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Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve

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

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • All inclusive
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
Limpopo, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 6191
  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
    ‪150 min drive‬
  • Jessica the Hippo
    ‪174 min drive‬
  • Blyde River Canyon
    ‪225 min drive‬
  • Hoedspruit (HDS)
    ‪174 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Main Lodge Superior Room

Main Lodge Superior Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, individually decorated

Main Lodge Superior Room

  • 409 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for River Lodge Thatched Suites

River Lodge Thatched Suites | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, individually decorated

River Lodge Thatched Suites

  • 549 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Hoedspruit

Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve places you 25 mi (40.3 km) from Boabab Tree at Leydsdorp. This 30-room, 3.5-star hotel welcomes guests with 4 outdoor pools, free breakfast, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Siyafunda Conservation - 28 min drive - 4.4 miles

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
Guests of Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve enjoy features like 4 outdoor pools, free WiFi in public areas, and a conference center. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle for a fee (available on request). The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with sightseeing, directions, and local dining recommendations. Other amenities at this all-inclusive hotel include coffee/tea in a common area, a library, and a terrace.
Guests can expect to find free wired internet. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and pillowtop beds with premium bedding ensure a restful night. Electric kettles, ceiling fans, and safes are other standard amenities.
4 outdoor swimming pools are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

Afrikaans, English

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) on request
  • Free covered self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck 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 (surcharge)
  • 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 center

Outdoors

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 2 floors
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Reception hall

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 available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

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

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 315 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 6 years of age.

These are all of the 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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-4:30 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available on request), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 7 AM to 5 PM.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.

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

Are there all-inclusive options at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve is an all-inclusive resort and rates come with all meals.

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

As of May 6, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve on May 16, 2025 start from $353.53, excluding 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 free cancellation available at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve provides free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

Will I be able to park at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Yes, covered self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Free RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Does Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve include a casino?

No, Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 4 outdoor pools. Guests have pool access between 7 AM and 5 PM.

Is Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve good for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including 4 outdoor pools and a bar plus some guestrooms feature fireplaces.

Does Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve serves free continental breakfast at Makalali Dining Hall each morning.

Does Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve.

Are there connecting rooms at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Yes, you can book connecting guestrooms at this hotel for your group or family vacation.

Where is the closest airport to Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

The closest major airport to Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve is Hoedspruit (HDS), which is about 26.7 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve?

Yes, every guestroom at Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve comes with a deck with some featuring garden views.

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

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 traveler

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

Traveled 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 traveler

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 traveler

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