Makumu Private Game Reserve
AN ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE Accommodation is on a fully inclusive basis (includes all game viewing activities: morning and afternoon drives, walking trails, tracking big game on foot, bird watching; all meals, teas, coffees and a selection of local beverages including beers, wines and soft drinks; transfers to/ from Hoedspruit airport (for stays of 3 nights or longer). EXCLUSIVE BOOKINGS When booking the lodge exclusively, guests of all ages are welcome (normally 8 years and older), making for an ideal family safari destination. THE BOMA Situated above the banks of the non-perennial Dundee riverbed, our wooden-decked Boma is primarily used for evening dining. Situated under open African skies surrounded by the gentle flicker of lanterns, candlelight and open fire, listen closely for the far-off roar of the lion, the gentle coughing of the leopard or the hauntingly familiar call of the owl. Our boma dining is quiet and intimate and will certainly add to your Makumu experience. THE POOL Whether for a cool refreshing swim after a warm night’s sleep, or a dip to escape the hot African sun, the pool at Makumu offers it all. Built as a feature to blend in with the surrounding bushveld, don’t be surprised by the visiting elephant herds that are known to quench their thirst here during the hot midday temperatures!
Activities
AN ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE Accommodation is on a fully inclusive basis (includes all game viewing activities: morning and afternoon drives, walking trails, tracking big game on foot, bird watching; all meals, teas, coffees and a selection of local beverages including beers, wines and soft drinks; transfers to/ from Hoedspruit airport (for stays of 3 nights or longer). EXCLUSIVE BOOKINGS When booking the lodge exclusively, guests of all ages are welcome (normally 8 years and older), making for an ideal family safari destination. THE BOMA Situated above the banks of the non-perennial Dundee riverbed, our wooden-decked Boma is primarily used for evening dining. Situated under open African skies surrounded by the gentle flicker of lanterns, candlelight and open fire, listen closely for the far-off roar of the lion, the gentle coughing of the leopard or the hauntingly familiar call of the owl. Our boma dining is quiet and intimate and will certainly add to your Makumu experience. THE POOL Whether for a cool refreshing swim after a warm night’s sleep, or a dip to escape the hot African sun, the pool at Makumu offers it all. Built as a feature to blend in with the surrounding bushveld, don’t be surprised by the visiting elephant herds that are known to quench their thirst here during the hot midday temperatures!
ELECTRICITY To keep the authentic, back-to-nature experience, all lighting is done using candles and lanterns. We do have international plug points, aircon, and fans in each suite. WEATHER We experience hot, humid summers and mild winters (cold in evenings).
WATER The water at Makumu comes from our own resources (borehole) and goes through a Reverse Osmosis system therefore making all the water out of our taps perfectly safe to drink. MALARIA We are in a malaria-infected area, however it is a low-risk malaria area. We have the camp sprayed for mosquitoes regularly and supply our guests with mosquito repellent in each suite and around the lodge. TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN For parents traveling with minors, please view the SA regulations DISABLED ACCESS We, unfortunately, do not have standard disability access. CREDIT CARDS We accept all major credit cards except AMEX WHAT TO PACK Summer Season (Oct - April): Waterproof Jacket, swimming costume, light cotton type clothing, sandals, good walking boots, and a Cap. Winter Season (May-Sept): Fleece, Jacket, jersey, scarf, gloves, cap/hat. Other useful items: Camera, bino’s, adaptor plug, sun cream, sunglasses.
PHOTOGRAPHIC BUNKER
For those looking for a different photographic perspective, Makumu's ground-level photographic bunker offers the opportunity to be at eye level with the water to take spectacular shots of wildlife visiting the pan. Nicknamed iThumbela, loosely translated meaning “place to hide” in the Shangaan language, this is the perfect vantage point for the perfect shot!
'iThumbela' as the bunker has been named, which loosely translated from the Shangaan language means ‘place to hide', is sunken below ground and overlooks a pan, offering guests the opportunity to photograph wildlife coming to the water to cool down or drink, at ground level. A great addition to the Makumu safari scene, this experience will particularly appeal to expert photographers looking for a completely unique angle from which to photograph the game, birdlife, and animal behavior.
Elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, hyena, leopard, a variety of bird species and many other game regularly frequent the pan. Serious photographers also have the option of booking a private photographic safari where they have exclusive access to the bunker, a private guide and safari vehicle for a day, or for the duration of their stay. Located a mere 20-minute drive from the lodge, iThumbela has a small staircase descending into the bunker, where guests are welcomed with a selection of drinks, coffee/ tea making facilities, a comfortable couch and bar stools for photographers. Photographic resource books and magazines are also available for guests to enjoy.
GAME VIEWING
The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve forms part of the greater Kruger National Park and therefore is home to the Big Five, amongst many other unique and beautiful wildlife. Game viewing at Makumu is opportunistic, with no time constraints nor schedules - the ultimate benefit of exclusivity.
Game viewing opportunities abound. From the early morning birdlife as the sun peeks over the horizon, to our resident warthog family that frequents the lodge lawns during the day as well as the elephant herds that choose to quench their thirst in our swimming pool, there is always the possibility of a sighting.
Our photographic bunker, iThumbela, also provides the perfect opportunity for pro and amateur photographers alike to capture images at eye level with the water to take spectacular shots of wildlife visiting the watering hole. Nicknamed iThumbela, loosely translated meaning “place to hide” in the Shangaan language, this is the perfect vantage point for the perfect shot!
Pearl-spotted owl, giraffe, hyena, wild dog, zebra, warthog, elephant, vervet monkey and leopard are among the frequent visitors — not forgetting a variety of antelope: kudu, impala, waterbuck and nyala.
FOOD
Makumu is part of the family-owned Seven Group and we are lucky to have some amazing chefs in our kitchen. The kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of the home and at Makumu our kitchen is exactly that! A warm and friendly gathering place, our open style invites guests in for a chance to peak in a pot and savour the pre-dinner fragrances while choosing a fabulous wine from our extensive list to compliment the upcoming meal.
Some of the chefs favourites include Ostrich fillet with berry and red wine reduction, venison poitjie and for the sweeter of tooth, white and dark chocolate mousse with chocolate crumb and chilli orange syrup – to mention but a tantalizing few! The greatest reward for any chef is the delight and contentment on the faces of those they serve!
COMMUNITY
Makumu Private Game Lodge supports Eco Children, a non-profit organisation that was initiated by the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve which focuses on hands-on environmental education and whole school development.
Now you can visit Eco Children too!
CAPE TO KLASERIE
When visiting South Africa, who doesn't want to experience a safari in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, opening up into the Greater Kruger along with the beauty of Cape Town's beaches? For your Cape Town stay we highly recommend POD, our partner boutique hotel in Camps Bay, located a short stroll from this popular beach and some of the best eateries and entertainment the city. Stay for 3 nights at each property and receive a welcome gift from each.
RATES INCLUDE:
All game viewing activities (morning and afternoon drives, walking safaris, tracking big game on foot, bird watching).All meals, teas, coffees and a selection of local beverages including beers, wines and soft drinks
RATES EXCLUDE:
Laundry services Entrance fees to the reserve of R280 (if self-driving)- subject to change without prior notice . Additional activities like massages, reptile demonstrations and flying safaris. More information and prices on request Full-day exclusive use of the Photographic Bunker / Photographic Safaris. More information and prices on request Klaserie Conservation Levy (R 265 per person per night, for guests 12 years and older) Airport transfers
RATES T&C'S Rates are quoted in South African Rand VAT inclusive , Subject to availability . All tariffs quoted are subject to change, without prior notice. . Minimum 2 night stay required RATES INCLUDE All game viewing activities (morning and afternoon drives, walking safaris, tracking big game on foot, bird watching) . All meals, teas, coffees and a selection of local beverages including beers, wines and soft drinks RATES EXCLUDE Laundry services, Premier Drinks, Entrance fees to the reserve of R280 (if self-driving) - subject to change without prior notice , Additional activities like massages, reptile demonstrations and flying safaris (more information and prices on request) . Full day exclusive use of the Photographic Bunker / Photographic Safaris. More information and., prices on request. , Klaserie Conservation Levy , Airport transfers (below rates per person, min 2 person rate applies): 2 people: R 745 per person/ 3 people: R 510 per person/ 4 people: R 420 per person/ 5 people: R 345 per person/ 6 people: R 310 per person/ 7 people: R 265 per person/ 8 people: R 245 per person