Hotels near Makalali Game Reserve

"Absolutely amazing. We stayed at Pondoro in January in the beautiful Tree Suite with the most incredible views of the river. Every member of the staff was so friendly and hospitable. Our daily game drives exceeded all our expectations with the most experienced guides. The vegetation this time of year was so green and gorgeous. From sun up to sun down we were so well fed by the talented team of chefs. It was all such a dream. I hope we have the chance to return again. "

"If we could give 6 stars for our 3 day stay at Naledi we would! We were incredibly well taken care of by Marise, Matthew, Lilian, Decide and Chef Dudu throughout our stay. The food was delicious, our room in the Paperbark suite and the entire property is meticulously maintained, and they made incredible efforts to make our trip as enjoyable as possible. They succeeded! The game drives with Oupa and Excellent exceeded every expectation. They are true experts at guiding and tracking the majestic animals in the Balule reserve, and just incredibly lovely gentlemen to spend time with. We saw so much - yes, the Big 5, but also warthogs and hyenas and giraffes and hippos and zebras and impala herds and beautiful birds; sunset and sunrise and a rainbow one morning took our breath away. On our final sundowners, Oupa and Excellent took us by the Olifant River where we enjoyed the sunset and drinks surrounded by hippos and a grazing rhino. Each day felt like a treasure hunt - we gave very little input, allowing Oupa and Excellent to do their thing, and loved every minute. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip for my wife and I, as we were visiting South Africa from the US for a friend's wedding. I went back and forth between the more well-known reserves (Sabi Sands, Timbavati) and was unsure what we'd be able to see in the summer season (our visit was in late January) - I'm so glad we chose Naledi and if there's ever an opportunity to visit South Africa again, we will be back!"

"My daughter and I had the absolute privilege of staying at Ezulwini in August 2024. I first want to acknowledge the amazing and knowledgeable staff who absolutely made our stay. Ange and Craig make quite the team! Glory was accommodating, caring, and personable. While in the Bush, Craig and Shads combined their seemingly unlimited knowledge to answer all our non-stop questions. Even when the animals were feeling shy, Craig was able to teach us about something else within the ecosystem, and usually by the end of the lesson, Shads was able to use his eagle-eyes to track another animal. What really made this lodge stand out was the fact that their approach was respectful to the land on which they live, never exploitative. Each night before an absolutely delicious dinner, we were able to sit down with Ange and Craig who crafted a lesson about local history, the law of the reserves, or about the country of South Africa. The meaningful conversations absolutely made us feel like welcomed friends, rather than simple guests. Of course, it should go without saying, that the accommodations of the resort itself were stunning. The resort’s small number of guest rooms makes the experience feel personal and uniquely tailored to each guest, and the property, which often welcomes many four-legged guests, feels more like an extension of the bush rather than a separate space. I simply cannot recommend this lodge, this team, and this trip enough!"

"We had a great experience at Nyati Safari Lodge, from check-in to check-out. We stayed for six days and had a wonderful time. All the staff were friendly and polite, and the game drives were both knowledgeable and enjoyable. We did four game drives with Peter, which were exciting adventures as we searched for animals. Also, Lux and Henry were great and knowledgeable. The food was delicious, and everything was well-organized. There are a few areas that could use some attention and improvement: -The outdoor restaurant was difficult to enjoy during our stay because of windy and cool weather. It would be helpful if they provided heaters for such conditions. -During the buffet, I noticed some guests refilling their plates without using new ones, which could pose a hygiene risk, especially since many guests were coughing and sneezing. -It would be great if they offered hot drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. When I asked if I could buy one, I was told they didn’t have any, though a coffee machine could easily provide this option. Overall, I highly recommend Nyati Safari Lodge to anyone seeking adventure along with a luxury stay."

"Karongwe River Lodge is simply PERFECT! We couldn’t recommend it more. The rooms are very spacious, beautifully decorated and comfortable. We had a incredible view of the river, where we often saw various types of animals (crocodiles, giraffes, impalas, inhalas, hipos, and more). The staff is very welcoming and thoughtful to our every need. Very kind people indeed. We incredibly well received and treated by every single person who assisted us in the lodge. Really remarkable! The meals were also very good! Fresh, made with care, very well cooked and plent. I think we even put in a few pounds in three days lol Nevertheless the greatness of everything, the game drives were the high point in our stay. Truly amazing! Bethuel (our designated ranger) and Ludwick (tracker) were the best! Very competent at their work and incredibly nice and kind people. We enjoyed every minute in Karongwe! And we certainly are coming back soon! "

"I enjoyed a fantastic break at this wonderful lodge. The team under the leadership of Sarah were fantastic and the highlight of my stay. The dining and meals by Lucia were first class. the safari drives by William and Rose were very educational. I cant wait to rebook"

"Thomas was great, very peaceful and quite love the watering hole and all the animals that come to get a drink right in fron of the resort"