About Us
Makanyane is a  new luxurious and exclusive safari lodge situated on private land within the magnificent 75,000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve - home to the Big 5 and a myriad of other animal and bird species. Makanyane, which lies hidden in lush riverside forest, offers unforgettable wildlife experiences, exquisite accommodation and cuisine as well as outstanding personal service. At Makanyane you will experience an unforgettabe safari-style wedding! Visit Makanyane Safari Lodge to experience the drama and mystery of Africa's vast natural history, exhilarating wildlife, ancient legends and rich cultural history and to relax and revitalise body and mind. Makanyane Safari Lodge was designed by a team of award winning architects to effortlessly blend with the surrounding bush. The relaxed yet luxurious interiors complement the design perfectly, tastefully enhancing the atmosphere of comfort in this idyllic environment.

		Your Wedding at Makanyane
		At Makanyane Safari Lodge we are  the ideal venue for your ultimate intimate and romantic safari  wedding. We cater for weddings of just the two of you or alternatively you can  have exclusive use of the entire lodge for up to 16 of your family and friends. The romance of a wedding deep in the African bush, surrounded by the peace and tranquility of a truly wild place is an experience to be treasured by you for ever. At this beautiful place away from the stress of your normal life, you and your family and friends can relax, unwind and just enjoy your wedding day while we take care of the details of catering, flowers, decorations, the photographer and the minister. We, the staff at Makanyane understand how important this day is for you and that everything about this day, from the setting of the ceremony to the wedding reception must live up to your dreams. We go out of our way to ensure that everything lives up to your expectations, and more. Makanyane is ideally situated for a dramatic, unforgettable ceremony, with stunning views of the surrounding bush. Wedding photographs can be taken around the lodge, in the bush against the backdrop of wide African plains, or in the cool romance of the riverine forest. Your wedding banquet can be held back at our Lodge or maybe deep in the surrounding bush, your experience enhanced by the scents and sounds of the African bush.. To give you an idea of what you can experience at Makanyane, here is a proposed itinerary: Day 1 Arrive at Makanyane Safari Lodge in time for lunch on the main deck, overlooking the waterhole where animals regularly come down to drink. A complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and fruit bowl await the wedding couple in their sumptuous suite.  After lunch, unpack and then relax by the swimming pool. Later in the afternoon, after tea and coffee, it is time for a game drive. While the rest of the party will be taken on drives together, the wedding couple has a private game drive, giving them a chance to enjoy a romantic exploration of the Madikwe Game Reserve. At sunset, the drives stop for sundowners. Sparkling wine and snacks are enjoyed in the quiet of the bush before the vehicles make their way back to the lodge after dark. A delicious gourmet dinner is served in the riverside boma, surrounded by flickering lanterns, next to a roaring fire under the broad African sky. Day 2 At sunrise the wedding party departs on an early morning game drive, followed by a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, the bride and groom enjoy a beauty treatment each, such as a relaxing massage, a manicure or facial. Following a delicious lunch, the wedding party prepares for the wedding. The ceremony can take place anywhere that suits the wedding couple. This could be on the lodge's main deck with its dramatic view over the waterhole, or at the lookout point against a backdrop of vast open plains. After an unforgettable ceremony and photographs, the group is driven out to a specially selected site in the bush, to toast the couple as the sun sets. Back at the lodge, dinner is served on the main deck; the tables beautifully decorated for a sumptuous celebratory four-course meal. Day 3 The wedding couple is served a private brunch in their suite, while the rest of the wedding party is taken on a morning game drive and then returns to the lodge for brunch. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure in the company of the family and friends gathered for this special occasion. After a delicious high tea later in the afternoon, the afternoon game drives depart, all meeting to enjoy sundowners together. After the game drive, it is time for another delicious dinner, this time served out in the bush, the tables lit by lanterns and a roaring fire, surrounded by the African bush. Day 4 The wedding couple and the rest of the party enjoy a morning game drive and return to the lodge for a delectable brunch before departure. This itinerary is designed to show what is available and possible for a wedding. We can modify it to suit your plans and dreams.

Accommodation
Main Lodge Located on the edge of a ravine, Makanyane's dramatic main lodge overlooks a stream-filled waterhole shaded by a dense canopy of trees. The secluded swimming pool is the ideal place to soak up the African sun, while enjoying the idyllic scenery. Close to the main lodge is the boma, an open air dining area enclosed by bush, reeds and trees. The boma is the perfect place to enjoy dinner next to a blazing fire. Not far from the main lodge, an isolated viewing deck stands on the edge of the plains. In this tranquil, tree shaded place, you can enjoy a quiet drink, while watching elephants stride through herds of waterbuck, zebra and impala grazing in these breathtaking grasslands. Suites A stroll along the shady path winding through the riverine forest will bring you to your romantic and secluded suite. As in the main lodge, rich African textures abound, walls of natural rock and dried tree trunks merge with rough teak doors and contrast with the overhanging thatch. The glass walled bedroom suites allow uninterrupted views of the river and the surrounding bush. Those reluctant to surrender to the luxury of their suite can continue their African experience by sleeping out under a velvet canopy pierced with uncountable stars. To allow guests to experience the ambience of the bush at night, beds will be made up on the upper deck of a hide hidden deep in the bush, next to a waterhole. Our overnight hide brings you even closer to the sounds and experiences of the African bush at night.

Please Return to SA Wedding Venues Home Page