Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge
Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge lies in the Madikwe Game Reserve, its glass-fronted suites tucked amongst the trees that line the Marico River. With just eight suites, this small luxury lodge is known for personalised service, an award-winning wine list and fantastic cuisine. For a big game safari with a luxurious touch, honeymoon-perfect Sanctuary Makanyane ticks all the right boxes.
Madikwe is one of South Africa’s premier game-viewing destinations. Lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard are all here in abundance, as well as cheetah, giraffe and the endangered wild dog. While no sightings on safari are guaranteed, the Madikwe rangers work together which dramatically increases your chances of seeing all of the Big Five – along with other animals on your safari wishlist.
Days at Sanctuary Makanyane start early, but between drives, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the lodge’s peaceful surroundings. After breakfast, settle into a sun lounger alongside the rim-flow swimming pool, opt for a massage at the secluded bush spa, or head back to your beautiful suite.
Each suite is wonderfully private and has an outdoor lounge area and its own game viewing deck. We love the wrap-around glass walls that allow for spotting antelope and elephant, even while lazing in bed! You can also fold back the doors in the bathroom, and soak in your tub gazing out at the forest or rinse off in your outdoor shower (there’s an indoor shower too, if you prefer).
Food is another highlight of the Sanctuary Makanyane experience. There are plenty of delicious snacks, from afternoon tea to sundowner stops, but leave plenty of space for dinner which always includes a game option (warthog, ostrich and kudu are a few of the favourites). Finally, the more adventurous can spend a night on the lodge’s sleep-out deck, cuddled up together under a sky filled with stars.
