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Location:
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A new luxurious and
exclusive safari lodge, Makanyane is situated on private land within
the magnificent 75,000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve -
home to the Big 5 and a myriad of other animal and bird species.
Makanyane, which lies hidden in lush riverside forest, offers
unforgettable wildlife experiences, exquisite accommodation and
cuisine as well as outstanding personal service.
Makanyane Safari Lodge was designed by a team of award winning
architects to effortlessly blend with the surrounding bush. The
relaxed yet luxurious interiors complement the design perfectly,
tastefully enhancing the atmosphere of comfort in this idyllic
environment.
The lodge consists of a beautiful main building and eight stunning
suites, which lie hidden in the lush forest, offering spectacular
views over the tranquil Marico River. Situated on 1,800 hectares of
private ground within the Madikwe Game Reserve along South Africa's
border with Botswana, the lodge has accommodation for a maximum of
sixteen guests, ensuring that each guest has privacy and individual
attention.
Visit Makanyane Safari Lodge to experience the drama and mystery of
Africa's vast natural history, exhilarating wildlife, ancient legends
and rich cultural history and to relax and revitalise body and mind.
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Accommodation:
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Makanyane Safari Lodge can accommodate a
total of sixteen guests. Accommodation comprises eight luxurious
double suites, each with it's own lounge, en-suite bathroom and
shower, secluded outside shower as well as private game viewing and
sun deck with a spectacular view of the surrounding bush.
Each suite is air conditioned and heated and has underfloor heating in
the bathroom, a fireplace, mini bar, fridge, hot beverage facilities,
mini-safe, overhead fans and direct dial telephones and are fully
air-conditioned and heated. Bath robes, hairdryers, insect spray,
mosquito repellent, sun block, shampoo, conditioner and body lotions
are all available in the suite. International adapters are available.
A stroll along the shady path winding through the riverine forest will
bring you to your romantic and secluded suite. As in the main lodge,
rich African textures abound, walls of natural rock and dried tree
trunks merge with rough teak doors and contrast with the overhanging
thatch. The glass walled bedroom suites allow uninterrupted views of
the river and the surrounding bush. |
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The open-fronted lounge with its private
sundeck is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds
of the bush. The call of the fish eagle echoes down the river as
elephants, escaping the heat of the day, plunge into the deep water
and disturb the sleeping hippo.
The spectacular bathrooms have under-floor heating as well as indoor
and outdoor showers. The wide, folding doors can be opened to allow
the sounds and scents of the surrounding bush to join you in the
luxurious freestanding bathtub. The understated luxury of your suite
flawlessly compliments your untamed surroundings. |
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Facilities / Attractions:
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Located on the edge of a ravine,
Makanyane's dramatic main lodge overlooks a stream-filled waterhole
shaded by a dense canopy of trees. Enormous ancient Leadwood trees in
the lounge and the dining room support the sweeping thatch roof. The
spacious lounge area has two rock fireplaces and opens out onto a wide
wooden deck hanging over the ravine and waterhole below. On this
wooden deck is the well stocked bar with its sweeping roof. The
gracious dining room also opens onto the vast deck area, perfect for
enjoying a meal under the trees while watching game drink below. The
main lodge has a curio shop where you can browse for souvenirs, a
library area and an extensive wine cellar. Upstairs is the
air-conditioned den with a viewing deck, the elevated position
providing panoramic views of the grasslands. Sweeping plains roll out
towards the horizon, surrounded by a breathtaking skyline. The heated,
secluded swimming pool is the ideal place to soak up the African sun,
while enjoying the idyllic scenery. Close to the main lodge is
the boma, an open air dining area enclosed by bush, reeds and trees.
The boma is the perfect place to enjoy dinner next to a blazing fire.
Sit back and enjoy the view out over the Marico River, the stars
blinking through the canopy of leaves above you. Not far from
the main lodge, an isolated viewing deck stands on the edge of the
plains. In this tranquil, tree shaded place, you can enjoy a quiet
drink, while watching elephants stride through herds of waterbuck,
zebra and impala grazing in these breathtaking grasslands. You may
even see lion or cheetah moving through the grass, their vigilant
stare searching for their next meal. |
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Gym and Spa
The well equipped gym and bush spa is just the place to work up an
appetite, or to simply pamper yourself. Tucked away in the forest,
this air-conditioned facility has all that you need for a gentle
workout or more strenuous exercise. Alternatively, treat yourself to
massage or aromatherapy from Makanyane's onsite masseuse.
Business
A computer with full internet access is available for the use of
guests together with fax services. Satellite television and video are
also provided. Makanyane has air conditioned conference facilities for
16 people. |
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Dining
Makanyane prides itself on the exceptional quality of its food and
wines, adding another memorable dimension to your stay. The food is
skilfully and imaginatively prepared by David Stevens, the executive
chef who developed his considerable skills in five star hotels around
the World. David has blended his European and African experiences with
the flavours and fresh local produce of the area to create delicious
and memorable dining experiences.
The delicious cuisine is complimented by superb South African wines
from Makanyane's extensive cellar. As well as offering classic wines
such as Kanonkop's Paul Sauer and Klein Constantia's Vin de Constance,
they have gone to great lengths to search out excellent quality, value
and range in their wine list. This ensures that for wine lovers,
Makanyane is a real treat.
Activities
Activities at Makanyane revolve around relaxing your body and mind and
experiencing the rich details of your surroundings.
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To experience the vibrant bush life around
you, allow yourself to be led through Madikwe's 75,000 hectare
environment, either on foot or in an open vehicle. Makanyane's
dedicated professional rangers will guide you on dawn and dusk
excursions into the wild. You will travel through the bush in open
safari vehicles specially designed to provide comfort and safety.
Alternatively, enjoy the thrill of walking through this untamed
wilderness. Whatever your preference, your rangers will share their
wealth of knowledge with you, giving you insight into the endless
intricacy of the African ecosystem.
Enjoy Champagne as the setting sun gently illuminates the sky before
darkness falls over the bush around you. As you set off again, a
shielded spotlight helps to reveal the secretive creatures of the
African night. Brown hyena, genet, civet, bushbaby, aardvark, pangolin
and owls are just some of the species to be seen in this dark
wonderland.
During midday hours, relax by lounging at the heated swimming pool,
strip away the stress of city living with a massage or aromatherapy on
your private deck or in the bush spa, unwind by exercising in the gym,
or simply catch up on your quiet time by selecting a book from the
library and settling down in the den or on one of the outside decks to
read.
Watch the wildlife, oblivious to your presence, from one of the bush
hides overlooking a waterhole or facing plains that stretch to the
horizon. You could even sleep out under the stars while nocturnal life
continues around your secure, elevated deck.
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Game Viewing:
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Rustic hides have been placed in
certain idyllic locations on Makanyane's private and exclusive land.
One of these hides overlooks a waterhole hidden deep in the bush, a
favourite place for animals and birds to drink. Another looks over
the vast plains, providing observers with an ever-changing view of
animals moving across the breathtaking landscape. Those reluctant to
surrender to the luxury of their suite can continue their African
experience by sleeping out under a velvet canopy pierced with
uncountable stars. To allow guests to experience the ambience of the
bush at night, beds will be made up on the upper deck of a hide
hidden deep in the bush, next to a waterhole. The overnight hide
brings you even closer to the sounds and experiences of the African
bush at night.
Madikwe Game Reserve has an astonishing array of wildlife. Elephant,
rhino (black and white), lion, leopard, buffalo, wild dog, cheetah,
giraffe, zebra, hippo, brown hyena, spotted hyena, springbok, eland,
kudu, wildebeest, warthog, crocodile and Chacma baboon are some of
the larger species to be seen. Smaller species include rock dassie,
African civet, genet, bush baby, porcupine, and aardvark. Numerous
antelope species also roam the reserve. |
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Lions laze on Madikwe's wide plains,
as zebra and blue wildebeest keep a wary distance. Both black and
white rhino can be seen in Madikwe and herds of buffalo wander
through the wooded areas of the reserve. The elusive leopard may be
spotted sleeping on the limb of a tree, while comical warthogs
forage in the undergrowth below.
The Madikwe Game Reserve is a bird
watchers' paradise, with over 340 species listed here. These include
many species of raptor, such as the Martial Eagle, the African Fish
Eagle, the Secretary Bird and the Pale Chanting Goshawk. Spotted
Eagle Owls are common here, as is the tiny Pearlspotted Owl. |
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Wild Dogs, called Makanyane by the
Tswana people, are also known as Painted Wolves and were once called
Cape Hunting Dogs. The Wild Dog is the largest of the wild canids in
Africa and is now one of Africa's most endangered carnivores. It is
estimated that less than 5,000 Wild Dogs still survive in the wild
and viable populations are only found in larger reserves and
uninhabited areas in Southern and Eastern Africa.
Wild Dogs are extremely gregarious
animals and are usually found in packs of between five and fifteen
members. Each pack has a clearly defined social hierarchy and is led
by a dominant (or alpha) male and female. Working together in these
highly organised units, the Wild Dog is an effective predator,
capable of bringing down prey as large as Buffalo. They are also
able to defend themselves against their natural enemies, Lions and
Spotted Hyenas. |
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The bonds between all the members of
the pack are very strong, all the dogs cooperate in caring for and
feeding any pups as well as any sick or injured members of the pack.
In most packs only the dominant (alpha) male and female successfully
reproduce. Although persecution by man, susceptibility to diseases
such as rabies, and diminishing natural areas have all taken their
toll on Africa's Wild Dog population, there is now a concerted
effort to conserve and protect these fascinating animals.
In December 1994, as part of the huge game translocation operation
called Operation Phoenix, wild dogs were relocated into the Madikwe
Game Reserve. Three female dogs, captive bred at a breeding station
for rare and endangered species, were put into an enclosure in the
reserve with three male dogs captured just outside the Kruger
National Park. The six animals formed a new pack and were then
released into the reserve. The project was resoundingly successful
and today the Madikwe Game Reserve has a viable and thriving
population of Wild Dogs. The dogs show no fear of vehicles and
provide guests at Makanyane with wonderful game viewing, offering
rare insights into the lives of these fascinating creatures in their
natural enviroment. |
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Rates:
 Please contact us for a suggested
itinerary and quote
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