Accommodation:
Makalali has four separate camps situated on the banks of the Makhutswi
River on 30 000 acres of Lowfeld Acacia and open savanna grassland.
Each camp has six luxury suites with each room having it’s own
en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, fireplace and raised timber ‘sala’
which is a private viewing deck/lounge. The rooms are individually
decorated in African design styles with vivid Kente cloths and sculptured
metalwork taps and ceramic basins. Hairdryers and bath robes are provided.
Insect repellant is also provided in the rooms.
Access:
Scheduled flights:
Daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town International
Airports to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa are available. These can be
booked through your local Travel agent or directly with SA Express
Airways (Hoedspruit) or SA Airlink (Phalaborwa).
Driving
distance to/from Johannesburg - 5 hours
Driving distance to/from Nelspruit - 3 hours
Driving distance to/from Hoedspruit - 45 min
Driving distance to/from Phalaborwa - 1 hour 30min
Activities:
Game Drives in open Landrovers are conducted twice daily. We offer
birding safaris, walking safaris, night sky sessions and team building.
The tribal Dancing/Drumming can be arranged and is performed by
local dancers at and additional cost.
Associations
and awards:
Makalali has featured in the Architectural Digest Magazine and was
selected by the Tatler/Cunard Travel Guide as the 'most innvatively
designed hotel in the world' for 1997. Other awards include being
listed in the 'Top 100 Hotels of the world' for 1997 and 1998, and
being selected as one of the 'Top ten eating establishments in South
Africa' by Penta/Monis Restaurant Guide for 1997.
Baby
sitting:
In order for parents not to compromise their Game Viewing and Dining
experiences, skilled baby sitters from the local communities can
be arranges at a fee of R 20 per hour to look after their children.
Best
time to stay:
All year round. Best Game Viewing: End March to End August.
Camp Layout:
Each of the four camps is private, yet within easy access of one
another and are all situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River.
Each camp has it's own plunge pool, private viewing deck, and Boma.
Makalali has an entertainment area, which is utilized for conferencing
or as adining area for large groups.
Catering
Requirements:
Our chef, Geoffrey Murray has taken cuisine at the reserve to new
heights with innovative ideas for bush breakfasts, leisurely lunches
in the hand-crafted outdoor "salas", and the legendary boma and
bush dinners, where guests can enjoy a variety of exciting dishes,
from Moroccan Lamb with Lemon and Coriander to Grilled Kingklip
in Chermoula. Our lodge is able to cater for a variety of special
guest dietary requirements including: Halal, Kosher, Vegetarian,
Vegan, Low fat / Salt / Sodium meals. Please inform reservations
and we will do our utmost to oblige. The lodge is fully licensed.
Birthdays and Anniversaries must be brought under the attention
of Reservations, prior to the guests arrival.
Characteristic
Species:
Characteristic species are lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, rhino,
giraffe, zebra, kudu and the rare sable antelope which can be viewed
on the two game drives conducted daily. Makalali boasts four of the
'Big Five'. Buffalo have yet to be introduced into the area.
Check
in/out time:
Check in at 12h00 or whenever the guest arrives. Checkout time at
11h00.
Children's
Policy:
Families with children are welcome at Makalali. Kiddies walks, daytime
Game Drives can be set up in order for the children to also experience
the magic of Makalali. Children will be welcomed with a special
Makalali colour in book and games on arrival in Camp and each child
will receive a "Brat Pack" on their Game Drive. Special meals are
also arranged for the little ones, including dishes such as Burger
and Pizzas.
Climate:
Summer: Min Temp 17 C / 63 F - Max Temp 37 C / 99 F
Winter: Min Temp 9 C / 48 F - Max Temp 28 C / 83 F
Summer rainfall region, generally hot in summer.
Thunderstorms often occur in the late afternoon, but do not last
long. Winters are dry, with cold nights and early mornings.
Electricity:
220v A.C. current is available 24 hours a day. Voltage converters
can be supplied on request.

Facilities:
The Reserve, founded in 1992, consists of 30000 acres of Lowveld Acacia
bush and open savanna grass land all surrounding the lush riverine
system of the picturesque Makhutswi River. Four exclusive twelve bed
camps have been built along the shady banks of the river. Each camp
offers luxury accommodation and consists of six spacious guest huts,
each with a large bedroom and bathroom suite adjacent day room or
"sala" built on stilts nestled in the branches of Jackelberry trees
that is ideal for relaxed game viewing or meditation. Additionally,
each camp has it's own uniquely designed swimming pool, boma, and
enclosed dining and lounge area. A new art & merchandise gallery opened
in 1998 and offers guests a tranquil place to view the river, to shop,
browse for art, read a historical account of the Reserve and the area
or just relax. Groups
& Conferences:
Makalali is proud to announce the opening of it's brand new group
entertainment, conference and dining area. A luxurious 60 seat thatch
covered main building is accompanied by an open kitchen and entertainment
area surrounding flame torches that create a mystical and fiery
African ambience. A Makalali Team Building program has been designed
and is available on request. Kindly contact our Group & Incentives
Department at the Johannesburg office for details.
Health:
The lodge has qualified first-aid staff members. In case of an airlift
paramedic service is available.
Laundry:
All laundry is washed by hand and dried naturally, except during
bad weather, when the tumble drier is used. This service is complimentary.
A dry cleaning service is not available.
Local
culture:
North Sotho and Shangaan
Location:
Located close to the mighty Drakensberg mountian range, west of
the Kruger National Park, this ethnic bush retreat lies in the Gravelotte
area of the Northern Province of South Africa.
. Nearest town ñ Hoedspruit (small populous)
Nearest city ñ Nelspruit or Phalaborwa.
Makalali:
Makalali means "Place of Rest" in shangaan.
Parking:
Covered parking available for all guest vehicles ñ complimentary
service.
Payment:
All major credit cards or cash welcomed. Cheques are not accepted.
Room
amenities:
A full range of guest amenities are available. Insect proof screening
on all windows and sliding doors. Hairdryers and bath robes are
available in all rooms for the guests' use. Insect repellent in
all suites and on all vehicles. Complimentary laundry and valet
service.
Room entertainment:
There are no television sets in the rooms, but a television is available
in the conference room.
Room
service:
Guests usually enjoy dining together in the communal dining area,
however private drinks and meals can be arranged on request.
Security:
Security guards accompany guests to and from their rooms at night.
Safes are available to guests at each camp and it is recommended
that valuables be placed in safes at all times.
Taxes:
SA Government Value Added Tax (14% - 1998) is included in all lodge
tariff sheets. VAT may be subject to change. Airport taxes will
be added to the final guest account departure.
Tipping
& Gratuities:
Tipping of Rangers, Trackers and lodge staff is at the guests own
discretion. Guideline: An amount suitable per guest (double for
couples) is US$ 25.00 per day, which will be equally divided between
all.
Transfers:
Transfers to the lodge are by road in air-conditioned Kombi's. The
transfers are approximately 45 minutes from the airport to the lodge.
See attached rates site for transfers.
What
to take:
Makalli is situated in a malaria area, thus precautions are essential.
Long sleeve shirts and pants are recommended for game drives. Comfortable,
light clothing, walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen is advised.
Swimsuits are advisable for the summer months and very warm clothing
is recommended for the winter moths especially while on game drives.
Binoculars, cameras and bird books will be handy. |