About This Property
Last Word Makanyane occupies 1,800 hectares of private land on the Marico River, in the greater Madikwe region of North West province. The suites face the river through riverine forest, which gives the lodge a shaded, closed-in feel unusual for a Big Five property in this part of the country.
The suites are free-standing and generously sized, with private decks over the water, fireplaces for winter, air conditioning, an in-suite bar and coffee station. Yoga mats and light fitness equipment come as standard, which tells you something about the intended pace.
Madikwe is malaria-free, and the private traversing means drives can linger at a sighting rather than rotate through it. Rates are quoted full board, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Why We Love It
Malaria-free Big Five country is the practical draw here, and it makes Madikwe the sensible choice for travellers who would rather not take prophylactics. Getting that alongside a genuinely small lodge is the harder part, and this delivers it.
The river itself is the other reason. Riverine forest holds birds all day, so the hours between drives are not dead time in the way they can be at a lodge staring at open bush.
Rooms & Details
Luxury Suites
Free-standing and set in riverine forest above the Marico, the Luxury Suites are built around their private decks. Fireplaces make the winter evenings, and air conditioning handles the summer afternoons.
Suite Interiors
Interiors are generous rather than fussy, with an in-suite bar and coffee station. Yoga mats and light fitness equipment are provided in the room.
Bathrooms and River Decks
Bathrooms look out into the trees, and the decks put you level with the birdlife rather than below it. Passing game along the river is part of the routine.
Lounge and Riverside Pool
Open lounges and the swimming pool face the river, which is where most of the time between drives goes. In-suite spa treatments can be arranged.
Dining on the Deck
Meals run to the rhythm of the drives: breakfast on return, relaxed lunches, sundowners in the bush and dinner under the stars. Private dinners for two can be set up.
Amenities & Features
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms follow the operator's booking conditions. Request the current terms in writing before paying a deposit.
Photo Gallery
Rates
Prices start from $980 per night. Final pricing depends on season, room type, and availability. Check current rates on our booking partner's site for the most accurate pricing.
Rates from USD 980 per person per night sharing on a full board basis for the 1 July 2026 to 30 April 2027 season, listed by Go2Africa at around R16,500. Prices checked August 2026 and subject to change and availability. Single supplements may apply.
What's Included
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Sundowners in the bush
- Private dinners for two
- Breakfast after the morning drive
- Twice-daily game drives
- Night drives
- Guided walking safaris
- Bird watching along the Marico
- Conservation experiences
- In-suite spa treatments
Full board covers accommodation and three meals daily. Drinks, spa treatments, conservation levies, flights or transfers, gratuities and travel insurance are typically excluded. Confirm whether scheduled game activities are included in the quoted rate.
Location
How to Get There
Madikwe is roughly a four to five hour drive from Johannesburg, which many guests do as a self-drive or a scheduled road transfer. Scheduled and charter flights also serve the reserve’s airstrips from Johannesburg.
The location on the Botswana border makes it a natural first or last stop on a trip that continues into the Tuli Block, the Kalahari or the Okavango.
Nearby Attractions
The wider Madikwe Game Reserve, the Botswana border crossings and the Waterberg to the east. Johannesburg and Pretoria are within a comfortable day's drive.
Things to Do
Morning and afternoon game drives cover the Big Five, with night drives extending the afternoon session. Guided walks give a slower reading of the same ground.
Behind-the-scenes conservation experiences are offered, and in-suite spa treatments, birding along the river and time at the pool fill the rest.
Good to Know
Rates are quoted full board covering breakfast, lunch and dinner, so drinks and some extras are likely to be additional. Confirm exactly what the rate covers when you enquire.
Madikwe is a malaria-free reserve, which makes it a practical choice for travellers who would rather avoid prophylactics. The Go2Africa listing does not show a children-welcome flag for this property, so confirm the minimum age directly before booking a family stay.
Who It's For
Couples and small groups wanting a quiet, small-scale Big Five lodge, and anyone who needs a malaria-free reserve.
Best Time to Visit
May to September is dry and the bush thins out, which concentrates game around water. Summer brings green scenery and better birding along the river. General guidance, confirm for your dates.
