R531 Orpen Gate, 1108 Mbabat, South Africa
#1 of 3 hotels in Mbabat
Guests' ChoiceBased on 78 hotel reviews
9.7Cleanliness
9.8
Comfort
9.7
Location
9.7
Facilities
9.5
Staff
10.0
Value for money
9.7
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End of dialog contentReviewed: 22 August 2025
Luca
ItalyRooms needs some renovation
The staff was amazing! Location and food very good!
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 18 August 2025
Elena
GermanyCozy Fire Place, amazing dinner and breakfast, small antilopes visiting, safe (2 gates) Simone was a super friendly and welcoming host
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 4 August 2025
Acutain
MozambiqueKaren and skinny were super helpful and gave a great service. Excellent food
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 16 June 2025
Bianca
BrazilThe lodge is a place of peace, totally immersed in nature. On the way you can see several animals circulating. The food is wonderful and made with love and served exclusively for you. Simone cooks very well. The owners are always attentive to whether you are well or satisfied. What an amazing place!
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: 25 April 2025
Marcel
South AfricaTruly, nothing comes to mind. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, every detail was thoughtfully considered and beautifully executed. The level of care, comfort, and hospitality we experienced far surpassed our expectations. It’s rare to find a place where absolutely everything aligns so perfectly — from the setting and service to the food and overall atmosphere. We felt not only welcomed but genuinely cared for throughout our stay.
We celebrated our second wedding anniversary at Makuwa Safari Lodge, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Breakfast was an absolute delight — each morning felt like something out of a dream. Simone prepared the most flavourful, beautifully plated meals with so much love and creativity. From the fresh fruit to the hearty warm dishes, everything was thoughtfully crafted and delicious. It was honestly one of the best lodge breakfasts and dinners we've ever had! The location is simply breathtaking. Nestled in a peaceful, private setting surrounded by nature, the lodge offered the perfect escape from the everyday rush. It’s serene, safe, and filled with those little quiet moments that let you truly relax, reconnect, and breathe. A heartfelt thank you to Simone and Morne for their warm hospitality and attention to detail. As a special surprise for our anniversary, they gifted us a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, which made the celebration feel even more meaningful. The staff also went above and beyond to make our room feel romantic and welcoming, from chocolates on our pillows to petals on the bed shaped into a heart. Every little touch made us feel celebrated and cared for. We left with full hearts, happy memories, and a deep sense of gratitude. Makuwa Safari Lodge will always hold a special place in our story — we can’t wait to return!
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 21 April 2025
Simone
GermanySimone and her husband were super welcoming and did everything that we had the best time there!
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 7 March 2025
Dan
CanadaNothing
Most welcoming couple, lovely grounds, beautiful room and delicious food.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: 26 February 2025
Rona
United KingdomWe really enjoyed our stay, the lodge was only about 25 minutes drive to the Kruger gate. The room was lovely and Morne and Simone were excellent hosts. The breakfast and dinner were five star quality, really wonderful food beautifully cooked and presented. We enjoyed the fire in the evening after dinner. Overall excellent value for money and a great stay.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 16 February 2025
Mitchell
NetherlandsIt was amazing to stay at Makuwa! Simone & Morné are the best hosts you can wish for when visiting the beautiful Kruger.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 27 January 2025
Fabienne
FranceNothing
We had a great stay with Simone and Morne. Beyond the hotel which was perfect for us, we enjoyed their delicious food, their great knowledge of the area, their help with reservations and their advice. It was simple, friendly and very relaxing, thank you again for everything, Simone and Morne!
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: 25 January 2025
Hall
United KingdomSimone and Morne go out of there way to make your stay as good as possible, nothing is to much trouble. Simones cooking is exceptional. The meals she produces are amazing. We had a great stay.
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: 20 January 2025
Martin
United KingdomNothing
Makuwa Safari Lodge is a hidden gem, Simone and Morne are the kindest hosts you could wish for, managing everything with the lightest of touches. They make sure everything is excellent for you without being intrusive. Simone's cooking is exceptional and it's worth staying just to experience the quality. The incredible bonus of staying at Makuwa is its cost. I'm not sure that its value can be matched, and the very high customer rating average indicates that many visitors agree. We'll be back!
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: 21 December 2024
Sarah
South AfricaEverything was so fantastic the food was amazing and Simone and Morne could not do enough to ensure we had the perfect holiday.
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: 21 October 2024
Amir
IsraelAbsolutely nothing
Simone and Morne went over an beyond to make sure our stay is unforgettable! Their impeccable hosting, the tips and cozy atmosphere make you feel at home! Regrettably we only had one night booked, but we will definitely be back!
Stayed in October 2024
Reviewed: 24 August 2024
Michael
South AfricaBe warned, if you coming from Jhb side, road to Dullstroom is good, town quaint, with lovely food & shopping options, sadly road after that towards Mashishing & Ohrigstad is full of potholes in both directions, no run off........cost us huge amount of stress, 2 bent rims, most of road can only navigate in daylight safely at no more than 60km/hr, we believe TyreMart Hoedspruit, who were very helpful & assisted us after business hours, had serviced 2 other cars that very day! Locals advise, rather travel Tzaneen - Polokwone road, longer, but actually quicker & safer!
What a stunning oasis just off Orpen gate road. Staff that go out of their way to assist guests, quick & easy to contact, share stories, connect over tasty meal. There are plenty of 5* lodges in the area. This is authentic, friendly, and good service at an affordable rate.
Stayed in August 2024
Reviewed: 6 August 2024
Christof
GermanyMakuwa Lodge is a wonderful place. Dinner and breakfast and the service were excellent.
Stayed in August 2024
Reviewed: 15 June 2024
Dawn
New ZealandThe fact that we only booked for one night. Next time will definitely be longer.
Great location for Orpen Gate at Kruger. Very peaceful location and great staff. The dinner was delicious and they went the extra mile to cater for my vegan diet.
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 18 May 2024
Keith
United KingdomNothing
All meals were excellent. Imaginative recipes for dinner made for a thoroughly enjoyable culinary experience!
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 6 April 2024
Darragh
IrelandThis stay was incredible, Simone and Morne made my trip to Kruger so easy and enjoyable, from the packed lunches to the homemade dinners and chats I couldn’t recommend this lodge more. They really make it special, I booked this last minute not really knowing what to expect but I’m so so glad I did! Went as a solo traveller and it was perfect!
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 8 March 2024
Lisa-maria
Germany-
It was just wonderful. Simone and Morne are the best. The food was delicious and the room really comfortable.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 8 March 2024
Max
GermanyThis is the nicest place we ever stayed at! Simone and Morne are amazing hosts, make you feel at home immediately and do everything to make your stay absolutely perfect. They know the best tours to Kruger and co. and Simone is an incredible cook. We’ve read about it before, but we do have a high standard so we didn’t expect too much, but it seriously was the best food I ever had at any accommodation. The only mistake we made was not staying longer. I would highly recommend to do at least 4 nights and spend at least one day relaxing at Makuwa. We cannot wait to go back some day (not only to stay at Makuwa but also to meet Simone and Morne again). The both of them definitely found their passion and you can feel it in every little detail! :)
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 26 February 2024
Suzanne
NetherlandsOn the way to Makuwa safari lodge welcomed by a leopard couple we found a true chef in Simone and two decades of safari knowledge in Morne in an amazing place. Lions roaring at the campfire in the evening, delicious dinner and breakfast plus the service of Prince as a personal guide in Kruger.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 24 February 2024
Eric
NetherlandsNothing
The location, the staff, the food. Amazing! Thanks Simone and Morne!
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 17 February 2024
Hans
NetherlandsNothing
The staff was really outstanding. Simone and Morne really made it the perfect stay. Their dedication, service and cooking was the best.
Stayed in February 2024
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