Makumu sits at the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, a vast, unfenced wilderness of over 60,000 hectares that forms an integral part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Established to protect biodiversity and safeguard natural heritage, the Klaserie’s conservation ethos ensures wildlife — from elephants and lions to rhinoceros and rare bird species — can roam freely and thrive in their natural habitats. Its dedicated anti-poaching units, community education programmes, and habitat protection projects work hand-in-hand to sustain this land for future generations. At Makumu, conservation isn’t just a philosophy — it’s part of our daily life, guiding how we operate, how we host guests, and how we share this remarkable wilderness with the world. https://klaseriereserve.co.za/conservation/
Makumu Private Game Lodge supports Eco Children, a non-profit organisation that was initiated by the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve which focuses on hands-on environmental education and whole school development. Eco Children operates in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in South Africa, areas with some of the country’s most severe social and environmental issues.
Their aim is to sow seeds of change, empowering children by increasing their awareness of conservation; stimulating their desire to learn; improving their learning environment; improving the quality of their education; and providing opportunities for talented learners. By stimulating an interest in nature and improving learning environments, they strive to have a positive impact on environmental awareness and education amongst the youth in these areas, leading to better conservation and economic outcomes for South Africa.
Makumu Private Game Lodge has been a proud supporter of Eco Children for several years, and due to the increase in guest requests for community projects to visit during their stay, we have now added an Eco Children tour to our list of activities in the area. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to meet the team that is so passionate about this project, meet some of the teachers as well as the children and of course see the school itself. This really gives guests a great experience of the local community, get to know the incredible Eco Children team, and delve deep into this fantastic project. Please contact us for more information on this tour.
Visit their website www.ecochildren.co.za to find out more!
Sustainability at Makumu is a conscious, everyday practice shaped by life in the bush. The lodge is powered primarily by solar energy, with limited electricity use designed to reduce impact and encourage a more natural rhythm of living. Careful water conservation measures are in place throughout the lodge, ensuring this precious resource is used responsibly and respectfully.
Every aspect of Makumu’s operation is guided by an awareness of place — from how energy is consumed to how resources are managed. By aligning closely with the conservation values of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and working mindfully within the environment, Makumu is committed to protecting this landscape and preserving its wild character for generations to come.
Makumu proudly contributes to the protection of the wilderness through the payment of conservation levies to the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. These levies play a vital role in supporting ongoing conservation efforts, including antipoaching initiatives, wildlife monitoring, habitat management, and reserve security. By contributing directly to these programmes, Makumu helps ensure that the land, its wildlife, and the greater ecosystem are actively protected. Every stay at Makumu therefore supports the longterm preservation of this remarkable wilderness, allowing future generations to experience the Klaserie as it was meant to be — wild, thriving, and free
