

Indicative rate. Your journey curator will confirm the price and availability for your travel dates.

Inclusions and exclusions Enquire about this stay

Experiences at this stay

Let the setting
lead the day.

We will confirm which experiences are available for your dates, whether they are private or shared, and any additional costs. Some activities depend on weather, minimum ages or local operating conditions.

01

Guided game drives

Explore the Timbavati with the lodge’s guiding team. Routes and sightings vary with wildlife movements and conditions.

02

Sundowners in the bush

Pause during your afternoon safari as the light changes over the reserve; the setting is chosen by your guide.

03

Spa and wellbeing

Arrange a treatment between safari activities. Treatments are charged separately.

04

Fitness and photography

A gym and photography facilities offer ways to spend time between drives. Specialist photographic arrangements are quoted separately.

A guide to pricing

Your stay,
considered.

From prices provide a starting point. Your personal proposal will reflect your travel dates, room choice, length of stay and any qualifying privilege.

Makanyi Suite · Makanyi Pool Suite

For the from prices shown above. Other meal plans, room arrangements or offers may have different inclusions.

Included

  • Accommodation
  • All meals and beverages offered at Makanyi, including alcoholic drinks, South African house wines and MCC
  • Two daily game drives
  • Use of the gym
  • Laundry service
  • Seasonal bush walks and stargazing offered in the lodge area

Not included

  • Timbavati conservation levy (R700 per person per night for 2027; 2028 amount to be confirmed)
  • Self-drive Timbavati gate levy (amount to be confirmed)
  • Road transfers and flights
  • Special-order wines, champagnes and liqueurs
  • Private vehicles, specialist photographic safaris and photoshoots
  • Spa treatments, telephone calls, curio-shop purchases and gratuities
Stay information and additional charges

Guide rates include applicable taxes. Guest numbers, minimum stays and availability apply; your proposal will confirm the exact arrangements.

Enquire about this stay

From prices are planning guides and may vary with the season, stay length, room category, occupancy and local levies. Your Travel African Time proposal will set out the confirmed price and inclusions clearly before you book.

Current travel privileges

Make more
of your stay.

A little longer to explore, or a thoughtful extra. We check each offer against your travel dates and recommend the one that best complements your journey.

Enquire about this offer
A little more, thoughtfully included

Stay 4 / Pay 3 at Makanyi

Slow the safari down with a complimentary fourth night at Makanyi.

The benefit may be repeated on qualifying longer stays, subject to availability.

Available for new individual bookings made through Travel African Time, including website enquiries and guests referred by Makanyi.

Festive dates, group and exclusive-use bookings are excluded; the offer cannot be combined with another special, and conservation levies remain payable for every night.

Dates & conditions

Book 28/09/2026–30/04/2027. Travel 28/09/2026–30/04/2027. Minimum 4 nights; 1+ guests. Subject to availability. Excluded dates: 20/12/2026–09/01/2027.

Enquire about this offer
A little more, thoughtfully included

Honeymoon special

Save 50% on one of the couple’s accommodation costs.

Includes a bottle of South African MCC and a welcome platter, a private dinner, a romantic turndown and a complimentary 30-minute massage for each partner.

Available year-round until 30 April 2028, with a minimum two-night stay.

Travel must take place within six months of the marriage date, with proof of the wedding date required.

The full conservation levy remains payable each night.

Terms and conditions apply.

Dates & conditions

Book 28/09/2026–30/04/2028. Travel 28/09/2026–30/04/2028. Minimum 2 nights; 2 guests. Subject to availability.

Enquire about this offer

Good to know

The questions
that matter.

Where is Makanyi Private Game Lodge?

Makanyi Private Game Lodge is in Timbavati Nature Reserve, South Africa.

What does a stay at Makanyi Private Game Lodge cost?

Stays start from R31,000 per person sharing per night (Six suites · two adults; one child aged 12–18 may share by arrangement · Price based on 2–3 guests sharing · Single occupancy on request · Minimum 2 nights). This is a starting guide, not a quote for every date or room. Inclusions, exclusions and relevant conditions are outlined above. Your personal proposal will confirm availability and the total for your party before booking.

What room types does Makanyi Private Game Lodge have?

Makanyi Private Game Lodge offers Makanyi Suite, Makanyi Pool Suite. Photographs, room details and guest configurations are set out above.

Does Makanyi Private Game Lodge have seasonal closures?

We will confirm operating dates and availability as part of planning your stay.

Is Makanyi Private Game Lodge suitable for children?

Child policies vary by room, activity and travel date. We will confirm the current minimum age and any private-vehicle requirement before booking.

What is the best way to include Makanyi Private Game Lodge in a South Africa journey?

We consider the season, your interests, routing and pace together. Makanyi Private Game Lodge can then be combined with a contrasting stay or region to create a more complete South Africa experience.

Makanyi Private Game LodgeFrom R31,000 · per person sharing per night