Last Word Makanyane sits on privately owned land on the Eastern side of the Madikwe Game Reserve. Last Word Makanyane enjoys full river frontage and wide, uninterrupted views. The Marico River flows all year round. River frontage like this is rare in Madikwe, with only a small portion of the river running through the reserve. Wildlife moves through the riverine fringes, and birds call from the canopy.
Makanyane is situated on 1,800 hectares of private land, offering a rarer kind of safari freedom, one of a kind experiences and special stops can be arranged, without being bound by the same operating rules as lodges situated on Madikwe Reserve land. Between game drives, unwind by the pool or retreat to the privacy of your spacious suite. River views, birdsong, and the quiet pulse of the bush included.
Makanyane provides a unique private holiday experience. The ideal place to come together with family and friends to enjoy being together or to celebrate a special occasion. Avoid set routines and reinvent schedules. Here you can experience an exceptional, exclusive private safari.
Skip to Last Word Makanyane Rates or Specials and Packages
Last Word Makanyane Accommodation
With just eight private Luxury Suites, the lodge is intentionally small, giving guests space, hush, and a rare sense of seclusion. Your Luxury Suite is spacious, private, and designed to bring the Marico River right into the room. A generous bedroom opens onto wide glass views of the water and surrounding riverine vegetation, with an en-suite bathroom also positioned for easy wildlife watching.
Step out onto your private deck on a lounger as the river passes by to relax between safari moments. Return to the warmth of a fireplace indoors on cooler evenings for a warm, romantic glow. This is safari in a quieter key, where nature comes to you and time feels wonderfully unimportant.
Key points on luxury suites at Last Word Makanyane
Check in time: 2pm
Check out time: 11am
Sleeps 2 people.
Complimentary tea and coffee tray.
Air conditioning.
Private room safe.
Robes and slippers.
Wireless internet connection.
Gin Bar In-Room.
Last Word Makanyane is being refreshed ahead of opening on the 1st July. We will post images as soon as we have them.
Last Word Makanyane Activities
Guests will be able to traverse the Madikwe reserve, while the privacy of private land unlocks something truly special. With areas accessible only to Makanyane vehicles, they have a blank canvas to create once in a lifetime moments that are simply not possible elsewhere in the reserve. From bush dinners and starbeds to unforgettable celebrations and special occasions.
Lion, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo and leopard are all here in abundance. As well as cheetah, giraffe and both spotted and brown hyena and you have the chance of seeing any of these species. Madikwe is also the one of the best places in Southern Africa to watch the elusive and rare wild dog. A fascinating species on the brink of extinction. Energetic, entertaining and with a highly complex social hierarchy, these fearsome predators range widely across the changing landscape of the reserve in search of prey, providing excellent and unique game viewing.
One of the most significant aspects of Madikwe is the extremely varied terrain. Providing a backdrop to the rich diversity of plant, bird and animal life. Located on the edge of a very arid Kalahari region, but still receiving relatively high rainfall, Madikwe is unique in that both dry area and moist area plant and animal species are found in the reserve.
Traveling through Makanyane’s completely private 1,800 hectares and the 75,000 hectares of the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve, your guide will share their wealth of knowledge with you. From the fascinating private life of the dung beetle to the intricacies of the wild dog’s social system.
Best time to visit Madikwe
The best time to visit Madikwe is May to September (Dry Winter) for outstanding game viewing as animals gather at water sources. While October to April (Wet Summer/Green Season) brings lush landscapes, baby animals, and excellent birding.
How to get to The Last Word Makanyane
There are daily flights into the Reserve with Federal Air. These depart from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Makanyane is just 20 minutes from the Eastern airstrip. Or you can drive yourselves or we can arrange a road transfer which takes approximately 4 1/2 hours from Johannesburg.
You can also fly from Cape Town to Gaborone on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. With a short road transfer of approximately 1 hour.
Last Word Makanyane Accommodation Rates
2026 – 2028 Rates at Last Word Makanyane Luxury Suites |
Per Person Sharing | Single |
| 1st July 2026 – 30th April 2027 | R16 500 | R24 750 |
| 1st May 2027 – 30th April 2028 | R18 480 | R27 720 |
Rates include:
Luxury accommodation with three meals daily.
Transfer from Eastern Strip to Makanyane return.
All beverages such as tea/coffee, soft drinks, waters, house wines, beers, ciders and selected spirits.
Two game drivers per day including refreshments and beverages.
Rates exclude:
Premium wines and champagne on wine list.
Premium and craft spirits and single malt whiskeys.
Flights or transfers to the lodge.
Gratuities, curio purchases and laundry services.
Landing fees and conservation levies.
Child Policy:
Children from 12 and above are welcome.
Children 12 years and older pay the adult per person per night rate.
Only 2 person per room max, a 3rd person would need to take a 2nd room, which means the individual rate would apply.
Last Word Makanyane Special Offers and Packages
With Last Word Madikwe and Last Word Makanyane located at opposite ends of the reserve, guests can combine both lodges within a single safari stay. Experiencing different landscapes, traversing diverse areas and perspectives of Madikwe. Beyond the bush, these safari lodges can also form part of a wider South Africa journey. Pairing seamlessly with Last Word’s boutique hotels in and around Cape Town, including Last Word Constantia, Last Word Long Beach and Last Word Franschhoek, for an itinerary that moves effortlessly from safari to coast, vineyards and city.
8 nights: Stay 4 nights at Last Word Kitara, Makanyane or Madikwe, 2 nights at Last Word Franschhoek and receive 2 free nights at Last Word Long Beach. Or:
9 nights: Stay 4 nights at Last Word Kitara, Makanyane or Madikwe, 2 nights at Last Word Franschhoek and receive 3 free nights at Last Word Constantia.
Valid until 30th April 2028. Excluding 20th December – 4th January every year.
Last Word Makanyane Opening Special
Stay for 3, only only pay for 2!
Valid: 1st July 2026 – 20th December 2026.
Last Word Makanyane (Madikwe) Opening 1st July 2026
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