accommodation

Makumu Private Game Lodge

Klaserie Private Game Reserve, South Africa

About Makumu Private Game Lodge

Welcome to the Home of Endless Views (Makumu aptly means ‘endless view’ in the Xitsonga language). The ‘Big Five’ Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is one of the largest privately owned nature reserves in South Africa, covering some 60 000 hectares and forming part of the greater Kruger National Park. With the Klaserie river bisecting the reserve on its way to the Olifants River and Mozambique, this unfenced, untamed wilderness has it all - from spectacular scenery, an amazing array of wildlife and an abundance of bird species. Makumu Private Game Lodge is an intimate oasis surrounded by the harshness, unpredictability and unspoiled appeal of the African bushveld. Six luxurious and beautifully appointed suites in 3 villas, accommodating a maximum of twelve guests, ensure an exclusive blend of absolute comfort, style and privacy. Inspired by the Bushman, Ndebele and Zulu tribes of Africa, the suites are decorated with their own unique character. Each is large and spacious, to reflect the open air and space of the African bush, offering a King Suite and smaller Impi Suite. The en-suite bathrooms have an indoor shower, as well as the King Suite having a perfectly positioned ‘tub with a view’, while the wooden decks of the King Suites each boast a hammock perfect for those lazy afternoons. With minimal electricity (all rooms have fans and plug points), come nightfall the lodge is lit entirely by candlelight. World-class game viewing, a crackling boma fire, moonlit evenings and legendary bush hospitality are all part of the experience. Explore the mysterious wildlands of the Klaserie on foot or in an open game drive vehicle. Game viewing at Makumu is opportunistic, with no time constraints nor schedules - the ultimate benefit of exclusivity. The highly skilled ranger and tracker team offer a multifaceted safari offering that includes day and night game drives, walking, tracking and quiet observation from a hide - all part of the Makumu wilderness experience. Another new and exciting addition to Makumu is the photographic bunker. 'iThumbela' as the bunker has been named, which loosely translated from the Xitsonga language means ‘place to hide', is sunken below ground and overlooks a watering hole, offering guests the opportunity to photograph wildlife coming to the water to cool down or drink, at ground level. The rock pool overlooking a watering hole provides the ideal cool-off while spotting any game with a similar idea. Shaded loungers beckon for an afternoon siesta before setting out with the dipping sun in an open Land Rover. Pearl-spotted owlet, giraffe, hyena, wild dog, zebra, warthog, elephant and vervet monkey are amongst the frequent visitors — not forgetting a variety of antelope: kudu, impala, waterbuck and nyala. Back at the all-inclusive lodge, situated above the banks of the Leopard riverbed, the wooden-decked boma offers the perfect spot for evening dining. Situated under the vast African skies, bathed in the gentle light of candles and lanterns, guests can listen to the far-off roar of the lion and the gentle rasping of the leopard while tucking into a delectable meal. Children welcome when booking the lodge in its entirety | Massages available
Perfect For
Adventure Big 5 Birding Flora Leisure Nature Relaxation Star Gazing Wildlife
Air conditioner
Bar
Children Friendly
Cinema
Communal Dining
Eco Friendly
Gym on property
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Laundry Service
Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck
Pool
Restaurant
Secure Parking
Spa
Vegetarian
Wine Tasting
24-hour Security
Airport Shuttle (Available)
Credit Card Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Private Vehicle (Available)
On Site
Big 5
Bird Watching
Fine Dining
Game Drives
Game Viewing Hide
Game Viewing
Game Walks
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Massages
Night Drives
Rhino Tracking
Safaris
Scenic Flights
Walks (Guided)
Off Site
Adrenaline Activities
Big 5
Bird Watching
Child Friendly Activities
Game Drives
Game Viewing
Game Walks
General Sightseeing
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Rhino Tracking
Safaris
Scenic Flights
Walks (Guided)
Wildlife Tours
Wine Tasting
Makumu Private Game Lodge, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Majestic Giraffe
Leopard & Hyena Sharing a Kill
Elephant Herd
Leopard Cub
Hello from Makumu!
Elephants drinking from the Swimming Pool
This is Us
Interview with owner of Makumu Private Game Lodge, Stefan Breuer
Candlelight at Makumu
iThumbela our Photographic Bunker

Accommodation Options

Bushman King Suite

The bow and quiver of arrows will leave you in no doubt as to the theme of this room, from the earth colours of the bed cover to the printed bedding. Luxury suite featuring king bed with bath and shower en-suite.

6m x 6m, en-suite bathroom with bath & shower, walk-in closet, viewing deck with hammock

Bushman Impi Suite

The bow and quiver of arrows will leave you in no doubt as to the theme of this room, from the earth colours of the bed cover to the printed bedding.

5m x 6m, en-suite bathroom with shower only, viewing deck

Please note: beds can be twin or King as per request

Ndebele Villa

Decorated with a contemporary African theme, in bold and vibrant earthly colours, our Ndebele Suites offer warmth, solitude and elegance. It is the southern Ndebele’s typically striking, artistic and colourful flair that inspired these two suites’ décor. These beautiful geometric designs define a Ndebele household, celebrating the matriarch’s warmth, hospitality, personality and individuality within the community.

The Ndebele history began in the 1600’s when tribal leaders decided to branch out from what would become present-day KwaZulu-Natal and forge an independent and culturally autocratic community. Internal politics, however, would divide the clans into the northern (present day Zimbabwe) and southern sects that settled in the vicinity of what is now the Mpumalanga and KZN provincial boundary region.

Ndebele King Suite

Decorated with a contemporary African theme, in bold yet vibrant earthly colours, our Ndebele King Suite offers warmth, solitude and elegance. Overlooking the dry riverbed our luxury suite with bath and shower. King bed.

6m x 6m, en-suite bathroom with bath & shower, walk-in closet, viewing deck with hammock

Zulu King Suite

Decorated in the theme of the Zulu, our King Suite offers spaciousness, elegance, unparalleled intimacy, and seclusion. Overlooking the camp waterhole, the game viewing holds spectacular potential, also offering a large bathroom en-suite.

6m x 6m, en-suite bathroom with bath & shower, walk-in closet, viewing deck with hammock.

Zulu Impi Suite

Decorated in the theme of the Zulu, our Suites offers spaciousness, elegance, unparalleled intimacy, and seclusion. Overlooking the camp waterhole, the game viewing holds spectacular potential.

5m x 6m, en-suite bathroom with shower only, viewing deck

Please note: beds can be twin or King as per request

Ndebele Impi Suite

Decorated with a contemporary African theme, in bold yet vibrant earthly colours, our Ndebele suite offers warmth, solitude and elegance. Overlooking the dry riverbed, this suite holds beautiful bushveld views.

5m x 6m, en-suite bathroom with shower only, viewing deck

Please note: beds can be twin or King as per request

Bushman Villa

The bow and quiver of arrows will leave you in no doubt as to the theme of this room, from the earthy colours of the bed cover to the printed bedding. Leather, eggshell beadwork, bows and arrows were functional fingerprints which defined their simplistic yet inspiring way of life. Very few traditional Bushmen are alive today, but the legacy of these amazing people is still very much felt across the continent and is proudly showcased in our Bushman suites.

The various groups of San people colloquially known as “Bushmen,” are the first known people of Africa and the oldest culture on earth. Drawing from a deep pool of ancestral knowledge and legendary bush craft, the San were master survivalists, hunter-gatherers and herbalists living in a remarkable partnership with the land. With the arrival of the ancestors of Africans, as well as the colonial era, the Bushmen communities were forced into the drier and inhospitable Kalahari region, which would later become their heartland.

Zulu Villa

Decorated in the theme of the Zulu, our Zulu suites offer spaciousness, elegance and seclusion. Warfare and decoration were a central pillar within the Zulu tradition, and typical décor consists of spears and shields, as well as colourful beads. The vitality and energy of Zulu people, typified through dance, storytelling and a strong sense of identity is very much evident in modern times and in our Zulu suites. Overlooking the camp waterhole, the game viewing holds spectacular potential.

The vibrant legacy of the Zulu nation is attributed largely to the legendary figure of King Shaka (1787 – 1828). Shaka’s vision was to amalgamate the various communities scattered around the region of present day KwaZulu-Natal into one autonomous ethnic group. He achieved this largely by force and intimidation, creating the Zulu nation as we know it today. King Shaka remains a pillar of history and legacy within the southern African sub-region.

Dining & Cuisine

Dining at Makumu

Makumu is part of the Seven Group and we are lucky to have some amazing chefs in our kitchen.
The kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of the home and at Makumu our kitchen is exactly that! A warm and friendly gathering place, our open style invites guests in for a chance to peak in a pot and savour the pre-dinner fragrances while choosing a fabulous wine from our extensive list to compliment the upcoming meal.

Some of the chefs favourites include Ostrich fillet with berry and red wine reduction, venison poitjie and for the sweeter of tooth, white and dark chocolate mousse with chocolate crumb and chilli orange syrup – to mention but a tantalizing few! The greatest reward for any chef is the delight and contentment on the faces of those they serve!

Standard Room Amenities
Air Conditioning
Balcony / Deck
Bath
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Detached Private Bathroom
Dressing Gowns
Electrical Outlets
En Suite Bathroom
External Shower
Fan
Heater
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Laundry Service (Available)
Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Lounge Area
Lounge
Mosquito Nets
Oil/Paraffin Lamps
Outside Shower
Pure Cotton Linen
Safe
Shower
Tea / Coffee
Verandah
Portfolio Places
At a Glance
  • Rooms: 6
  • Check In: 14:00
  • Check Out: 11:00
  • Languages: Afrikaans, English, German, Italian, Xhosa

Experience Makumu Private Game Lodge

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Activities in Klaserie Private Game Reserve