Luxury meets wilderness: Two distinct safari escapes in the heart of big five territory
Dine under the stars at Makalali’s boma, where fireside flavours and storytelling bring the bush to life.
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Makalali Main Lodge
Nestled near the majestic Drakensberg mountains to the west of Kruger Park, Makalali Private Game Lodge spans 26,000 hectares of unspoiled bushveld in South Africa’s Northeastern Lowveld. This renowned game reserve is home to the legendary Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo - alongside cheetah, giraffe, zebra, kudu, and many other iconic species.
Cool off between game drives with a dip in Makalali’s serene pool, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bush.
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The contemporary five-star Makalali Main Lodge, completed in November 2017, offers an elegant yet understated retreat that blends seamlessly with the wilderness. Designed to capture natural light, fresh air, and sweeping views of both sky and bush, the lodge provides guests with an authentic and immersive safari experience.
Nkambeni Safari Camp’s eco-conscious canvas suites deliver comfort with minimal environmental impact.
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The lodge accommodates up to 60 guests in 30 stylish rooms, set within three river-facing units that offer prime vantage points over the surrounding landscape. Guests can enjoy breakfast and lunch in the dining area or out on the deck, while evenings invite unforgettable bush dinners under the African night sky. An outdoor boma provides the perfect setting to savour a variety of traditional African dishes.
For adventure, early morning and late afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles—led by expert rangers - offer unparalleled opportunities to witness Africa’s wildlife in its natural habitat.www.makalali.co.za
Gather, relax, and swap safari stories in the warm and inviting lounge at Nkambeni.
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Nkambeni Safari Camp
Set on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, near Numbi Gate, Nkambeni Safari Camp offers a warm welcome in the heart of Big Five country. Just a four-hour drive from Johannesburg, the camp was established by the Nkambeni Community to create jobs and promote sustainable tourism in the region.
Wake up to the sounds of the bush in a spacious twin suite at Nkambeni Safari Camp.
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The camp features 150 comfortable three-star canvas suites, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private deck. Built with eco-conscious principles, the suites are designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding environment while still ensuring comfort and relaxation.
Set against the Kruger backdrop, each Nkambeni tent offers privacy and immersive bush views.
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Dining at Nkambeni is an authentic African experience, whether enjoying a traditional bush dinner under the stars around an open fire, a generous breakfast buffet, or à la carte options for lunch and dinner. Set menus are also available for groups and special occasions.
Guests can explore the wonders of Kruger on half- or full-day guided safaris in custom-designed vehicles that offer excellent game-viewing opportunities. For added flexibility, self-drive safaris are welcome, and picnic lunches can be packed on request.www.nkambeni.com