All Hotels by Independent in Makalali Game Reserve - 2026 Updated Prices

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

10/10 Excellent

"This is an amazing property. The location on the river is beautiful, the design stunning. Lots of wildlife just around the Lodge itself, and then superb game drives as well. The staff were great as well."

Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit

8/10 Good

"Very nicely appointed rooms and a big walk in shower, separate from the tub. The main lobby was beautiful, restaurant is very nice. They also offer room service. There is also a nice spa on campus, but we did not have time to investigate. Breakfast was included, the hotel offers a lovely buffet. Also noticed after the fact, that I did not receive the 20% off a restaurant order offered through Expedia for Key members. I would stay here again."

MILIMA Big 5 Safari Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Mycket välskött lodge ned trevlig personal. Fantastisk mat. Bra safari med kunnig guide som hittade de bästa platserna. Bodde i ett av deras tält med bra dusch, toalett samt en skön säng. Finns en pool och utanför en vattendamm där man ser elefanter, zebror, buffel. Bara plus"

Cape Vulture Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"I should preface this review by saying that I am a professional wildlife photographer. I have stayed at dozens of safari lodges both, expensive high-end and ‘budget’ all over Southern and East Africa. The Cape Vulture Lodge, is exceptional! I simply cannot praise it enough. If you require accommodation in this part of South Africa, this is the place to stay! It is very close to the ‘Panorama Route Drive’ and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes, and a few large waterfalls. The location of the lodge is stunning, at the base of towering Drakensberg cliffs, complete with nesting ledges of the rare, endangered Cape Vulture. The individual ‘tents’ (more like canvas cabins on raised wooden platforms) are spotlessly clean and well appointed with large beds surrounded with mosquito nets, comfortable furniture, elegant bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. Antelope and giraffes often stroll by. The main building with the deck, lounge, bar and dining area, is contemporary safari style covered by a thatched roof. The staff, from the manager to the cleaners are all very friendly, polite and exceptionally helpful. Oh, the food! The lady chef is exceptional, frankly the very best in Africa! The meals are inventive, well presented and gourmet delicious, with all dietary restrictions catered for! Sustainability is part of their ethos, power is all solar. They grow their own vegetables. They offer a multitude of wildlife based activities."

Raptor Retreat Game Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Sharmaine, Kieth, and the entire team at Raptor Retreat have created the perfect sanctuary for anyone looking to escape work, phones, and the stresses of daily life. We stayed in the "Rhino" unit, and it was immaculate. The beds are comfortable, and the kitchen is fully equipped with everything you could possibly need—just bring your own food to cook/braai/bbq and drinks, and you’re completely set. We absolutely loved spending time on the patio, sitting by the splash pool and boma. It is a truly magical experience to watch the wildlife right from your own space, especially when elephants decide to pay a visit! A special shout-out to Constance, who runs the kitchen; she was phenomenal at accommodating our dietary requirements for breakfast and ensuring we were well taken care of. The warmth and friendliness of the entire staff really stand out. Out in the bush, Kieth and Anthony were expert game-drive guides. Over our five-day stay, we encountered an array of amazing wildlife, including four of the Big 5 (we’ll just have to come back to track down the buffalo!). If you’re ready to embrace a digital detox, you will have the greatest adventure at Raptor Retreat. This was our second visit, and we already can't wait for our third!"

Nyati Safari Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Wonderful!!!"

Tshukudu Game Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Simply wonderful! Game drives were excellent and well worth the early start, although if visiting in winter be sure to bring your cold weather gear. Accommodation excellent. Food great too (could be a bit warmer, though). Friendly staff and a very welcoming vibe."

Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Beautiful hotel with stunning rooms and real sense of luxury. The pool and grounds are so tranquil and calm and everything is immaculate The staff are attentive and professional and the setting is beautiful with giraffe and zebra roaming around - so lovely. The restaurant is gorgeous. The only tiny bit of feedback is that the restaurant staff got things a bit confused for us and forgot some of the food and got the courses mixed up so the children got their main courses while the adults were served the starter so then had to wait ages for their pudding while we had the rest of the meal, and the side orders of vegetables never materialised but overall we had a wonderful stay "

Karongwe - River Safari Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was exceptional! The room was beautiful and clean, every single staff member was so friendly and helpful! The facilities were great, the food was delicious and the safari was just amazing! "

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Our top choices for Makalali Game Reserve Independent

1. Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Top Makalali Game Reserve Hotel Reviews

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit

MILIMA Big 5 Safari Lodge

Cape Vulture Lodge

Raptor Retreat Game Lodge

Nyati Safari Lodge

Tshukudu Game Lodge

Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa

Karongwe - River Safari Lodge

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Search Hotels by Independent in Makalali Game Reserve

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Our top choices for Makalali Game Reserve Independent

1. Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Top Makalali Game Reserve Hotel Reviews

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Explore a world of travel with Expedia