Frequently Asked Questions about Makutsi
Can I pay with credit or debit cards?
Yes. You can pay with credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Wise – NO Amex), or with cash.
Makutsi operates a cashless bar. During your stay, all drinks, lunches, shopping, and other extras are added to your room bill and can be settled on the day of departure
Can I change currency at Makutsi?
No. South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR), and there are no money exchange facilities at Makutsi. We recommend exchanging currency at Johannesburg or Cape Town airport before your onward flight to Hoedspruit.
Do I need to tip the staff?
Tipping is not compulsory. However, if you would like to show appreciation to the staff who made your stay memorable, gratuities can be added to your final bill on departure or placed in the gratuity box at reception.
Is Wi-Fi available at the lodge?
Yes. There is free Wi-Fi available in the library (between 07h00 & 19h00). No Wi-Fi in the rooms.
Is there mobile phone reception?
Mobile phone reception on Makutsi is quite limited and unreliable. International roaming may work in the main camp area with certain providers, but should not be relied upon.
If you need to make calls, a satellite phone is available at reception during office hours. Please note that it may occasionally be out of service due to bad weather, and not all international providers support calls to satellite numbers.
Do you have laundry service?
Yes. A daily laundry service is available at an additional cost. Clothes are returned clean and folded, usually within 48 hours.
What can I do in my free time?
Good question. Between safaris or on your free days, you can enjoy the following facilities and activities: Tennis court, Table tennis, Outdoor chess, KUBB Lawn Game, Swing ball, Badminton, Hippo Hide, Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Library with books and games or relaxing at the river Lapa with binoculars.
Is there a safe in my room?
No. A secure safe is available in the office where personal belongings can be stored.
Do the bungalows at Makutsi have a telephone, Wi-Fi or A/C?
No. There is no Wi-Fi or telephone in your room.
- For emergencies during the night, each guest receives a buzzer connected to our night security team.
- There is free Wi-Fi available in the library (between 07h00 & 19h00)
- A satellite telephone is available at reception, although it may occasionally be unavailable due to bad weather. Please also note that not all foreign phone providers support calls to satellite phones
Yes. All rooms have A/C, some rooms have A/C and ceiling fans.
What type of power outlets and adaptors are used?
South Africa’s electricity supply is 220/230V AC at 50Hz. In South Africa, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C, type M/D and type N are used.
A limited number of adaptors are available to borrow from reception, but we recommend bringing your own.
The standard outlet is a Type M three-pronged round-pin plug. European guests using Type C/F two-pin plugs may require a South African adapter.
Can I drink the water? Is there tea and coffee provided in the bungalow?
Yes. Our mineral spring water is safe to drink directly from the tap. Bottled water is also available for purchase from the restaurant.
Yes. Each bungalow has a tea and coffee station, perfect for early mornings.
Are towels, toiletries & hairdryers provided?
Yes. Each guest receives two large towels: one for the shower and one for the pool. Basic toiletries such as hand soap, shower soap, and shampoo are provided. Hairdryers can be borrowed from reception.
Is lunch available at the lodge?
Yes, we offer a lunch menu and homemade cakes, which can be ordered at breakfast time at your own expense. Lunch is not included in your package.
What if I have food allergies or special dietary requirements?
You can find a full list of dietary options and limitations in the downloads below.
Please advise us well in advance of any dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but please keep in mind that we are located in a remote area where some ingredients may be difficult to source.
If you have a severe allergy such as peanuts, shellfish, or any ingredient that could result in an anaphylactic reaction, we strongly recommend that you travel with your prescribed EpiPen or other emergency medication.
When is the best time visit?
There is no bad time to visit Makutsi. The Lowveld region, where Makutsi is situated, is a summer rainfall area. Despite occasional showers, average daytime temperatures between September and March are around 30°C / 86°F.
- Summer (November-March) Wet season 15-35°C
- Autumn (April-May) Dry Season 05-30°C
- Winter (June-August) Dry Season 02-30°C
- Spring (September-October) 10-34°C
Spring and summer bring lush green bushveld and many newborn animals. The rainy season typically runs from November to March, with rain usually falling as afternoon or evening thunderstorms rather than all-day drizzle. During this time, the reserve comes alive with colour and birdsong, making it a wonderful season for families. Although dense vegetation can make wildlife sightings slightly more challenging, game viewing remains excellent on a private reserve where guides know the land intimately.
Autumn and winter are the dry months. With less vegetation and limited water sources, animals gather more frequently around waterholes, making sightings easier. Winters are generally mild, with daytime temperatures usually above 20°C / 68°F, although nights can become quite cold and often drop below 10°C / 46°F. September and October are especially spectacular as wildlife activity intensifies around waterholes before the rains arrive.
What are typical game drive hours?
- Morning Safari: 06h00 – 09h00
- Afternoon Safari:15h00 – 18h00
- Simba Safari: 15h00 – 20h00
Please note that times may vary slightly depending on weather conditions. Guests are informed the evening before
Are there blankets on game drives in winter?
Yes. During the colder months, blankets are provided. We also recommend bringing a beanie, gloves, and a warm jacket in winter, as early morning drives can be very cold.
Are there raincoats on game drives in summer?
Yes. During the rainy season, we provide rain ponchos. However, we recommend bringing a waterproof or plastic bag to protect your phone and camera.
What age can children go on safari?
Children of all ages are welcome at Makutsi. The minimum age for safari activities is 4 years.
Is Makutsi in a malaria-free area?
- Health and safety – Malaria
The Hoedspruit and Limpopo region is a low-risk malaria area. The risk is highest during the wet summer months (October–April) and lowest in the dry winter months (May–September). Note that most packages include a trip to the Kruger National Park, which falls in a higher-risk area.
The simplest and most effective precautions include:
- Sleeping under mosquito nets (provided in all rooms)
- Using a good DEET-based insect repellent
- Wearing lightweight long sleeves and trousers at dusk
We strongly recommend consulting your doctor or travel health clinic before travelling. If you feel feverish during or after your stay, see a doctor and mention you have been in a malaria region.
Is it safe to walk within camp unattended?
Yes, with certain rules and restrictions, which will be explained to you on arrival. Walking within camp is permitted between 07h00 and 17h30 only. Outside of these hours, guests are transported by vehicle. Children under 16 years of age must always be accompanied by an adult.
Where is the closest doctor or hospital?
Both Hoedspruit and Tzaneen have hospitals and doctors available. Each town is located approximately one hour from Makutsi.
What are the Visa requirements for South Africa?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens of most European Union countries, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days.
If you are a citizen of a country that is not visa-exempt: You must apply for a visa in advance through a South African embassy, consulate, or via the South African eVisa System before traveling
We strongly recommend checking the latest entry requirements with the South African embassy or consulate in your country before travelling, as regulations may change.
Children must carry their own passports. If travelling with only one parent or with adults other than their parents, additional documentation may be required, including:
- An original unabridged birth certificate
- A parental consent affidavit from the absent parent (in some cases)
These regulations are strictly enforced, so please confirm the latest requirements well in advance with the South African embassy or your airline.