Makalali Private Game Reserve
Limpopo Province, South Africa

ABOUT MAKALALI : Situated between Makutsi Conservancy, Selati Game Reserve and Balule Nature Reserve, Makalali Game Reserve is a haven of undulating bushland, with elevated viewpoints giving panoramic views over the reserve.  The reserve was founded in 1994, and is 24 500 hectares in size.  Makalali bushlands consist of jackalberry, marula and knobthorn trees with acacia bush and open savanna grasslands surrounding the Makhutswi River which runs through the reserve. 

CONSERVATION : Makalali Private Game reserve is considered to be one of the leading pioneers in ecotourism in South Africa, expanding South Africa’s green frontier and re-establishing traditional wildlife migration routes between Kruger National Park in the east to the lush Drakensberg mountains in the west.  Makalali has reintroduced lion, leopard, elephant, rhino (all members of the big 5) as well as cheetah, sable antelope and many other indigenous species that once roamed these lands.  TB (tuberculosis) free buffalo are being kept in a camp with the aim of releasing them into the wilds of Makalali.  Conservation efforts are ongoing at Makalali with various projects in operation; elephants from Kruger were relocated to Makalali private game reserve, escaping the annual cull; rhino have been introduced to strengthen the population and continue the diversity.

SEASONS : Traditionally, the best game viewing is in winter (April to September) as the vegetation is sparser, and water is restricted to the rivers and waterholes, where animals congregate in interesting combinations.  During the summer months (October to March) the bushland comes to life as the rains saturate the area, but the thicker foliage can make it harder to spot game.  The waterholes and river are less of an attraction during this time, as water is widely available.

 WILDLIFE : In addition to the Big 5, other interesting animals found in Makalali Private game reserve include hippo, caracal, black backed and side striped jackals, gemsbok, African wild cat, crocodiles, genets, civets, badgers, ostrich, sable, porcupines, pangolin, serval cats etc

TOURISM : Makalali game reserve offers visitors a comprehensive safari experience, offering upmarket accommodation in Makalali Game Lodge as well as game drives and game walks to both international and national guests.  Services and activities which are offered include River rafting, tours of the escarpment including Pilgrim’s Rest and Blyde River Canyon, Golfing trips, Cultural village trips and scenic flights over the Hoedspruit mountains in a small fixed wing plane. 

GETTING THERE : Go to full map of the region.
BY AIR: We can charter small aircraft to transfer guests directly from Johannesburg International Airport to Makalali Private Game Reserve. The Reserve has a 1000m X 15m all weather gravel airstrip approximately 12 km from the lodge. Guests will be collected by a ranger with a game-viewing vehicle and transferred to their camp free of charge.  Or fly into Hoedspruit and transfers can be arranged.

BY ROAD: Take the N1 north towards Pretoria, take the N4 East towards Witbank and onwards to Belfast (Pta-Belfast +- 240 Km), Turn Left off the Highway towards Belfast, In Belfast, turn right at the Belfast Toyota onto Dullstroom/Lydenburg (R540), At the T – Junction (R540 – R36) turn left to Lydenburg, In Lydenburg, at the Origstad sign, turn left and follow the main road of Lydenburg (De Klerk street) on the Origstad road (R36), Follow the R36 through Origstad and through the Strijdom tunnel, Turn left towards Tzaneen at the T-Junction (still R36), Follow the road over the Oilifants River, past the Oaks (local Village) and Past Phalaborwa/Mica turn off ( +-10KM), Turn Right at the Gravelotte turn off, this road becomes a Gravel road. Go through the boom Gate, Travel +- 10Km on the Gravel road to theMakalali Gate on your Right hand side.

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