Aha Makalali Private Game Lodge

Naima Barton

I spent 13 days exploring southern Africa, and Makalali was the most memorable part of the trip. Yes, the rooms can use a little assistance (specifcially, the sheets had some stains on them and in the River Lodge [where we stayed for one night only], our shower flooded). But, THE SERVICE WAS AMAZING! Nora and Dorothy were the most kind and attentive hosts during our meals. When it comes to the game drives, I will never forget Andrew and Rodney. They made our experience extra special! I would stay at Makalali (Main Lodge) again!

Esmi Kruger

Road to reception is horrific. Rooms need attention, curtains are not hooked in, headboard fell off and basin not cleaned on arrival. Very few animals. Busy with renovations whilst we were there, so drilling and chopping of hammers the WHOLE time. No quiet Bush holiday Service, staff and food outstanding 👌. Layout and furnishings simplistic and beautiful. Definitely NOT 5 star worth.

Denis Handley

A superb experience, let down by the catering Spent four nights in one of the River Lodge private suites Accommodation - 5 star. The suite is luxurious and well appointed Camp Staff - 5 star. They were super helpful with everything and have clearly been well trained. We were celebrating a significant anniversary and the staff went out of their way to make it special Game drives - 5 star. The quantity of sightings is fairly limited, but on every drive we had amazing sightings of all but leopard. Guide Esholl and Tracker Emmanuel are incredible. We have been to the bush many times, and their knowledge is superb. Food - the big disappointment. The website notes 'World class food offering'. Some of the food was good, but in general it could at best be described as very ordinary English pub quality. At a lodge of this exclusivity every meal should meet the definition of world class. Here Makalali fall well short. On reading previous reviews I noted some negative comments for the Main Lodge, which is effectively a small hotel, but as specific mention is made of the private river suite camps having their own dedicated kitchens I had hoped for a lot more

Josh Doro

Had an amazing experience at aha Makalali. Spent four nights at the river lodge. Service was fantastic! The lodge arranged airport transfer for us from Hoedspruit Airport. Driver was on time and gave us history on the area and animals on the 1.5 hour drive from the airport to the reserve. Game drives are held every morning and every evening and included with the stay. We saw all the species that we hoped to and were able to get up close to many amazing animals. Game drivers and trackers were friendly and super knowledgable, providing interesting information on the animals and the history of the reserve. Rooms were clean and well maintained. Dining was wonderful. Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket on the game drives, even if you are from a colder climate! It gets cold in the open-air safari vehicles. Cannot thank the staff enough for the hospitality and providing us with an absolutely wonderful experience!

Abigail Reynolds

DON'T GO here! It's like a 2 star lodge, not a 5 star lodge. Main problems: FOOD is NOT good-overcooked, served cold, unimaginative. Some days its even awful. It is prepped in a central kitchen for all the 3 different lodges and driven over to the small river lodge. So its cooked long before its served. And there is no chef at the river lodge kitchen. FURNISHINGS in the main building are worn and old. ALL all soft cushions had been taken off the terrace chairs so there was no back support or softness, and the website showed about 8 cushions on each terrace chair!. The Lounge only had 2 couches and 2 soft cushions, where the website shows 2 couches, 2 soft lounge chairs, 2 ottomans and 7 soft cushions! Its NOT worth the money. The staff, our guide and the bush and animals were lovely, and the bedroom was good too- but the food, and main building furnishings RUIN IT ALL! IT is the owner and senior management's problems: they need to put money in and replace the furniture, and hire proper cooks with budgets to make good food.