Safaris & Activities

Game Drives

Conducted twice daily or as you prefer, in open safari vehicles (no roof) with an armed ranger and a tracker, normally conducted early morning and late afternoon to search for the more elusive and nocturnal animals by spotlight.

Tracking Big Game on Foot

“On foot, the pulse of Africa comes through your boot. You are an animal among others, chary of the shadowed places, of sudden quiet in the air” – Peter Matthiessen, The Tree Where Man Was Born  

Join our highly skilled guides on foot in the surroundings, from antelope to elephant and experience the ultimate feeling of being one with the African bushveld. A fresh footprint in the dust, the faint sound of a breaking branch, wet mud rubbed on a tree, the presence of birds or a sudden quiet in the air are all part of the tracking experience. The senses are heightened searching for clues, sounds or smell to indicate an animal is nearby. 

Please note:

  • Only persons over the age of 16 years will be allowed to participate in this activity. 
  • Guests must be able to understand and speak English for instruction from their guide. 
  • Guests will be allowed to participate in this activity at the discretion of their guide. 
  • Guests need to be fit and in good health. Guests over the age of 60, need to present a medical clearance certificate as proof of fitness to participate.

Photographic Bunker 

Looking for a different photographic perspective? Makumu's ground-level photographic bunker offers the opportunity to be at eye level with the water to take spectacular shots of wildlife visiting the watering hole. Nicknamed iThumbela, loosely translated meaning “place to hide” in the Shangaan language, this is the perfect vantage point for the perfect shot!

Hides

Spend quiet time in our hide overlooking the watering hole and watch as the wildlife come and go to quench their thirst in the hot African sun. For the more adventurous, the treehouse also provides guests with endless views of the Klaserie as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife from up high! 

Stargazing

Enjoy observing or imaging celestial objects in the sky at Makumu. Stargazing naturally occurs during game drives when we are out in the bush underneath the stars or during dinner at the boma. With little to no unnatural lighting at Makumu, guests are sure to experience the magnificent night sky...and if lucky, you might see a shooting star!

Optional additional experiences 

Eco Children Visit 

Visit a local NPO community initiative that Makumu actively supports. This activity includes a visit to an adopted school and seeing some projects in action, as well as a guided tour of the Eco Village, Library and more. Valid for stays of 4 nights or longer. 

Flying safaris

Enjoy a flying safari with Blyde River Canyon Scenic Flight or Microlights with Leading Edge Flight School

Get Active

Makumu offers guests basic exercise equipment for those who may miss their daily trip to the gym.

Massages

With stunning views and luxurious surroundings, a massage will provide guests with the ultimate relaxation.

Ultra Premier Wine Tasting

For exclusive use bookings, guests have the option of adding a private wine tasting experience to their itinerary.

Helicopter Flights at Makumu

Experience one of our panorama route sightseeing and adventure flights by helicopter. 

Makumu Bush Cinema

The Bush Cinema Experience at Makumu Private Game Lodge offers a perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and wildlife immersion. It's an ideal addition for those seeking a truly exceptional and exclusive getaway in the heart of nature.