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Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve

3.5 star property
All-inclusive hotel in Hoedspruit with 4 outdoor pools and safari

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Photo gallery for Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve

4 outdoor pools, open 7 AM to 5 PM, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Lounge
Gift shop
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
River Lodge Thatched Suites | View from room
Surrounded by the beauty of a provincial park, Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve offers an all-inclusive retreat. Begin your day with continental breakfast and game viewing, then relax in the garden or unwind at one of four outdoor pools.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Connecting rooms available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Free breakfast
  • Pool

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • 4 outdoor pools
  • In-room childcare
  • Conference center
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Library

For families (6)

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Garden
  • Terrace
The current price is CA $529
CA $663 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 21 - Mar 22

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

View all photos for Main Lodge Superior Room

Main Lodge Superior Room

Main Lodge Superior Room

Highlights

Deck/patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Pillowtop bed
Premium bedding
  • 38 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for River Lodge Thatched Suites

River Lodge Thatched Suites

River Lodge Thatched Suites

Highlights

Deck/patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 51 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed
Exterior

Karongwe Portfolio - Kuname Lodge

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (13)
Karongwe Portfolio - Kuname Lodge
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About the area

Map
Limpopo, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 6191

What's nearby

  • Siyafunda Conservation - 28 min drive
  • Makalali Game Reserve - 67 min drive
  • Selati Game Reserve - 118 min drive

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 174 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

About this property

Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve

When visiting Hoedspruit, Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve is a great choice to consider. Guests can take a dip in one of 4 outdoor pools or grab a bite to eat at Makalali Dining Hall, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar/lounge, a terrace, and a garden are other highlights at this all-inclusive hotel.

All-inclusive

This hotel is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Food and beverages

All buffet meals and snacks included
In-room minibar (all beverages included)

Languages

Afrikaans, English

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 30 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:30 PM
    • Contactless check-in available
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
    • This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • Babysitting*
DONE

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi and wired internet access in public areas
    • Free wired internet access in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free covered onsite self parking
    • Free onsite RV/bus/truck parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle (available on request)*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast each morning 8:30 AM–9:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Free reception (select days)

Traveling with children

  • Childcare in room (surcharge)

What to do

  • Ecotours
  • Safari
  • Wildlife viewing

Working away

  • Conference center

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Communal living room
  • 4 outdoor pools
  • Reception hall
  • Outdoor furniture

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning and heating
  • Ceiling fan
  • Electric kettle

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Turndown service
  • Premium bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

What to enjoy

  • Deck or patio
  • Individually furnished and decorated

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free wired internet
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Free tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Guidebooks/recommendations
  • Local maps
  • Restaurant dining guide

Special features

Dining

Makalali Dining Hall - This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • Destination fee: ZAR 315 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 6 years of age.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge

Children & extra beds

  • In-room babysitting is available for an extra charge

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool access available from 7 AM to 5 PM

Policies

The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.

Also known as

Makalali Game
Makalali Private Game Reserve Hoedspruit
Makalali Private Game Reserve Lodge Hoedspruit
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve Hotel
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve Hoedspruit
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve All Inclusive
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve Hotel Hoedspruit

Frequently asked questions

Does Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Yes, there are 4 outdoor pools. Guests have pool access from 7 AM to 5 PM.

Are pets allowed at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Yes, there's free self parking. Free RV/bus/truck parking is available.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:30 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve and nearby?

Onsite recreation at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve includes ecotours, game viewing, and a wildlife and game drive. Enjoy a swim in one of the 4 outdoor swimming pools or use the hotel's other amenities, which include a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant, Makalali Dining Hall.

Does Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a deck or patio.

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Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent for big 5
Excellent for bush lovers
Zaheer, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Tumelo, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great new hotel - super rooms
We spent a long weekend at this reserve - two adults and a teen. The hotel was lovely - new rooms and well-designed open, communal spaces. We booked two rooms and it was a bonus that they could be made to be interleading. The hotel rooms are exactly that - hotel rooms - and maybe lacking some of the charm of free-standing lodge units but very comfortable and well-appointed. The guide and tracker were friendly and knowledgeable and we enjoyed our game drives. It was great to be able to go off-road to get closer to rhino and cheetah. Whilst this is a big 5 reserve, you do travel the same roads quite a bit but the guide made an effort to vary things up on each drive and to go look for specific animals. The food was nice - and not as "conference-like" as the bigger Ivory Tree Aha resort - but not knock-your-socks-off amazing. The downside of a smaller lodge is slightly less variety and choice - but to me still better than endless buffets. Aha is running some specials where kids stay free. What this meant was that over the long weekend there were lots of noisy children in the pool and running around at the boma dinner. The hotel manager did make a plan for us to go to the quieter pool at the nearby smaller lodge which was very kind of her. Unfortunately though listening to a child play a loud game on a phone all the way through the boma dinner compromised the "peace of the bush" experience. Overall - we would go again. We had a great stay and thought it was good value.
Carl, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great hotel and game park, not so good food
Overall the stay was excellent based on the accommodation and the rangers taking us to see the most amazing array of wild animals. The only downside were the quality of the food and too many over attentive waiters and waitresses who must learn to be not so keen to remove your drink or plate, especially when you or your dining partner are still eating!
Antony, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Best customer service
The customer service was absolutely above and beyond. You are treated like family. Room and lodge area is absolutely beautiful and the food was amazing. I will definitely book at Makalali again for my next visit!
Brooke, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Safarimazing
We had an amazing stay, all the staff were extremely friendly and it was amazing to be living in the bush with all of the luxury conveniences in a very clean and organised lodge. Shout out to Lovedeliah (camp host), Stanley (game drive tracker), and Louise (game drive guide). The wifi was very weak around the property but you're in the bush so it was ok to be off the grid for a few days!
Alan, 3-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful place to stay
Beautiful facilities, super comfortable room, great staff, food was ok but not a highlight. We got to see most animals from very up close on the safari however most of the time we are just driving thru the bushes, I can’t compare to other areas but I guess it’s normal. Only weird thing is paying a lot for an all inclusive resort and having to pay separately for water :/
Mariana, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

4/10 Fair

It has seen its days ... but they are over!
We are repeat guests that will not come back again. The offerings of activities beside game Drives i s zero, food is good prepared but basic (Pap and Chicken and Wors) Far to expensive for what is offered, there is not even a mini bar, the shampoo stinks and the whole lodge has been due for maintennance for more than five years.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Best reserve
A+ Great property, great service
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A little slice of heaven
Though getting to Makalali is a little tricky, once you get there - it's wonderful. Gorgeous rooms, beautiful views and surroundings, great game drives every day and plenty of food and drink. The staff look after you very well, the rooms have everything you need to relax and enjoy yourself. I had a fantastic stay - saw some amazing animals really up close - and relaxed in a wonderful and peaceful place.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Superb African experience staying at the lodge
I stayed this November for a few days at the Makalali Game Reserve/Lodge. Everything from start to finish I enjoyed fully. From check in by Caroline to Ranger Lawrence was flawless including viewing all of the animals. The separate rooms are in their own buildings along the side of a dry river bed and allow you to view out from you room, front deck or outdoor shower. You walk along a path to where breakfast/lunch are served in African style. I weather permits you are fed dinner outside in a group setting under the stars. If you have Ranger Lawrence for your guide (he has 20 years of experience) sometime along the safari ask him to give you a "Lawrence African Tale"
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Dedicated rangers
Really nice private safari experience. Rangers worked hard to track down the animals and get really right up close.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Great Experience!
Over all experience was excellent! Location of the lodge is in the middle of the jungle without fence, you can see animals like Elephant or Impalas walking pass your room. It was a great experience! The location, room, game drives and the staff are the main points of the lodge. Only few flaws. I wish there is more vareity on the food, dining areas should have separate tables in case guest would like to dine separated from other guests and when it says 'all inclusive' the staff should inform the guests what are chargeable and what are not so you dont get surprised when you check out. All in all, we had a fantastic time.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Room with and African view
The lodge accommodation and room layout is fantastic with a beautiful large and very comfortable bed with a fantastic view out of a floor to roof window and a wonderful fire in the room. The outdoor shower was a great way to wake up. The staff is very accommodating and friendly and unobtrusive. The food had many good ideas and the dinning areas are beautiful while the service was more than satisfactory, but I do think that they could have done better when it comes to the taste. It was almost as if the preparation was rushed. The game drives are really good and the guides are very knowledgeable, but i would have liked a bit more attention to the smaller things like birds, reptiles and insects and maybe a bit of time by a watering hole instead of the constant drive to see the big 5.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Incrível , a acomodação é mto boa , quarto amplo , chuveiro incrível. Alimentação boa , e game drive inclusos incrível, com saída as 6:00am e as 4:00pm , com destaque a Isaac e butter os rangers, incríveis ….. Muito satisfeito e retornaria ao local com certeza.
amanda, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Bad Food and incompetent rangers
Food is much below expectations. Most of the meat served was undercooked including chicken. Service Staff is incompetent as many places in South Africa. We have ordered wine one night and waitress just dropped the bottle in out table and left without opening and serving. Then we had to call another waitress to serve it. You need to tell everything and common sense was missing. English of the ranger for the game drives was not perfect and he was not really talkative or giving information unless asked, he was more like , yeah here is an impala but no information. Also to many questions that we have asked, the answer was “I don’t know”. I think it is worth to stretch the budget a bit more to stay in somewhere nicer.
Mert, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

非常に洗練された綺麗なホテルで、シャワーやクーラーなどの設備もかなり良かったです。また、宿泊費に含まれている食事もおいしかったし、ゲームドライブも非常に楽しかったです。
3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Tivemos de trocar as datas da nossa viagem devido à pandemia do Covid-19 e fomos muito bem instruidos e atendidos pela gerente de reservas. Esperamos pela estadia em Novembro.
Rennan, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Lugar incrível ! Estrutura do hotel impecável, funcionários super atenciosos e simpáticos !! Vimos vários animais em casa Safari, inclusive um grupo de leões caçando GNUS! Carros do Safari com cobertor e capa de chuva ( precisamos !) e com guias muito bem informados !
2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Rangers very good. Place and location very good. Food: not good . Very average and always the same. A shame...
Raphaël, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

un séjour inoubliable
magnifique hébergement ,personnel aux petits soins,repas variés et de bonne qualité,des safaris extras bref rien à dire! sans oublier l'apéro en fin de safari du soir en pleine brousse et le café lors de celui du matin! le plus dur est d'arriver (et d'en repartir!)car la piste est ravinée mais après c'est que du bonheur!
notre chambre avec douche intérieure et extérieure
1er safari
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

THIAGO, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excelente experiencia
Monica E, 3-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review