Makweti Safari Lodge  Verified Listing

The place is amazing for a perfect gateway, no Wi-Fi, no connection, just you in the middle of the nature.
Great to be surrounded by animals and wildlife with professional rangers who share their knowledge with you.

We were so fortunate and privileged to celebrate our daughter's 21st at Makweti last week (23 to 27 September 2020). Neil, Jessica and their attentive team headed by Charlotte and Colin, welcomed us back with warm smiles - (we have visited several times as a family after we fell in love with Makweti about 20 years ago). Makweti holds many special memories we have enjoyed with our extended family.

After entering the main gate, we parked and were immediately approached by Colin, our Ranger, who would be spending the most time with us during our stay. What a delightful man, with so much experience about the game reserve, as well as a a huge appreciation and respect for the balance of nature. Colin was very attentive and always in good spirits - a real asset to the Lodge!

Upon arrival at the lodge, we had time to quickly freshen up before Chef Philip and his able kitchen staff wowed us with a most delicious lunch! On our first evening, we were further spoilt with the tastiest and most tender Springbok, cooked to perfection! To end off this splendid meal, Philip had baked a delicious chocolate cake for Amy and the staff all came out to sing to her and congratulate her on turning 21!.

We had incredible and close sightings of Lions several times, a Cheetah with her young cubs twice (one day, lounging about in the African sun, and the next day, consuming her fresh Ostrich kill), A large herd of Elephant walked casually along the road towards our vehicle and passed within 2 metres alongside us. We felt safe, trusting Colin to assess their behaviour, which he was very in tune with. Another very meaningful and unforgettable experience, was that of a lone elephant paying his respects to the carcass of a fallen friend. There wasn't a dry eye on our vehicle as the grieving elephant, after leaning his head on a tree for 5 minutes, turned to his friend and ever so gently touched his deceased friend with his trunk, before moving on. A farewell?

We had 3 different Lion sightings. All excellent visuals. Our daughter called out "Lion!" Where?? Right below her, practically touching the vehicle, was a male following the two female lion we had just seen 5 minutes earlier. We also saw many Rhino. We had the privilege of witnessing some special interactions between them. One of our highlights was that of a Rhino with her very young baby. This little fellow (all of two months old), would play with his mom and then turn to us and do little "mock" charges to scare off our vehicle. It was priceless!

We had excellent visuals of a large Buffalo herd. (My least favourite of the big 5, to risk sounding ignorant and unappreciative). However, if you love buffalo - they are there!!

Four nights flew by and before we knew it, it was time to say "bye". Sadly, despite our efforts, the Leopard did not want to "play," however that gives us a goal to chase next time we return!

Makweti has become a place for our family to come together for special celebrations. A lodge where any animal may pop up at any time. A place where memories have been made and will continue to be made. As South Africans, we have been to many lodges, seen many animals, tasted fine cuisine. However we have an affinity with Makweti which remains untouched.

There has never been a trip where our expectations have not been met or exceeded. Thank you, Neil, Jessica, Charlotte, Colin and team! May I be cheeky and especially thank Colin and Philip as our two most instrumental folk on this trip? Game to be viewed can be credited to Colin. Game to be eaten? Philip wins that prize!

The naturally thin members of the family jumped on the scale at home. To my surprise, they had remained the same weight. I however, refuse to step on that dastardly scale!! Let my love of the delicious food at Makweti remain between me and Makweti!
Thank you once again for excelling! Thanks for Amy's 21st gift from Makweti! she loves her bag! Family Barnhoorn will be back!! xxx

A mere three hours north of Johannesburg, in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains and the Welgevonden Game preserve lies a treasure - the Makweti Lodge. With attention to every detail, guests are made to feel both special and part of the family. The careful game management in the preserve and the very knowledgeable guides ensures the optimal chance of experiencing the iconic game species of Africa, as well as the common plains game. Watching a family of cheetahs chase wildebeest for an hour was one highlight of our recent visit to South Africa. The luxurious accommodations are carefully decorated with the best of African art and artifacts. The attentive staff, gourmet meals and wines further enhance the experience of a romantic Africa of a bygone era, but with the comforts and amenities of today. Each secluded chalet is a private sanctuary in which one can reflect on the beauty of the land, its flora and its fauna. As children we always made the long trek to the Kruger National Park to catch fleeting glimpses of animals, while trying to avoid the crowds. Places like Makweti did not exit then, where one can see game ‘up close and personal’. South Africa now has many private reserves, but I doubt that many could surpass Makweti, for it landscape, the game, the accommodations, the food and especially its people.

This was the trip of a lifetime. Neil was so knowledgeable and patient and warm. Ellard and Jessica could not have been more helpful and hospitable. Every second of every safari outing was exciting. Makweti itself is all about casual elegance. Every detail is considered. The food was 5 star. We went to celebrate the twins’ college graduation. It was unforgettable.

The personal attention we received from the staff was incredible. We knew all them personally by the time we left. The safari time and exposure to animals was far beyond what I expected, and our guide was completely knowledgeable and in firm control the entire time.