Good to know
Malaria
The Timbavati is located in a low risk malaria zone and there have only been very few cases of malaria reported. However, the old adage “prevention is the best cure” holds true. As the disease is spread by mosquitoes, it is important to use a strong repellent, which is provided in all the rooms and on the vehicles. Wearing long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks is also helpful, especially at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are most active. Please speak to your doctor who can advise and prescribe you anti-malaria tablets if necessary.
South Africa
South Africa is a country of incredible diversity on so many levels, both geographically and culturally. From its landscape which ranges from beautiful coastlines to deserts, bustling cities to wine regions, mountains to bushveld, there is so much to be seen. Tourists visit South Africa to enjoy famous cities like Cape Town where the famous Table Mountain can be found along with likes of the V & A Waterfront, Camps Bay and a penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Since South African wines are becoming increasingly popular throughout the world, a tour though one of many vineyards in the wine region is a must. Near our largest city Johannesburg, you will find the Cradle of Humankind a World Heritage Site which is one of the world’s richest fossil sites which marks the spot where scientists believe that humans originated from. The Eastern coastline runs along the warm Indian Ocean and has cities like Durban, Knysna, Hermanus which have more of a tropical climate. This region is excellent for surfing, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching. Inland there are a number of breath taking natural wonders to be seen, from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Blyde River Canyon being the third largest and greenest canyon in the world.
Finally, there is our beloved bush, although there are a few regions in South Africa where the iconic wildlife can be seen nothing compares to the world renowned Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves. An area which collectively covers over 2.4 million hectares in which animals roam freely, many have said that it has almost a spiritual aura to it and that they’ve never been the same since they’ve visited.
South Africa has a wonderful tapestry of mixed cultures from native tribes to British and Dutch descendants, which settled in the area years ago and influenced the country and culture. There are 11 official languages spoken, including English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, Xhosa, Tsonga and Zulu.
Medical care
We carry all essential first aid equipment and medicine at the lodge. If you need anything more specific, there are pharmacies in Hoedspruit where many common medications, such as painkillers, are available over the counter. Should you require medical attention during your stay, we are members of Africa SAFE-T, an organization that provides 24/7 medical assistance to lodges in a fast and efficient manner.
voltage
The voltage in South Africa is 220v, so 110v appliances will not work without a converter. However, we do provide hairdryers and adaptors (not converters) in every suite for your convenience.
Game drives
For your convenience, here is a list of items we carry in each vehicle for game drives:
- Pair of Binoculars per couple
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Sun lotion
- Blanket per person
- Rain poncho per person
- Hot water bottles in winter
in your suite
- Mosquito repellent
- Extension cord / plug adaptors
- Torch
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Telephone
- Hair dryer
- Mini bar
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Tea making facilities
- Safe
- Mosquito nets
Best Time to go on Safari
The below information is just a general indication of the different seasons we experience here at Makanyi Lodge. We have highly knowledgable guides and trackers that are able to “read” the African bush through tracks, animal sounds, behaviour, etc, giving our guests the best safari experience possible regardless of the seasons. And it has to be said that each season offers something different and spectacular in its own way.
Winter:
The dry season is when the bush “thins out”, perhaps making it a little easier to find the wildlife. Permanent water supplies attract animals and the vegetation becomes thinned out, allowing for better viewing. The climate is comfortable with mild daytime temperatures and chilly morning and evening nights. One of our favourite things about the winter months is sitting around the fire in the boma or in the fire pit under the stars with a glass of wine.
Example of a Winter schedule
- 06:00 Wake-up call
- 06:15 Morning tea & coffee at the main lodge
- 06:30 Leave for morning safari
- 09:30 Back at the lodge for breakfast
- 13:00-14:00 Lunch at the main lodge
- 15:00 Afternoon tea & coffee
- 15:30 Leave for afternoon / evening safari
- 18:30 Arrive back from evening safari
- 19:00 Meet at the main lodge bar for drinks & dinner
Summer:
Generally speaking, the sightings in the wet season can be slightly more challenging as the bush is thicker and more lush. That being said, the wildlife is indeed still there and the bush is spectacularly green, attracting the myriad of birds that fly down for the summer months. The spring time is also when many plains animals have their little ones, which is definitely a must see! Warmer evening temperatures make it a pleasure to sit out on the deck at night with a cool drink listening to the sounds of the bush.
Example of a Summer schedule:
- 05:30 Wake-up call
- 05:45 Morning tea & coffee at the main lodge
- 06:00 Leave for morning safari
- 09:00 Back at the lodge for breakfast
- 13:00-14:30 Lunch at the main lodge
- 16:00 Afternoon tea & coffee
- 16:30 Leave for afternoon / evening safari
- 19:30 Arrive back from evening safari
- 20:00 Meet at the main lodge bar for drinks & dinner
Drones
Drones are STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the Timbavati Game Reserve, failure to comply with this rule will result in a heavy fine or arrest by reserve management.