Makanyane Safari Lodge is a luxurious new lodge situated on 1800 hectares of private ground, hidden in the magnificent 75 000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Madikwe is home to lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, wild dog, cheetah and hyena as well as a host of plains game species and over 340 bird species. Makanyane Safari Lodge's eight luxurious suites are nestled in lush forest on the bank of the Marico River. Spectacular glass-walled bedrooms give guests uninterrupted views of the surrounding forest and over the river. Guests are given the opportunity to experience the drama, mystery and beauty of Africa's wildlife, ancient legends and cultural heritage on game drives and bush walks taken by experienced, professional field guides. 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. 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. The suites have fireplaces, overhead fans and are fully air-conditioned and heated. The rooms also have a telephone, hot beverage making facilities, mini safe and a bar fridge. Bathrobes, hairdryers, insect repellent, body and sun lotion, soap as well as shampoo and conditioner are all provided. Makanyane prides itself on its exquisite cuisine, outstanding accommodation and friendly personal service. Our food is skilfully and imaginatively prepared by Cassandra Zucauskas, our executive chef who developed her considerable skills in five star hotels around the World. Cassandra has blended her European and African experiences with the flavours and fresh local produce of the area to create delicious and memorable dining experiences. Our delicious cuisine is complimented by superb South African wines from our extensive cellar. As well as offering classic wines such as Kanonkop's Paul Sauer and Klein Constantia's Vin de Constance, we have gone to great lengths to search out excellent quality, value and range in the wine list that we offer our guests. This ensures that for wine lovers Makanyane is a real treat. 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. Activities at Makanyane revolve around relaxing your body and mind and experiencing the rich details of your surroundings. Relax by lounging at our heated swimming pool, strip away the stress of city living with a massage or aromatherapy on your private deck or in our bush spa, unwind by exercising in our gym, or simply catch up on your quiet time by selecting a book from our library and settling down in our den or on one of the outside decks to read. 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. Watch the wildlife, oblivious to your presence, from one of our 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.