Makumu Private Game Lodge

Exceptional Staff: Consistently praised for friendliness, attentiveness, and personalized service, creating a "home-like" atmosphere.

Makumu We stayed at Makumu for a 50th birthday celebration in March and had truly the most wonderful time. The location and tagline “Endless Views” are so accurate, truly beautiful and something we’ve talked about everyday since we left. The lodge itself is stunning, perfectly designed and very luxurious - the suites, main house areas and pool. Everything was comfortable and well appointed, perfectly cleaned and upkept - we stayed in the Zulu king suite and loved everything about it. The candlelit evening environment was atmospheric and romantic. Coming back every evening to hundreds of candles/lamps was enchanting. Food/drink was plentiful and served to a high standard. From the early morning drive spiked coffees, hot chocolate, biscuits and muffins to the evening sundowner cocktails, wines and nibbles. There was a full breakfast, lunch, high tea and three courses at dinner. We noticed house staff were very accommodating to those unlucky enough to have tummy troubles form malaria meds. Breakfast and hot chocolate were my favs - all made to order. The drives were magnificent, we saw animals/birds/creatures on every single drive and were amazed at the knowledge/experience of our guide/tracker team which allowed us to get so close to the wildlife without disturbing their activities, sleep or hunting. We saw the big 5 and many more, appreciating the environment, landscape and complex social structure that inhabit the Kruger/Klaserie. We saw a baby rhino, very young elephants and many more. One evening we were lucky enough to have a family of elephants come up to drink from the pool - they played for half an hour blowing bubbles and shooting water into the air. In spite of all the wonderful elements I’ve described already, I think the stand out win of Makumu were the staff who made us feel so comfortable, at home and welcome. Rheinard and Clyde were the best guide and tracker we could possibly want. They had excellent knowledge and skill for the drives, were good fun and always on point - regardless of how many times they have been asked the same questions by the tourists who visit. We had great breakfasts and evenings chatting to Julia, Thom and Nadia. The kitchen staff were always very kind, helpful and ready to chat or point out animals to us. We were also lucky enough to share our stay with a lovely pair of visitors (Emily and Adam) who made the safari adventure even more fun. Clearly likely minded individuals visit and work here. We can’t say enough good things about Makumu and would love to come back one day. We were so sad to leave!!

What a fantastic place this is! Very intimate. Only space for 12 people. We had a wraparound balcony high up, a bath with a view of the watering hole across the Klaserie game reserve. Every detail was thought of. The staff from hosts to cooks, rangers and trackers were brilliant. 2 game drives a day stopping for hot drinks in the morning and alcohol in the evening. It was very chilly and windy whilst we were there but this aided to us seeing every animal possible including black Rhino, white Rhino, Leopards Elephants, wilder beast, buffalo, zebra, lions, giraffe, hippo, impala to name most. This place was made special by the Ranger Rheinhard and Tracker Redwall excellent at their jobs. The food was delicious and loved sitting at a long table with everyone at breakfast and in the evening. It’s all candle lit in the evening! We didn’t use the pool with a view due to the weather or the outdoor fire pit. Upstairs in the main building was an open log fireplace very cosy