Makumu Private Game Lodge

We were absolutely blown away by the beauty, hospitality, extensive knowledge, service, passion for nature, and attention to detail we found at Makumu Lodge. The staff went out of their way to make sure our experience was exceptional– accommodating specific dietary requests, taking the time to educate & answer a myriad of questions about the wildlife, and even providing a once-in-a-lifetime unique candle lit dinner in the bush for our final evening– truly unforgettable. We loved the intimate, more “boutique” style charm of Makumu. Eating dinner under the stars with the staff every evening after the night drives was a highlight, not to mention the most obvious takeaway, which was the deep respect for the breath taking beauty of the animals we encountered daily. It was a life changing experience that we can’t recommend enough.

What an experience! Loved the service from the transfer from the airport for the entire stay. Food and service was outstanding. Our drive from the airport to the hotel was notable we saw elephants and buffalo. During our stay at the Makumu we saw Rhino, Elephants, Giraffe, Lioness her beautiful three cubs, buffalo, various bucks and birdlife. Highlight for me was seeing a Leopard twice. Rooms are beautifully decorated and so much beautiful candlelight to light up our nights. Food was outstanding. Nellys and Grace made my day. Loved meeting Nadia Rheinard, Thomas and Julia. Lindo and Lisa. Thank you for a memorable stay.

Makumu is in an exclusive league of its own. The location, the lodge, the incredible staff delivering unrivaled service. The game drives are exceptional as you are “alone” allowing you to spend real time with the animals without being disturbed by the next jeep coming up behind you. We are return guests and took friends with us for their first visit and they absolutely loved the Makumu experience

I really appreciated that animals can be here animals in nature and not show objects like in the zoo or in national parks that operate with GPS to quick show all the Big 5 around any corner in full speed ! Makumu takes care and respects the animals in the game , give them the peace and freedom they need to walk around , away and back , breed etc Makumu game lodge does not lay out meat to attract leopards or lions , they have to catch them by their own , as in poor nature , there is no fridge standing around filled with meat to self serve ! Nature help you self and therefore will be the best natural outcome .

Best place we've been to, ever! Friendly staff, great service, made us feel special, nice game drives, saw the big 5 in 2 drives. helped me with my proposal, did everything they could and more. 10/10 recommendation!!

We have just finished 3 nights at Makumu Lodge and it’s only really just sinking in how amazing it was. I travelled with my mother and Aunt (both in their late 70’s) who had both wanted to do something like this since they were little girls. The pressure was high to make sure they had the best experience as they knew they would never come back in their lifetime and my goodness did everyone and everything at Makumu deliver. The lodge and accommodation is 5 star without being ostentatious in anyway. Its feel is luxurious and homely all at the same time, with many vantage points for viewing the wandering animals in the bush below. It has an excellent pool too. The candle light at night is incredibly special. The staff make it though. Everyone is just lovely. Attentive, but also give space. Julia, Thomas, Nadia and Rheinhard (also all Field guides) are always on hand to help during the day and night or even just to chat about the animals and area. The housekeeping and chefs are brilliant. Ruan and Clide were our guides. Everyday we were out at dawn and dusk searching for animals. Clide our tracker had such skill, expertise and an incredible affiliation with the animals that lead us to them everyday (he’s our hero!). The tracking/searching was part of the thrill and he was able to look at foot prints etc to see directions and timings for the animals. Ruan was as dedicated to getting us the experience we wanted as if it was his own Mum and Aunt. His knowledge was unbelievable and the information we have learnt in the last few days will stay with us forever. We saw a pride of Lions try to make dinner of a Buffalo. A rare sighting, but we were so confident with Ruan at the helm. I thought I would have fear being so close to all these incredible animals, but not once did I even think about it as I knew were in such safe hands. All of this is done with respect, care and passion for the land and animals in it. Overall it’s one of the best things we have ever done and I will return. 100%.