Makuwa Safari Lodge
  • Lodge
  • Mbabat
  • 9.7/10

Makuwa Safari Lodge

Comfortable Accommodations: Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat offers family rooms with private bathrooms, garden views, and free toiletries. Each room includes a wardrobe, bath, and walk-in shower. Exceptional Facilities: Guests enjoy a year-round outdoor swimming pool, terrace, and garden. The lodge features a restaurant, bar, and outdoor seating area. Additional amenities include an outdoor fireplace and free on-site parking. Dining Experience: The restaurant serves vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free meals. Outdoor seating areas provide relaxing spaces. Nearby Attractions: Orpen Gate is 39 km away, Blyde River Canyon 42 km, Drakensig Golf Club and Kinyonga Reptile Centre each 44 km distant.

  • Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.5)
  • Free parking available on-site

Kids

Children of any age are welcome.

Dogs

Pets are not allowed.

Address

R531 Orpen Gate, 1108 Mbabat, South Africa, Mbabat, South Africa

Facilities

Outdoor swimming pool Non-smoking rooms Free parking Restaurant Family rooms Bar Breakfast

Gallery

a swimming pool with lights in the grass at Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat
a table with plates and glasses on top at Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat
a table with a plate of food on a table at Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat
a porch with two wicker chairs and a table at Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat
a group of chairs sitting around a circle with lights at Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat
a table with food on it with people in the background at Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat
a bedroom with a white bed with a canopy at Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat
a pavilion with a table and chairs on a patio at Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat
a bedroom with two sinks and a large window at Makuwa Safari Lodge in Mbabat

Reviews

Simone 10/10
Italy ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

An unforgettable stay in the bush with an incredible team, outstanding food, and a genuine passion for wildlife.

Pros: Our stay at Makuwa was truly the highlight of our time in South Africa. Spending time in the bush, surrounded by such incredible nature, was simply unforgettable. The entire staff is fantastic and made us feel welcome from the very first moment. A special mention goes to Simone and Simon, whose kindness, professionalism and genuine care made the experience even more memorable. The food was also outstanding. Everything felt genuine, homemade and thoughtfully prepared, with great attention to detail and to every need, even the safari โ€œto-goโ€ meals were delicious and perfectly planned. What impressed us the most, however, was the deep passion, knowledge and respect for wildlife that the whole team shares. Itโ€™s inspiring to see people so dedicated to protecting and understanding the natural world. Something we could all learn from. Thank you for such a special stay. We will carry these memories with us for a long time.

Chantal 10/10
United Kingdom ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

Fantastic lodge, people and location

Pros: The hostess Simone and her husband and team were fantastic hosts, very attentive and super friendly and helpful. They made us feel like friends, part of the family, sharing their knowledge to give us the best experience. The lodge is immaculate and the food is amazing. We loved all the safaris and excursions on offer. I highly recommend!

Ram 9/10
Netherlands ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ

A wonderful stay in a unique location with a personal touch.

Pros: The food was amazing as Simona is a wonderful chef! The staff was knowledgable and kind. The room was spacious and charming, we felt very fortunate to stay there. They had great suggestions and took very good care of us.

Cons: We liked everything ; )

Alinda 10/10
Germany ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช

Exzeptional stay

Pros: Truly the best hosts of our entire trip! You can approach them with any request and they help immediately โ€” incredibly kind, attentive, and helpful. We felt very welcome and well taken care of from the very first moment. The food was absolutely delicious โ€” every meal was a highlight! The quality and attention to detail were exceptional. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely come back. Highly recommended!

Cons: An AC and wifi could have been helpful:)

Trudy 8/10
South Africa ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

Fantastic getaway at Makuwa!

Pros: Loved the hosts - Simone & Mornay. The food was exceptional. Service on a level that other resorts in this category should aim for. Big, spacious rooms and patios.

Cons: No aircon, especially during the hot summer months, made some of the nights very uncomfortable. No coffee making facilities in the rooms. Inclusion of these two things, in my mind, would elevate the standard of this lodge significantly.

Thomas 10/10
Germany ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช

Pros: Makuwa Lodge is really a gem. Very close to Orpen gate and easy to reach. The hosts Simone and Morne are really wonderful warm people. From the first minute we felt at home. To exchange and learn from Mornes knowledge of nature is great. And also I heard it was mentioned very often, Simone just prepares the best food I have ever had in a lodge. We really enjoyed every second. Very difficult to leave but will be back!

Cons: Nothing. Its just a perfect place!

Sharron 8/10
South Africa ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

We had a wonderful weekend. Our hosts were amazing. Simone and Morne, made us feel very welcome.

Pros: All our meals were exceptionally delicious. Simone is a great cook. Breakfast a dinner were really delicious. It was my son 21st birthday and Simone baked a delicious birthday cake! It was so wonderful.

Cons: There is one issue that I had, The rooms were not cleaned, beds were not made up and the towels were not replaced after our first night.

Dominik 10/10
Germany ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช

Coming home in the African bush ๐Ÿฆ

Pros: Coming home in the African bush โ€” thatโ€™s exactly how we felt at Makuwa Safari Lodge. Simone, Mornรฉ and their wonderful team welcomed us with such warmth that every moment felt special. They go above and beyond in everything they do, making our stay truly unforgettable. From the lovingly prepared meals to the perfectly organised guided safaris and the cosy, peaceful accommodation โ€” every single detail is cared for with so much heart and attention.

Cons: Nothing at all.

Florian 10/10
Germany ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช

Pros: Our host was fantastic! She was super caring and gave everything to make us feel home

Timm 9/10
United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

All good

Pros: Great staff; nice reception; good view and grounds; wonderful dinner and breakfast; quiet,

Cons: Need good directions to get there, but host supplied them

Nearby Lodges

Shimungwe Lodge
Shimungwe Lodge
Lodge
3.7 km
Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane
Lodge
4.5 km
Lion Tree Top Lodge
Lion Tree Top Lodge
Lodge
4.6 km
Franks Bush Camp
Franks Bush Camp
Lodge
5.7 km
Sunbirds Oasis Lodge
Sunbirds Oasis Lodge
Lodge
6.1 km

Price map of nearby hotels

More Accommodation

La Serenita @ Migdash
La Serenita @ Migdash
Guest house
Hartbeespoort
Kremetart Villa
Kremetart Villa
Guest house
Alldays
Marty's Rest
Marty's Rest
Apartment
Marloth Park

Restaurant

Restaurant #1

Explore by destination