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Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve

3.5 star property
All-inclusive hotel with 4 outdoor pools and free breakfast

Photo gallery for Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve

4 outdoor pools, open 7 AM to 5 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Lounge
Gift shop
River Lodge Thatched Suites | View from room

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • All-inclusive
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$738
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb

Explore the area

Map
Limpopo, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 6191
  • Siyafunda Conservation
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Makalali Game Reserve
    ‪67 min drive‬
  • Karongwe Private Game Reserve
    ‪175 min drive‬
  • Hoedspruit (HDS)
    ‪174 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Main Lodge Superior Room

Main Lodge Superior Room

Main Lodge Superior Room

Highlights

Deck/patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Pillow-top bed
Premium bedding
  • 38 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Single Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for River Lodge Thatched Suites

River Lodge Thatched Suites

River Lodge Thatched Suites

Highlights

Deck/patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Blackout curtains
  • 51 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Single Beds OR 1 King Bed

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includes taxes & fees
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About the area

Hoedspruit

An all-inclusive stay in Hoedspruit awaits you at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve. You'll be 16.7 km (10.4 mi) from Makalali Game Reserve and 38.5 km (23.9 mi) from Selati Game Reserve. Highlights at this family-friendly hotel include 4 outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant and free continental breakfast. .The restaurant, Makalali Dining Hall, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the hotel's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Enjoy the pool loungers along with access to ecotours and a safari. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a free manager's reception and a conference centre. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights in the vicinity of this 3.5-property class Hoedspruit hotel include Lourene Game Farm and Blyde Olifants Conservancy.

What's nearby

  • Siyafunda Conservation - 28 min drive
  • Makalali Game Reserve - 67 min drive
  • Selati Game Reserve - 118 min drive

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 174 min drive

About this property

Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve

All-inclusive hotel with 4 outdoor pools and free breakfast
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve is an all-inclusive hotel. Room rates include meals and beverages at on-site restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve offers its guests 4 outdoor swimming pools. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily, and guests can also enjoy a free manager's reception. Public spaces have free WiFi and wired Internet.

A library, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at the family-friendly Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Hoedspruit hotel.

  • 30 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Conference centre
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve offers 30 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and a hairdryer. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. This Hoedspruit hotel provides complimentary wired Internet access.

Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower and complimentary toiletries. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include a ceiling fan and blackout curtains. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

Languages

Afrikaans, English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) on request
  • Free covered self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Free manager's reception (select days)

Restaurants on site

  • Makalali Dining Hall

Things to do

  • 4 outdoor pools
  • Ecotours
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Library
  • Safari

Family friendly

  • 4 outdoor pools
  • In-room babysitting
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Conference centre

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a provincial park
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No lift

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 4:30 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: ZAR315 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 6 years of age.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7 AM to 5 PM
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Makalali Game
Makalali Private Game Reserve Hoedspruit
Makalali Private Game Reserve Lodge Hoedspruit
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve Hotel
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve Hoedspruit
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve All Inclusive
Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve Hotel Hoedspruit

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

As of 23 Feb 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve on 24 Feb 2025 start from AU$684.52, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Yep, Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve has a free self car park and free RV/bus/truck parking.

Does Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve have a pool?

Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve has 4 outdoor swimming pools. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella. The pool is open 7 AM to 5 PM.

What makes Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus pillowtop beds in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve.

Is Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as babysitting services and 4 outdoor pools, as well as childcare services in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve is a hit with families.

Does Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve serve breakfast?

Sure does, complimentary continental breakfast is available daily from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

No, but there's an airport shuttle on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Zaheer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent for big 5
Excellent for bush lovers
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tumelo

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great new hotel - super rooms
We spent a long weekend at this reserve - two adults and a teen. The hotel was lovely - new rooms and well-designed open, communal spaces. We booked two rooms and it was a bonus that they could be made to be interleading. The hotel rooms are exactly that - hotel rooms - and maybe lacking some of the charm of free-standing lodge units but very comfortable and well-appointed. The guide and tracker were friendly and knowledgeable and we enjoyed our game drives. It was great to be able to go off-road to get closer to rhino and cheetah. Whilst this is a big 5 reserve, you do travel the same roads quite a bit but the guide made an effort to vary things up on each drive and to go look for specific animals. The food was nice - and not as "conference-like" as the bigger Ivory Tree Aha resort - but not knock-your-socks-off amazing. The downside of a smaller lodge is slightly less variety and choice - but to me still better than endless buffets. Aha is running some specials where kids stay free. What this meant was that over the long weekend there were lots of noisy children in the pool and running around at the boma dinner. The hotel manager did make a plan for us to go to the quieter pool at the nearby smaller lodge which was very kind of her. Unfortunately though listening to a child play a loud game on a phone all the way through the boma dinner compromised the "peace of the bush" experience. Overall - we would go again. We had a great stay and thought it was good value.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Antony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel and game park, not so good food
Overall the stay was excellent based on the accommodation and the rangers taking us to see the most amazing array of wild animals. The only downside were the quality of the food and too many over attentive waiters and waitresses who must learn to be not so keen to remove your drink or plate, especially when you or your dining partner are still eating!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Brooke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best customer service
The customer service was absolutely above and beyond. You are treated like family. Room and lodge area is absolutely beautiful and the food was amazing. I will definitely book at Makalali again for my next visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Safarimazing
We had an amazing stay, all the staff were extremely friendly and it was amazing to be living in the bush with all of the luxury conveniences in a very clean and organised lodge. Shout out to Lovedeliah (camp host), Stanley (game drive tracker), and Louise (game drive guide). The wifi was very weak around the property but you're in the bush so it was ok to be off the grid for a few days!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mariana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful place to stay
Beautiful facilities, super comfortable room, great staff, food was ok but not a highlight. We got to see most animals from very up close on the safari however most of the time we are just driving thru the bushes, I can’t compare to other areas but I guess it’s normal. Only weird thing is paying a lot for an all inclusive resort and having to pay separately for water :/
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

4/10 Poor

Ralph M, Pretoria

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It has seen its days ... but they are over!
We are repeat guests that will not come back again. The offerings of activities beside game Drives i s zero, food is good prepared but basic (Pap and Chicken and Wors) Far to expensive for what is offered, there is not even a mini bar, the shampoo stinks and the whole lodge has been due for maintennance for more than five years.

10/10 Excellent

Joseph, Albuquerque

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best reserve
A+ Great property, great service

10/10 Excellent

Giuseppa, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A little slice of heaven
Though getting to Makalali is a little tricky, once you get there - it's wonderful. Gorgeous rooms, beautiful views and surroundings, great game drives every day and plenty of food and drink. The staff look after you very well, the rooms have everything you need to relax and enjoy yourself. I had a fantastic stay - saw some amazing animals really up close - and relaxed in a wonderful and peaceful place.

10/10 Excellent

Dave, Seattle, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Superb African experience staying at the lodge
I stayed this November for a few days at the Makalali Game Reserve/Lodge. Everything from start to finish I enjoyed fully. From check in by Caroline to Ranger Lawrence was flawless including viewing all of the animals. The separate rooms are in their own buildings along the side of a dry river bed and allow you to view out from you room, front deck or outdoor shower. You walk along a path to where breakfast/lunch are served in African style. I weather permits you are fed dinner outside in a group setting under the stars. If you have Ranger Lawrence for your guide (he has 20 years of experience) sometime along the safari ask him to give you a "Lawrence African Tale"

8/10 Good

Wai, Hong Kong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Dedicated rangers
Really nice private safari experience. Rangers worked hard to track down the animals and get really right up close.

8/10 Good

Kfran, F

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Experience!
Over all experience was excellent! Location of the lodge is in the middle of the jungle without fence, you can see animals like Elephant or Impalas walking pass your room. It was a great experience! The location, room, game drives and the staff are the main points of the lodge. Only few flaws. I wish there is more vareity on the food, dining areas should have separate tables in case guest would like to dine separated from other guests and when it says 'all inclusive' the staff should inform the guests what are chargeable and what are not so you dont get surprised when you check out. All in all, we had a fantastic time.

8/10 Good

Fred, Dubai, UAE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room with and African view
The lodge accommodation and room layout is fantastic with a beautiful large and very comfortable bed with a fantastic view out of a floor to roof window and a wonderful fire in the room. The outdoor shower was a great way to wake up. The staff is very accommodating and friendly and unobtrusive. The food had many good ideas and the dinning areas are beautiful while the service was more than satisfactory, but I do think that they could have done better when it comes to the taste. It was almost as if the preparation was rushed. The game drives are really good and the guides are very knowledgeable, but i would have liked a bit more attention to the smaller things like birds, reptiles and insects and maybe a bit of time by a watering hole instead of the constant drive to see the big 5.

10/10 Excellent

amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Incrível , a acomodação é mto boa , quarto amplo , chuveiro incrível. Alimentação boa , e game drive inclusos incrível, com saída as 6:00am e as 4:00pm , com destaque a Isaac e butter os rangers, incríveis ….. Muito satisfeito e retornaria ao local com certeza.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Mert

Liked: Cleanliness
Bad Food and incompetent rangers
Food is much below expectations. Most of the meat served was undercooked including chicken. Service Staff is incompetent as many places in South Africa. We have ordered wine one night and waitress just dropped the bottle in out table and left without opening and serving. Then we had to call another waitress to serve it. You need to tell everything and common sense was missing. English of the ranger for the game drives was not perfect and he was not really talkative or giving information unless asked, he was more like , yeah here is an impala but no information. Also to many questions that we have asked, the answer was “I don’t know”. I think it is worth to stretch the budget a bit more to stay in somewhere nicer.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
非常に洗練された綺麗なホテルで、シャワーやクーラーなどの設備もかなり良かったです。また、宿泊費に含まれている食事もおいしかったし、ゲームドライブも非常に楽しかったです。
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Rennan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Tivemos de trocar as datas da nossa viagem devido à pandemia do Covid-19 e fomos muito bem instruidos e atendidos pela gerente de reservas. Esperamos pela estadia em Novembro.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Lugar incrível ! Estrutura do hotel impecável, funcionários super atenciosos e simpáticos !! Vimos vários animais em casa Safari, inclusive um grupo de leões caçando GNUS! Carros do Safari com cobertor e capa de chuva ( precisamos !) e com guias muito bem informados !
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Raphaël

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Rangers very good. Place and location very good. Food: not good . Very average and always the same. A shame...
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
un séjour inoubliable
magnifique hébergement ,personnel aux petits soins,repas variés et de bonne qualité,des safaris extras bref rien à dire! sans oublier l'apéro en fin de safari du soir en pleine brousse et le café lors de celui du matin! le plus dur est d'arriver (et d'en repartir!)car la piste est ravinée mais après c'est que du bonheur!
notre chambre avec douche intérieure et extérieure
1er safari
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

THIAGO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Monica E

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excelente experiencia
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019