About

4.5

#20 of 142 Specialty lodging in Hoedspruit

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

Family run for over 30 years, Makutsi Safari Springs offers affordable 1-week packages including return airport transfers, private accommodation, 2 meals per day, open Land Rover game drives and excursions into the surrounding areas. Makutsi Main Camp's two warm, thermal mineral water pools allow for adventure and healthy relaxation to be combined. With our new Makutsi Tented Camp, we are able to offer a unique mix of comfort and adventure on foot. Unpack, unwind and enjoy Makutsi's diverse African experiences.

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Property amenities

Free parking

Pool

Free breakfast

Tennis court

Board games / puzzles

Free airport transportation

Gift shop

Laundry service

Indoor pool

Outdoor pool

Bar / lounge

Restaurant

Breakfast available

Breakfast buffet

Airport transportation

Room features

Air conditioning

Minibar

Refrigerator

Room types

Non-smoking rooms

Family rooms

Good to know

HOTEL STYLE

Family

Great View

Location

Unnamed Road, Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit 1380 South Africa

Getting there

Hoedspruit Airport50 kmSee all flights

Phalaborwa Airport64 kmSee all flights

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311Reviews10Q+A75Room tips

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kiwigirl1974 wrote a review Apr 2023

Geneva, Switzerland15 contributions20 helpful votes

+1

An absolute must!

An amazing experience altogether. The guides were very knowledgable and skilled and all the staff very friendly and welcoming. We were accommodated in a large rondavel with two separate bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms that were very clean and serviced everyday. The 6-day programme is very well thought-through as it offers a variety of different activities, including a day trip to the nearby canyons. We absolutely loved our stay at Makutsi and highly recommend it.

Date of stay: April 2023

Value

Location

Service

Room Tip: Take some warm clothes with you for the early morning safaris.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 4 weeks ago

Thank you so much for your informative and positive review. It was an absolute pleasure to have your family over at Makutsi, and we thank you again for coming to visit us. We are very glad to hear how much you enjoyed your week with us, and we certainly hope to be able to welcome you back again one day! Until then, all the best, and many more happy travels. Kind regards from all the Makutsi Family.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Juergen M wrote a review Mar 2023

Mannheim, Germany1 contribution

+1

Nature and silence with 'big five' game drives!

We had used a Premium Rundalow at Makuts Springs. The Rooms are very clean and the personal is very kind and helpful. We had excellent Safaris and the 'big five' had been seen during the first week. We are very satisfied and can recomend this Camp to all friends of nature and silence.

Date of stay: February 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 25 Mar 2023

Thank you very much for your kind words, and your positive review! We are grateful that you came to visit us at Makutsi, and very happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with us! We send you lots of regards from Makutsi and hope to see you again one day. Kind regards from the Makutsi Team.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Simon T wrote a review Feb 2023

5 contributions

+1

Perfect as always

I visited Makutsi with family and friends in 2022. It was my 4th time at Makutsi and I think about coming back. We stayed for 2 weeks and also visited the tented camp. The Guides are really knowledgable and do their best to show you the wildlife. We saw the big five and had some really cool Leopard sightings. I can really recommend the premium perimeter bungalow which has a very nice view and also gives you the chance to spot wildlife. I can recommend Makutsi to anyone especially for familys but what you have to keep in mind is that other lodges have to gamedrives a day while at Makutsi you don´t have that many.

Date of stay: July 2022

Value

Rooms

Service

Room Tip: There are premium bungalows which are at the perimeter of the camp available for a price and it...

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 3 Feb 2023

Thank you for your kind words and your positive review. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and had such good game drives during your stay. You are correct, at Makutsi we do not only do game drives every day, but also take clients to surrounding areas such as Kruger and Blyde River Canyon. We also have warm mineral pools, so every day we want to give our guests enough time to relax and swim as well. What we offer is a combination of safari, adventure and also health and relaxation. The trick is that we offer a minimum lengh of stay of 1 week, which means even if you don't do 2 game drives every day, after a week or two, you will still have done as many game drives as in the other lodges, where you only stay 1-3 nights on average. We like to offer longer stays, and allow you to also enjoy some relax times :) We appreciate your feedback, and of course that you took the time to leave an informative review, which is so valuable to future guests. Thank you again, and we send you warm regards from all the Makutsi Team.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Klaus U wrote a review Jan 2023

42 contributions47 helpful votes

+1

Life in the bush, as good as it gets.

Great experience, nice accommodation and lots of animals. Did 9 safaris in ten days and every one was worth it. The staff is very friendly and the food is good, there is a swimming pool and a bar with beautiful views, impalas and nyalas roaming through the camp. It‘s in the bush where we are the visitors, so there are rules that you must not walk through the camp during night time to avoid unpleasant encounters. We felt totally save and will return for sure.

Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

1 Helpful vote

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 10 Jan 2023

Thank you Klaus for your informative words, and your positive review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay at Makutsi, and we hope to welcome you back again one day. Wishing you a great 2023 with lots of great trips. Kind regards from the Makutsi Family.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

julesw wrote a review Dec 2022

13 contributions

+1

Ms

Absolutely terrific for the wildlife. Saw all of the big 5 in the first 48 hours. The rangers are very experienced and knowledgeable. Everyone in the resort is friendly. Would highly recommend this place.

Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled solo

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 20 Dec 2022

Thank you so much for your kind words, and your positive review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay at Makutsi, and we hope to welcome you back again one day. Until then, have a wonderful festive season, and many more happy travels. Kind regards from the Makutsi Family.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Edlana wrote a review Oct 2022

1 contribution

Beyond my Expectations

Makutsi Springs is a family owned lodge in the middle of a game reserve. The family welcomes you as one of their very own. You have many ways of getting to see the wildlife, so if you are fit, or if you have special needs, they can accommodate you. The Rondavel (Round room with thatched roof) is surrounded by wildlife and a joy to wake up to seeing them outside your window. The staff is so friendly and really cares for your individual needs. Personally, I was concerned about the food, but it was delicious and we could not wait to see what was going to be served next. I suggest you plan your “Trip of a Lifetime” with Makutsi. They are our extended family and we can’t wait to visit again.

Date of stay: September 2022

Location

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 2 Oct 2022

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. It was a pleasure to welcome you to Makutsi, and we are so happy to read that you enjoyed your time with us! We also would like to thank you for coming so far to visit us, and we certainly hope that we will be able to welcome you back again one day as our extended family :)

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Angela M wrote a review Sep 2022

Sydney, Australia1 contribution

Wow wow wow

This is a magical place. Family run superb service by all staff. Meals incredible cannot praise our time in Makutski enough the kitchen staff the guides exceptional we saw big 5 and so much more just in love with this place Well be BACK.

Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 30 Sep 2022

Thank you so much for your positive review!! Nothing makes us more happy than hearing the words "We'll be back", and we can't wait to see you again the next time. Until then, all the best, and happy travels. Your Makutsi Team

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sarie_and_Darren wrote a review Aug 2022

Hamilton19 contributions48 helpful votes

Breathtaking!

Makutsi is a family owned lodge right in the heart of a big 5 wildlife reserve. There is so much going for this property! The staff are wonderful, you get a wonderful sense of family, every is so friendly and helpful. The guides are brilliant and highly skilled. They know the habits of all the animals, and know where to find them. Being right in the middle of a wildlife reserve you are on safari all the time, whether it is kudu and impala outside your bedroom window or leopards and cheetah within 4m of the your vehicle. In Makatsi the animals generally do not run away from vehicles. They are quite relaxed and will allow you to sit there and enjoy them. All the accomodation and amenities were very clean and tidy condition. Our three day trips to Kruger, Blyde River and Moholoholo were all outstanding. Makutsi is the full package and very highly recommended. Thank you for making our first visit to South Africa so amazing!…

Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family

Room Tip: Ensure you stay within a big 5 reserve like Makutsi or you will end up driving to big 5 locations...

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 26 Aug 2022

Hello Sarie & Darren :) Thank you so much for kind words and for taking the time to write this review!! We are so grateful that finally some Kiwis are traveling again, and appreciate the fact that you came so far to visit us. It was a pleasure to be able to host you at Makutsi, and we are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay so much. The wildlife certainly has been amazing lately, and it is great to hear about all the experiences you had in and around camp. Hopefully we will be able to see you again one day. Until then, all the best, and warm regards from all the Makutsi Team.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Anna wrote a review May 2022

7 contributions1 helpful vote

Incredible Wildlife

Makutsi was nothing less than incredible for our family of 4 incl two teenage girls: so welcoming, such an *amazing* variety of animals in close proximity (leopards, lions, elephants, giraffe, rhino, antelope, cheetah, hippo... even a honey-badger!), such knowledgeable and charismatic guides, such a genuine interest in the welfare of the wildlife and the bushland. The family rondavel was very clean and spacious, and the meals were wonderful. Very clearly a family-owned, family-loved and family-run experience. Thank you Makutsi for adopting my family into your family for the special time that we were able to share your world.

Date of stay: May 2022

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 13 May 2022

Thank you so much for your friendly and positive review! It was a pleasure having your family at Makutsi, and we thank you for coming all this way to visit is. It was a great pleasure adopting your family into the Makutsi Family :) We wish you all the best for the rest of the year, and hope that we can make welcome you back again one day. Kind regards from the Makutsi Team.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jefsta2020 wrote a review Jul 2020

Greater Sydney, Australia1 contribution2 helpful votes

Fantastic African Adventure that ticks all the boxes

From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome to the Makutsi family. We had a great family rondavel with lots of room for the family and a large verandah to relax in the evenings. The game drives are well organised and the guides friendly, knowledgeable with eagle eyes. Its all planned for you and all you need to do is be at the truck on time. The variety of drives at different times ensures you get lots of variety. The pools are also great for some down time. We were paired with a like family for the week on the game drives and saw lots of animals up close. There is a great bar area for sunset drinks before the drums start to invite us to the communal dinning room. Food was great with a great atmosphere. Would definitely recommend you give these guys a go when we can all finally start to travel safely again. We booked in Australia via Out of Africa Travel services, Yvonne was fantastic in tailoring our package to suit our needs. I sincerely hope they survive this pandemic and bounce back on the other side. …

Review collected in partnership with this hotel

Date of stay: September 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

2 Helpful votes

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Response from Karl Weber, Owner at Makutsi Safari Springs

Responded 26 Aug 2022

More than 2 years later, we respond :) So sorry for this reply so many years later, but with Covid having taken over our every minute of focus and attention, it is only now that we have some time to get back to our normal routines again. Thank you so much for kind words and for taking the time to write this review!! It was a pleasure to be able to host you at Makutsi, and we are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay so much. We wish you many more happy travels, and maybe one day we can welcome you back at Makutsi. Until then, all the best, and warm regards from all the Makutsi Team.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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