Sanctuary Retreats

Hidden peacefully within a riverside forest, Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge is a beautifully designed property named after the African wild dog which roams the surrounding veld. With stylish huts that hug the riverbank and privately-owned grounds reserved for guests, the lodge provides an exclusive and welcoming setting for thrilling game-viewing.


Intro

Hidden peacefully within a riverside forest, Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge is a beautifully designed property named after the African wild dog which roams the surrounding veld. With stylish huts that hug the riverbank and privately-owned grounds reserved for guests, the lodge provides an exclusive and welcoming setting for thrilling game-viewing.

Location

The lodge is situated in the 75,000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve on 18,000 hectares of private ground used exclusively by guests. It has superb views of the Marico River and includes rocky peaks, open savanna, riverine woodlands and numerous water sources to make for a wildlife-rich landscape. The reserve is home to lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, cheetah, giraffe and both black and white rhino among others.

Rooms

The eight suites are reached by shaded pathways through the forest and have wrap-around  glass walls to maximise their river and bush views. Interiors include king-size beds, writing decks and a cosy fireplace. Sliding doors open onto a large deck equipped with sunloungers and a sofa to watch for passing wildlife. The lavish en-suites offer freestanding bathtubs and outdoor showers.

Communal Areas

On the edge of a ravine, the main area offers views down to the waterhole and is supported by leadwood trees. Decorated in neutral tones with splashes of bold colour, the open-plan lounge area has sofas positioned around coffee tables, two rock fireplaces and a space for dining which opens out to a large deck and bar area. Guests can also dine in the outdoor boma illuminated by a large round fire. The pool is surrounded by loungers and parasols, and guests can enjoy the gym and spa for rejuvenating facials, massages and more. 

Activities

Take morning, afternoon and night game drives within the private concession to discover all Big Five including a number of smaller mammals such as cheetah, rare wild dog, hippo, giraffe and more. Embark on foot through the landscape on guided walks to discover the concessions birdlife as well as track big game. The lodge also offers a Junior Ranger Course where little ones can try their hands at bow and arrows, embark on game walks and learn of the local culture and wildlife.

Fully inclusive

Accommodation
A night's stay in the sleep out hide under the stars (not available in June and July)
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
House wines, local beers, local spirits and soft drinks
Early morning and afternoon game drives
Game walks accompanied by an experienced game ranger
Daily laundry service

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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SUMMER – WET SEASON

A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SUMMER – WET SEASON

A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

AUTUMN

Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

AUTUMN

Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

WINTER – DRY SEASON

The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

WINTER – DRY SEASON

The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

WINTER – DRY SEASON

The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

WINTER – DRY SEASON

The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SPRING

Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SPRING

Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SUMMER – WET SEASON

A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SUMMER – WET SEASON

A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.

Situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

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What People Say

★★★★★
  • The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…

    Chris Hutchens

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  • We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!

    Amy Williams

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  • Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...

    Margaret and Stephen

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  • Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!

    Nick and Sarah

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  • Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!

    David Glen

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  • Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.

    Amit Roy

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  • Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars

    Jessica Harvard

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  • We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.

    Glen and Amanda Crawford

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  • Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.

    Bob & Jen

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