Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve
Game ReserveBig Five

Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve

South Africa 260 km² (100 mi²) Est. 1993

About Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve

Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve is a 26,000-hectare community-owned Big Five reserve in Limpopo Province, formed when local communities pooled their land for conservation and ecotourism. The reserve represents one of South Africa's most important community-driven conservation projects, directly benefiting the Sekororo and Mametja communities. Located between the Drakensberg escarpment and Kruger National Park, Makalali's mixed bushveld terrain of mopane woodland, riverine forest, and open savannah supports all Big Five plus cheetah, wild dog, and over 300 bird species. The reserve offers excellent game viewing at a fraction of the cost of neighbouring Sabi Sand or Timbavati, with the added value of meaningful community engagement.

0

Safari Tours

4.0

Avg Rating

5/5

Big Five

33

Years Protected

Highlights

  • Community-owned reserve — tourism directly benefits local communities
  • Big Five with cheetah and wild dog present
  • More affordable than Sabi Sand and Timbavati
  • Off-road driving and night drives allowed
  • Meaningful community engagement opportunities

Considerations

  • Not part of the Greater Kruger open system (fenced)
  • Game density lower than premium reserves
  • Limited luxury accommodation options
  • Less well-known — fewer reviews and information available

Wildlife

Big Five Status

🦁

Lion

common

🐆

Leopard

occasional

🐘

Elephant

common

🦬

Buffalo

common

🦏

Rhino

occasional

Notable Species

Lion

Common

Leopard

Occasional

Elephant

Common

Cape Buffalo

Common

White Rhino

Occasional

Giraffe

Common

Zebra

Common

Kudu

Common

Impala

Common

Hyena

Common

Common Occasional Rare

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal

Climate Overview

Getting There

Makalali is approximately 480 km (5 hours) from Johannesburg via the N4 and R40 through Hoedspruit. Flights to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport take 1 hour from Johannesburg. Lodges arrange road transfers.

Nearest Airport

Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)

Nearest City

Hoedspruit

Drive Time

5 hours