When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experiences, safari rates right up there as one of the most magical. Luxurious lodges in the middle of nowhere, acres and acres of stunning scenery and silence apart from the sounds of the wild, plus the chance to see the majestic animals that call this land home up close in their natural habitat.
Ultimate Safari
Luxurious and exclusive, Makanyane Safari Lodge encompasses eight glass-walled suites dotted in privacy through the riverside forest, in 1,800 hectares of stunning private land as
part of the 75,000 hectare, malaria-free Madikwe Game Rerserve. Opened in 2003, the stunning suites have been designed by award-winning architects to seamlessly blend in with
the surrounding bush.
Home to the essential Big Five animals, the game viewing opportunities are unrivalled (an ideal time for safari in South Africa is April and May) . The added bonus is that with just eight suites, game drives can be at times to suit you, as well as spontaneously – so if you hear a lion roar over dinner, you can go straight out with the guide to track them. But you don’t even need leave your room to spot wildlife – the lodge is located by Marico River, the only permanent water source on the reserve so is a hot spot for game viewing – even from your suite, so plan to miss a morning game drive at least once, order breakfast in bed and watch the animals in the surrounding bush through the wrap-around glass walls from the luxury of your suite. For the best view check into the Bushwillow Suite with a direct view of a busy drinking and crossing point in the river where lions, elephants, hippos and antelope regularly wander past to drink.
Plus, safari is perfect as part of a twin centre honeymoon – start off getting back to nature at Makanyane and then hop on a direct flight to the beach in Mauritius – bliss!
