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Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park - Pilanesberg, South Africa
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Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park

5-15 Keys5 Bedrooms10 Guests3 BathsView Amenities

Description

Safari Lodge in Big 5 National Park

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Pilanesberg National Park (Black Rhino Private Game Reserve section), Makanyane Lodge stands as a delightful family-inspired game lodge offering an unforgettable vacation experience. Built in December 2020, this 5-bedroom property, bathed in the beauty of Pilanesberg, South Africa, is powered by solar energy, harvested rainwater, featuring gas hot water geysers for sustainability.

Accommodating up to 10 guests, the lodge boasts two Family Suites, each equipped with two interleading rooms with a king-size bed and two singles, complemented by an en-suite bathroom featuring an outdoor shower, indoor shower, bath, toilet, and double vanity. The third Standard Suite, with a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, is ideal for two guests. All bedrooms are elegantly furnished with linens and towels provided.

The well-appointed kitchen includes modern amenities such as a fridge-freezer, microwave, oven, gas stove, toaster, coffee machine, and ample cutlery and crockery. The living area, with a fireplace and comfortable seating, opens onto the garden through glass sliding doors. A TV room, complete with DStv and a sleeper couch, ensures entertainment, while a bar with an ice machine and bar fridge adds a touch of luxury. The laundry room provides a washing machine, tumble dryer, and ironing facilities.

Guests can revel in free Wi-Fi, secure covered parking for four vehicles, and outdoor delights like a swimming pool, covered patio with seating, boma, and a braai area with a pizza oven. The game lodge's expansive 1-hectare lot features a dedicated ranger and game viewer vehicle for exclusive private drives, a zip line, and a children's garden.

Managed by a dedicated ranger/manager, Makanyane Lodge offers exclusive use of the gameviewer for an immersive safari experience. The Main Lodge, housing the main living area, is attached, while two family suites and an additional honeymoon suite provide comfort and privacy.

The lodge's prime location allows for: a quick 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, 30minute drive to access Sun City Casino resort with its two renowned golf courses, explore a big 5 walking safari, indulge in mobile spa treatments at the lodge, and bask in the tranquility of this unique and enchanting retreat.


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Property Amenities

No Pets Allowed | Not Handicap Accessible

Entertainment
40"+ TV
Multiple TVs
Satellite/Cable TV
Streaming Service(s)
Facilities
Bar
Steam Shower
Home security
Staffed Guard Gate
Location features
Laundry Service
Other
Air Conditioning
Coffee Maker
Covered Parking
Crib
Espresso Machine
Fireplace
Washer & Dryer
Wireless Internet
Outdoor
Firepit
Outdoor Grill
Outdoor Lounge
Outdoor Pool



Property Details

Size

Villa with 2 Levels
5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 5650 square feet, 525 square meters

Bedrooms

King, King, King, 2x Full, and 2x Full
10 Guests maximum

Additional Sleeping Options

Double fold out sleeper couch in TV room

Nearest airport

OR Tambo International (JHB) and/or Pilanesberg International Airport
Commercial Flights into OR Tambo International (JHB) and private jets into Pilanesberg International Airport

Additional Fees

The lodge has a R337 (circa $19 USD) per person per night cost which covers park fees, conservation levy, daily cleaning service, etc.

Activities of Interest

  • Golf
  • Hike
  • Gaming
  • Safari Rides
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hot Air Ballooning
  • Spa Treatments

Places of Interest

  • Pilanesberg National Park — Big game reserve with more than 7000 animals & accommodation from bush camping to luxury lodges
  • Valley of Waves — Water park with a lazy river & thrill slides, plus a wave pool & children's area with lifeguards
  • Sun City Resort — Offering world renowned golf courses Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Club, thrilling entertainment, and an array of recreational activities set against a stunning backdrop
  • Black Rhino Game Reserve




Reviews

Meghann and Friedel S.

August 2025

Bucket-list Safari Experience at Makayane

This was our first trip to South Africa and Makanyane was the perfect homebase for the safari portion of our trip. The property is beautiful with lush landscaping, beautiful rustic luxury furnishings, comfortable guest rooms, and more than enough space for our family of 4. We brought our 2 children (ages 10 and 8 years) and they loved the zipline and fire pit (boma). Since it was winter, we were not able to use the pool as it wasn't heated. There are ample games for children included in the house as well. Our children slept in one of the separate suites and felt very safe even though their room was not attached and only accessible to our suite and the main house by open walkway. Hannes, the guide and house manager, is an absolute gem and we enjoyed a morning and evening game drive with him everyday. He always went above and beyond to accommodate our family and brought hot coffee and hot chocolate on each mornings drive to enjoy. By the end of our stay at Makanyane it was as if Hannes was part of the family and our children especially adored spending time with him. We saw ample game on every drive including 4 of the Big 5 - Rhinos, Buffalo, Elephants, and Lions. The Leopard was the only to remained aloof after 3-days attempt so this only means we must return to Africa again! Since the lodge is self-catering, we were able to control when we went out on game drives and it was so lovely not to have other groups of people to work around for scheduling. We brought breakfast with us on the drives each morning and prepared everything from cereals to full hot breakfasts picnic-style in the bush. It was truly an experience! The nearest full grocery store is only ~20 minutes away close to Sun City and we were able to get everything we needed easily for our stay. The booking manager/guest coordinator, Marc, was very helpful in making reservations for golf at Sun City and organizing a local chef to come to the lodge to prepare authentic African dishes. Truly, the entire house staff, from Happy (maintenance) to Sabi (housekeeper) were just fantastic! We sincerely hope to return to Makanyane again in the near future!”