Makalali, which means place of rest, was an old cattle farm when bought in the early nineties. Restocking and regeneration of the veldt were top priorities, but so was creating a lodge with a difference.

The innovative design was conceived by Sylvio Rech who envisaged a lodge built under the giant trees that guard the river.

Local craftsman where employed to bring Sylvio design to life. They loved Sylvio’s ideas and his vibrant energy.

In the interest of sustainability large quantities of rock found on-site was used during the construction of the lodges. His efforts were rewarded when Tatler magazine voted Makalali as “the most innovatively designed hotel in the world”.

The lodge consists of four camps - Tandane, Mkhiwa, Emtomeni and Phiva. Each camp has six luxury suites, a plunge pool, private viewing deck, dining area and boma. All the camps are private, yet within easy access of one another and are all situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River.

Suites have an en-suite bathroom plus an outdoor shower, fireplace and a raised, private, timber viewing deck (sala) set amongst the Jackalberry trees. The sala is an ideal spot for a private luncheons or dinners.

Rooms are individually decorated in African design styles with sculptured metalwork lamp shades, taps and ceramic basins. Mosquito nets surround the kings-size beds by night. Available in each room:

1.    insect repellent

2.    mosquito nets

3.    electronic digital safe

4.    hairdryer

5.    bathrobes

6.    ceiling fans

7.    air conditioning

8.    fireplace stocked with logs from the reserve

9.    shaver plugs at Tandane, Mkhiwa & Emtomeni. 

10.electrical outlets provide 220 volts, alternating current 50 (Hz)

11.insect proof screening on all windows and sliding doors

Tandane camp

Tandane means "place of love". Makalali’s group entertainment / conference centre is situated at Tandane camp. The centre consists of a unique thatch-covered main building, an open kitchen and entertainment area. It has been designed to accommodate conferences, groups dining together, weddings, gala events, etc. Flame torches create a mystical and fiery African ambience at night.

Mkhiwa camp

Mkhiwa means Sycamore Fig and is name after the large fig tree which stands over the main area creating some welcome shade.

Emtomeni camp

Emtomeni, Mkhiwa’s sister camp, means Jackelberry tree. This camp was created in order to accommodate groups that need more than six rooms at a time. However each camp can still run separately with its own dining area, to

create that personal touch.

Phiva camp

Phiva means Waterbuck. However you will find Nyala here which roam the camp and call it their home.

For children aged between six and 12

The 2-day adventure course (maximum 1.5 hours per day) includes learning practical skills like pitching camp, finding water, identifying animal tracks and learning survival techniques.

Day 1: Bush skills \ medicinal uses of plants

• Survival techniques ie. making of rope, fire, useful equipment
• Where to pitch camp
• How to find water and purify water
• Identify edible plants

Day 2: Animal Knowledge

• Warning signs of dangerous animals
• Flagship species
• Parental care of flagship species
• Mini first aid: assessing of emergency situations
• Finding direction

Day 3: Work book test

• Graduation and photographs

All the training will be done around the camps by our knowledgeable rangers.At the end of graduation a certificate will be handed to each child by a small group of (2-3) rangers and trackers. A photo will be taken and printed “in house” to be given with the certificate.

PRICE: R300 per child for two days

2'500 South African Rand (ZAR) per person per night sharing (fully inclusive)

info@thesafaricompany.net

reservation@thesafaricompany.net

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