Makumu Private Game Lodge  Verified Listing

Our visit to the Maasai Mara a few years earlier had already ticked, “Going on Safari” off our Bucket List. For this reason, when choosing another as “The Main Course” of our visit to South Africa, our son had to be very diligent, if he were to surprise us. He forbade us to do any research so, we arrived at Makumu Private Game Lodge free of any preconceptions.
And … We were bowled over!
To such an extent, a new entry was added to and ticked off our Bucket List.
“Go on safari to Klaserie Private Game Reserve in Kruger National Park - as guests of Makumu Private Game Lodge!”
From greeting us at the airport to the final farewell by the entire team, including Stefan the owner, our four days and three nights here were perfectly magical.
We enjoyed driving through the bushveld just after dawn and dusk on fascinating, event-filled game drives looking for big five game viewing and much more. Many thanks to our Ranger Raun and tracker Richard for their professionalism. With them in charge, we saw so much! Their professionalism meant we always felt completely at ease. Even when a super pride of thirteen lions were splashing across the Klaserie River just a metre or two in front of us with Richard perched in his tracker’s seat on the Land Rover’s front fender. He could have reached out and touched them!
Makumu Private Game Lodge is a place where you can experience the pure African wilderness. For us, it was an adventure combined with the feeling we were experiencing Karen Blixen’s Out of Africa. Especially when we saw the entire property lit only by candles after our first evening game drive. It is a place where every little detail is thought of, including the luxurious scents. A place where guests are treated with extreme warmth and cordiality.
Someone mentioned that hosts, Stefan and Karin, went to extreme lengths to ensure their guests do not look forward to saying goodbye. I might add, for a very good reason.
Thank you, Stefan, Karin, Ruan, AD, Richard, Shelly, Cherie and the rest of the Makumu team. This was one of the best stays of our lives.
Hugh and Kasia
Poland

The most amazing experience of peaceful tranquility- hosts & staff were unbelievable ...food was delish. It’s true that you arrive as a guest and leave as family...I’d rate a 20/10 if I could!!!

We had the most incredible experience at Makumu! Top to bottom this lodge and staff are truly special, I cannot say enough to do the experience justice. The lodge itself is beautiful and lavishly decorated. The views are endless and breathtaking, which can be seen from everywhere on the resort (including our room). Rooms are spacious and luxurious. Food (and drinks) is plentiful and phenomenal! And dinners by the boma fire pit is spectacular. The staff is so kind and goes above and beyond to make it a special experience for you. Our game drives were next level, Makumu has a vast private expanse to traverse, being home to the big 5 and so much more. We could not have asked for a better game viewing experience (5 different leopards!) with extremely knowledgeable rangers showing us the incredible landscape and finding elusive game (Morne is awesome). If you're trying to choose which lodge for your safari experience, you cannot go wrong at Makumu, it is truly a special place.

With comfort and helpful staff, Makumu provides a singular experience to go deep in understanding our relationship with nature and with that great animals, supported by very experienced rangers and trackers. Immersing ourselfs in that atmosphere we have the chance to understand how magnificent is that environment. Great lessons. Thanks Makumu

This wonderful stylish lodge, beautiful suites, the location, outdoor activities and the lovely team exceeded all of our expectations!

From the warm welcome, to the exciting morning and evening game drives, cool aperos and coffee breaks in the bush, with super rangers that always had interesting facts and stories to tell, everything was just perfect! As close as you can get to nature!

We miss already the game drives, brunches in family, tasty afternoon teas and amazing dinners and conversations around the outdoors fireplace with our lovely hosts💖

Can’t wait to be back soon!

Karin & Stephan
Ella & Otto

This was one of the best stays of our lives. We felt like at home since our arrival when Stefan, the owner, picked us up at the airport and drove us through the park on the way to the lodge. We were welcomed by the Makumu staff who took care of every single detail to make our stay so amazing until our departure. We’ll definitely go back as soon as we can.

A 3 day visit to this beautifully appointed Private Game Reserve turned into an unforgettable experience of fascinating event filled game drives, luxurious accommodation set up on the hill with panoramic endless views; sights, sounds and smells of everything a visit to the bush should entail, and coupled with exquisite hospitality ensuring that your every wish will be accommodated. The roar of lions, the laugh of hyenas, the cackling of wild dogs, the trumpeting of elephants were but a few of the sounds and sights to be heard. The knowledge and sensitivity of the rangers, Matt and Morné, brought a reality to the experiences with their endless pursuit to present an authentic viewing of the world within the Klassiere Game region, and aided by their extraordinary tracker, Morris, who seemed to see things long before anyone else in the party. Our guides wives, Francé and Melissa, ensured hospitality that made you feel so totally at home, that by the end of every game drive you couldn’t wait to fall into the relaxing atmosphere they worked so beautifully to create. Exquisite cuisine, totally unexpected for a bush experience, simply added the cherry to this symphony of delights. Two of our party being vegans were suberbly catered for with imaginative and tasty alternatives, whilst the remainder of the group salivated over the choice of cheeses and meats on offer, exciting main courses and desserts, presented with delightful wines from the top shelf. Our hosts, Stefan and Karin, have gone to extreme lengths to ensure their guests do not look forward to their date of departure, only dreaming of how soon they can return. Makunu is a must for the discerning visitor looking for the ultimate game viewing experience whilst enjoying total luxury, friendliness and professionalism.
Jean-Pierre Pfeiffer and family