Makumu Private Game Lodge — Hotel in Bushbuckridge

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...

There are not many things in life that took my breath away. One for sure, is staying for three nights at this wonderful lodge in the heart of the Klaserie Nature Reserve. The place is just gorgeous. A wonderful array of villas (those are not just 6 rooms) bundled together in a unique atmosphere which gets even better when all of the 250 oil lamps are lit up at dusk. Everything that matters could be found at Makumu, from a luxurious in-suite bathroom to the astounding terrace which guarantees an endless view of the park and of the animals which happen to pass by. Game rides are just flawless under the wise directions of both the guide and the tracker. We were lucky enough to find most of the wildlife we were looking for and the amount of knowledge we learned is absolutely unparalleled. Every detail is taken care of in subtle, elegant fashion from the refreshening towel given to you while back from a ride to the hearthwarming service during a sundown "aperitivo" in the bush. Food is just what I would expect from a journey into the wild that resembles both the culture and the spirit of this land. Quality is great. The kitchen staff is there for you at all times. Everything you want or need is simply there when you want it and the warm welcome you get form the owners, which are pretty much always there for and with you, as well as the managing staff, is just effortless and unique. There was unfortunately only one sad occurance of our stay at Makumu: we had to come home. But we will be back. For sure. Thank You all, the owners, the managers and all of Makumu Family. It...

Wow - what an incredible experience. High quality accommodation of the level of Four Season and Ritz Carlton spiced with an outstanding service under a swiss/german management and topped with the personal assistance of the owners. I stayed in the Lodge for 3 nights togehter with my husband and 15 year old son. We stayed in the 2 bedroom&bathroom Zulu Suite which was absolutely incredible, very big and spacious with superb view to the bush with its animals passing by the window. The Rangers which went out with us were all lovely and the staff took excellent care of us. The food was homey and every day different, the available wine / drink list a nice touch. The main house invites the guest to stay togehter and talk about the happenings of the day, but is big enough to chill as well privately and just enjoy the incredible panoramas. The days pass so quickly with drives or walks into the bush in the morning and afternoon that time flew by very quickly and I actually would recommmend longer stays. The Wifi works very well which was important for all of us due to professional reasons. I although found the fact great that Makumu has no TV and candle lights only which gives a great shape for the overall experience. The perfect spot for guests looking for a unique, private and exclusive Safari...