Family-Owned and Run Private Game Reserve
Family-Run Since the 1970s
Near Kruger National Park
Surrounded by Nature
Welcome To Makutsi Safari Springs
Makutsi Safari Springs is a private, family-run game reserve offering an authentic South Africa safari experience. We’re set in the heart of the UNESCO Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, near Hoedspruit in South Africa’s Limpopo province — between the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. Here, surrounded by wildlife and natural mineral springs, you’ll find a little African paradise, away from home.
We offer 1-week packages and longer, including private accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, safaris in open Game Viewers, and excursions to some of South Africa’s most spectacular landmarks. English-speaking Nature Guides accompany you on all safaris and excursions.
Where You'll Stay
Main Camp
Thatched rondavels set among tropical gardens, natural mineral spring pools, and the sounds of the African bush on your private terrace.
Tented Camp
Four comfortable safari tents perched on rocky koppies, with sweeping views across the lowveld. The base for Makutsi’s walking safaris.
Safaris & Experiences
Makutsi covers thousands of hectares of African bushveld, explored on open Game Viewer game drives. Our guides are trained to focus on all aspects of nature — from the Big Five to birds, insects, tracks, and the stories the bush has to tell.
As a private reserve, only experienced and qualified guides drive on the property — ensuring professional, respectful wildlife encounters. No more than two vehicles are ever with any animal at once, giving wildlife space and guests the unhurried, intimate sightings that make Makutsi special.
Surrounding Makutsi are many beautiful and famous landmarks, including the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. Day excursions to these destinations are conducted in comfortable minibuses with opening windows — a personal and relaxed way to explore more of South Africa, and a great opportunity for guests and guides to get to know each other along the way.
Open Game Viewer Game Drives
Walking Safaris
Blyde River Canyon Excursion
Daily Breakfast & Dinner Included
Mineral Springs
The gold of Makutsi is our water. Warm mineral spring water emerges naturally from the earth at around 34°C, flowing directly into our outdoor 33-metre pool and indoor Roman Bath. The same water — cooled and aired in storage reservoirs — feeds every rondavel, straight to your shower and tap. Completely natural and unlike anything you will find at most safari lodges.




What Our Guests Say
EXCELLENT Based on 352 reviews Posted on Tripadvisor Pia BVerified A Wonderful Advevture What a truly spectacular six days we had at this fabulous place. The sense of community among the 40 guests was wonderful, while the thoughtful design of the site also meant there was plenty of opportunity to find your own space and enjoy some quiet time within the beautiful grounds or your gorgeous Rondavel. All the staff and guides were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. And the safaris were simply amazing—we saw so many animals, and that’s not even counting the ones wandering around the camp! From the early morning adventures through to our fabulous dinners, every day was filled with wonderful experiences. The pools were an added bonus too! Great value indeed.Posted on Tripadvisor warrencorbett1Verified Wonderful, well priced, immersive, family friendly experience I visited Makutsi in July 2026 with my wife and son, and we did the one-week package. From the moment we arrived and received our welcome drink, we felt very comfortable. Our family rondavel was roomy, comfortable, clean, and well appointed. We had a very relaxing time, because the staff organised everything for us, and kept us well informed in advance of the game drives. All the staff were friendly and helpful, and some even gave us hugs when we left! It felt like we had been staying with family and friends. The guides were all very knowledgeable and we got to know them by doing all the safari drives. We got to see the big five, including two leopards. The kitchen and housekeeping staff were always helpful, and the food was varied and very tasty. We loved the homemade bread every morning, and the kitchen staff asking us how we would like our eggs cooked. We really enjoyed the communal meals, where we could catch up with the other guests, and share safari stories. We thought Makutsi was great value for money, and a real immersive experience where you got to see lots of animals and got to know the hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Makutsi, and voted it as the highlight of our whole African trip. We will be telling Makutsi stories for many years to come. Thanks so much for having us!Posted on Tripadvisor Elaine MVerified Life at makutsi Love it at makutsi. The atmosphere, people, staff etc cannot fault. I went again in May and it was my fourth time. This trip wasme and my daughter. She has been once and loved it as much as me so we decided to have a girlie 2 weeks. My first time at makutsi the only way I could describe it is it’s like adult fairyland . Once again we had an amazing time. Love just how peaceful it is and also how wildlife can just wander onto the property. Looking forward to many more stays at makutsi. Keep up the great workPosted on Tripadvisor Jenny SVerified As the 4 Safari Sisters from downunder we loved every minute at Makutsi Absolutely fabulous 6 night stay from the warm welcome and safety orientation by Anke to the fond farewell by Karin, Jesco and Anke. You must go. Unmissable. We saw and learnt so much more about South Africa than we thought possible. The Guides were outstanding. Thanks Jesco, Giddy and Scott. Wildlife everywhere. We have returned home very much smarter than when we left! The large Family Rondavel was excellent. We loved the swimming pool, Roman Bath, Hippo Hide and Library. Thank you to all the always cheerful and willing support and service staff. Our close encounter with the leopard is forever emblazoned on our memory ; as is the encounter with the lion pride that walked closely around our vehicle. Every game drive was an adventure We loved them. I saw my African Spirit animal the Giraffe many times. My soul was filled.Posted on Tripadvisor GeorgeVerified Wonderful experience We really enjoyed our 8 day at Makutsi. Staff were friendly & the guides were excellent, especially Rob. Accomodation was roomy & clean. Food was delicious though limited choice. Safari guides were great. Plenty of wild animals to see. Makutsi only accept a max of about 40 guests, so was easy to make new friends with other guests. Many different safari rides. Tented camp was fun & challenging.Posted on Tripadvisor Sheryl BVerified African safari camp We had a most satisfying stay at Matkutsi Springs. The rondaval was a wonderful experience and very well equipped. Although a hair dryer would have been handy. Well organised daily safaris meant that we were able to see the big 5 and some wonderful scenery. The guides were very experienced and mindful of our safety at all times. The food was varied and guests were called to dinner with the playing of two large drums. Magic!Posted on Tripadvisor Resort60313222894Verified Animals Animals Animals We spent 7 days here and it was amazing. 5 star animal viewing, very friendly with homestyle meals. Saw all big 5 with a leopard and cubs a highlight. Animals wandering through camp pretty exciting too. Would recommend Makutsi to anyone wanting a real safari experiencePosted on Tripadvisor alison mVerified Trip of a Lifetime Ive have been meaning to write this review for ages. I just want to say this was a life highlight for me. I had wanted to go on safari since I was about 8 years old. Finally at 60 I managed to do it. From the moment we arrived we had so many pinch me moments. We were lucky to see a pride of lions kill a zebra. I particularly wanted to see a Leopard in a tree and I did! The guides with one exception were friendly , knowledgable and you could tell they loved their job. Our accommodation was fabulous, so much room. The shower was great too. On our first night we heard Lions. For us it was very exciting. The food was great, we loved the fresh bread everyday. The breakfast was always fresh and plentiful. We enjoyed the communal dining experience, we met alot of people. All the staff from housekeeping, reception, bar staff and the guides were just amazing. The day trip to Kruger National Park was great but would have been better in an open vehicle once we got there, if you are into photography it was tricky to get photos. Blyde Canyon was pretty but it would be better as a half day trip. We would love to go back and revisit Makutsi. The staff are soo great, Gradwell, Gidi, Blethuel just fantastic service. Sorry if I spelled their names wrong.Posted on Tripadvisor Elaine MVerified Life at makutsi Love it at makutsi. The atmosphere, people, staff etc cannot fault. I am going again in May and it will be my fourth time. This trip will be me and my daughter. She has been once and loved it as much as me so we are having a girlie 2 weeks. My first time at makutsi the only way I could describe it is it’s like adult fairyland. So looking forward to going back ❤️❤️Posted on Tripadvisor TrailBlazer812751Verified Makutsi Safari Springs I took my family to celebrate my 70th birthday. We were a party of 9 New Zealanders - 5 adults & 4 grandchildren aged from 6 to 15 years. I chose this place because of the many good reviews from Australian visitors. To be frank, our time at Makutsi exceded everyone's expectations, we had the most special time. The camp set up is just lovely with the bouganvillia, dining area, library, swimming pools, viewing places & tennis court. The accommodation is impressively luxurious. Wild life is all around & you can't leave your accommodation after 5.30pm or before 7am. You get picked up for dinner & dropped back later. You can hear the lions roar, they're so close. The excursions were fabulous, we had such great wildlife viewings, especially of the big cats. The guides were knowledgeable & personable. Makutsi has very ethical viewing regulations & comfortable vehicles for the excursions. And last but not least - terrific food. Since we've been back, everyone has randomly said 'thanks Mum/Nan, that was soooo good'!