Makutsi Safaris & Experiences
We offer safari packages from 1 to 5 weeks.
All packages include return airport transfers from Hoedspruit, private accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, safaris in open Game Viewers, and guided excursions. English-speaking Nature Guides accompany you throughout.
Every package also includes the option of a 2-night sleep-out at Makutsi Tented Camp
Why a Makutsi package makes sense:
- Better value — longer stays mean more included for less
- No moving around — unpack once, settle in, and really get to know the reserve, the wildlife, and the people
- Genuine diversity — wildlife, landscapes, culture, and conservation all in one trip
- Peace of mind — your safaris and excursions are confirmed and waiting for you
Classic Package
- Return Airport Transfers
- 6 Nights at Main Camp
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- 3 x 3-hour Game Drives
- 1 x 5-hour Game Drive
- Kruger National Park excursion
- Blyde River Canyon excursion
Walking Safari Package
- Return Airport Transfers
- 4 Nights at Main Camp & 2 Nights at Tented Camp
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- 1 x 3-hour Game Drive
- 1 x 5-hour Game Drive
- Blyde River Canyon excursion
- Daily Walking Safaris from Tented Camp
These are two examples — we offer 1, 2, 3, and 5-week packages, as well as custom lengths in between.
The sequence of included activities may vary depending on conditions. Your exact day-by-day itinerary is given to you on arrival. Once on Makutsi, additional Safaris & Excursions can also be booked.
Prices are quoted in your local currency through our booking offices or local partners — contact us for a personalised quote.
Makutsi offers exceptional value for money among private safari reserves in South Africa, without compromising on the experience.
Wherever you book — directly with us or through a local partner — you will always pay exactly the same rate.
Safaris & Excursions
A 3-hour game drive in an open Game Viewer, departing at 06h00 or 15h00. Elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, zebra... the list goes on. Every drive is different.
A 5-hour open Game Viewer safari departing at 15h00 and returning at 20h00. As the sun sets, stop for sundowner drinks and light snacks in the bush. Then continue into the night in search of leopard, porcupine, bush babies, and other nocturnal wildlife.
A full-day excursion to the world-famous Kruger National Park, departing at 05h00 in a comfortable minibus with opening windows. Start the morning with a picnic breakfast in the bush, then continue exploring until lunch at one of the Kruger rest camps (at own cost). A full day of game viewing, returning to Makutsi around 16h00–17h00.
A full-day excursion through the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains to the Blyde River Canyon — the world's largest green canyon. Several stops along the way, including the famous Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels viewpoint overlooking the Blyde Dam. Lunch stop included at own cost, returning to Makutsi around 16h00–17h00.
A full day in the bush — morning game drive, breakfast and lunch at Hatari Bush Camp, then back out for the afternoon. Expect around 8 hours of game driving with a relaxed midday break in between. The camp has hammocks and a viewing deck — a perfect place to unwind, read, and simply soak up the sounds of the African bush.
Two nights at Makutsi Tented Camp — comfortable safari tents with en-suite bathroom, electricity, and ceiling fan. Daily walking safaris in the cool of the morning and afternoon, led by an experienced Nature Guide. Minimum age 16.
A 3-hour guided tour using telemetry equipment to track Makutsi's resident cheetahs — one of the most hands-on wildlife experiences on the reserve. Involves some walking. Minimum age 16. Request in advance — subject to conditions on arrival.
A rare chance to contribute to conservation in the most hands-on way possible. Join our team for a helicopter flight over the reserve — seeing Makutsi from the air is extraordinary, and the cost of your flight goes directly towards our conservation efforts. While you enjoy a bird's eye view of the bush, our team counts rhino, checks fences, and scans for any signs of poaching. Maximum 2 guests per flight, weather and availability permitting.
A half-day excursion to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre — a remarkable local sanctuary caring for injured and orphaned African wildlife. Request in advance — subject to conditions on arrival.
A half-day excursion to the Blyde River Dam for a 2-hour boat cruise at the foot of the canyon walls — a completely different perspective on one of South Africa's most spectacular landscapes. Request in advance — subject to conditions on arrival.
Makutsi Packing List
The following is a list of what not to forget. Please be aware that some of these items (clothing, insect repellent) will depend on what season you will be travelling in (winters can get surprisingly cold, especially at night & the summer sun can be very harsh and sunburn on safari, in the heat, is not fun).
- Don’t overpack, remember to leave some room for souvernirs.
- Also remember that while at Makutsi you will have access to daily laundry service.
- Clothing in neutral colours (avoid bright colours & white for improved game viewing), safari hat, safari jacket and items like gloves and beanies when coming in winter, comfortable short- and long sleeved safari shirts (2 or 3 of each), comfortable and sturdy shorts and long trousers (2 or 3 of each), swimwear, sunglasses, sandals as well as comfortable hiking/walking shoes.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, flashlight or headlamp, camera gear and all that you need to recharge your digital equipment, travel alarm clock, adaptor, reading material (also available in Library).
- Most important: valid passports, flight tickets and money!
