Family-Owned and Run Private Game Reserve

Family-Run Since the 1970s

Near Kruger National Park

Surrounded by Nature

Welcome To Makutsi Safari Springs

Makutsi Safari Springs is a private, family-run game reserve offering an authentic South Africa safari experience. We’re set in the heart of the UNESCO Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, near Hoedspruit in South Africa’s Limpopo province — between the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. Here, surrounded by wildlife and natural mineral springs, you’ll find a little African paradise, away from home.

We offer 1-week packages and longer, including private accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, safaris in open Game Viewers, and excursions to some of South Africa’s most spectacular landmarks. English-speaking Nature Guides accompany you on all safaris and excursions.

Where You'll Stay

Main Camp

Thatched rondavels set among tropical gardens, natural mineral spring pools, and the sounds of the African bush on your private terrace.

Tented Camp

Four comfortable safari tents perched on rocky koppies, with sweeping views across the lowveld. The base for Makutsi’s walking safaris.

Safaris & Experiences

Makutsi covers thousands of hectares of African bushveld, explored on open Game Viewer game drives. Our guides are trained to focus on all aspects of nature — from the Big Five to birds, insects, tracks, and the stories the bush has to tell.

As a private reserve, only experienced and qualified guides drive on the property — ensuring professional, respectful wildlife encounters. No more than two vehicles are ever with any animal at once, giving wildlife space and guests the unhurried, intimate sightings that make Makutsi special.

Surrounding Makutsi are many beautiful and famous landmarks, including the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. Day excursions to these destinations are conducted in comfortable minibuses with opening windows — a personal and relaxed way to explore more of South Africa, and a great opportunity for guests and guides to get to know each other along the way.

Open Game Viewer Game Drives

Walking Safaris

Blyde River Canyon Excursion

Daily Breakfast & Dinner Included

Mineral Springs

The gold of Makutsi is our water. Warm mineral spring water emerges naturally from the earth at around 34°C, flowing directly into our outdoor 33-metre pool and indoor Roman Bath. The same water — cooled and aired in storage reservoirs — feeds every rondavel, straight to your shower and tap. Completely natural and unlike anything you will find at most safari lodges.

What Our Guests Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 356 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   B M 
 
 
 
 Verified Would highly recommend Makutsi
What a trip! Four of us spent a week in Makutsi and feel very fortunate to have found this place. Great accommodation, fabulous food, lovely staff. We are still mind blown by the amount of wildlife we saw. Our guides were incredibly knowledgable and skilled at giving us the best opportunities to see as many animals as possible. Our two nights in the tented camp, with our guide Rob, was an added bonus. And although our walking tour was cut short by 39 degree weather, our switch to the safari truck was even better as we got to see so many animals that afternoon. Rob was a terrific guide / teacher and we were impressed by his knowledge at reading the environment and animals in order to give us the best experiences. And importantly he gave us time to just sit and observe the animals. The food at Makutsi was all fabulous - but particularly at tented camp where Mavis kept us full of all sorts of delicious goodies. Loved our time at Makutsi!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rabun 
 
 
 
 Verified 30 th anniversary trip! A lifelong dream
Awesome time, a true Bush experience!Great weather, great guides, saw the Big Five and much more.Jesco,Diecus(aka Spiderman) and Scott were great guides.Anka welcomed us and provided assistance for special accommodations. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Meander27467469351 
 
 
 
 Verified Best experiences at Makutsi Safari Farm
once again at Makutsi and like every time incomparably good. Have already booked for 2027. highly recommended Thanks Harry Back at Makutsi once again—as always, incomparably good. I’ve already booked for 2027. highly recommended Thank you Harry
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Su O 
 
 
 
 Verified Warm Welcome, Amazing Wildlife and Wonderful Memories.
Our grateful thanks to everyone at Makutsi Safari Springs for making our once in a lifetime, multi-generational, family holiday (for 16!) an amazingly enjoyable, exciting and memorable experience.. It was everything I'd hoped it could be (a dream 7 years in the making). A private reserve with the big five plus, knowledgeable and experienced safari tour guides, beautiful surroundings and clean accommodation with service delivered by happy and caring staff meant we could relax, enjoy each others company and share the excitement of successful safari drives. Importantly it all came at a price I could afford with all-inclusive meals, safaris and sightseeing. Nothing more for me to plan! Would we go back again? In a heartbeat!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Pia B 
 
 
 
 Verified A Wonderful Advevture
What a truly spectacular six days we had at this fabulous place. The sense of community among the 40 guests was wonderful, while the thoughtful design of the site also meant there was plenty of opportunity to find your own space and enjoy some quiet time within the beautiful grounds or your gorgeous Rondavel. All the staff and guides were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. And the safaris were simply amazing—we saw so many animals, and that’s not even counting the ones wandering around the camp! From the early morning adventures through to our fabulous dinners, every day was filled with wonderful experiences. The pools were an added bonus too! Great value indeed.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   warrencorbett1 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful, well priced, immersive, family friendly experience
I visited Makutsi in July 2026 with my wife and son, and we did the one-week package. From the moment we arrived and received our welcome drink, we felt very comfortable. Our family rondavel was roomy, comfortable, clean, and well appointed. We had a very relaxing time, because the staff organised everything for us, and kept us well informed in advance of the game drives. All the staff were friendly and helpful, and some even gave us hugs when we left! It felt like we had been staying with family and friends. The guides were all very knowledgeable and we got to know them by doing all the safari drives. We got to see the big five, including two leopards. The kitchen and housekeeping staff were always helpful, and the food was varied and very tasty. We loved the homemade bread every morning, and the kitchen staff asking us how we would like our eggs cooked. We really enjoyed the communal meals, where we could catch up with the other guests, and share safari stories. We thought Makutsi was great value for money, and a real immersive experience where you got to see lots of animals and got to know the hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Makutsi, and voted it as the highlight of our whole African trip. We will be telling Makutsi stories for many years to come. Thanks so much for having us!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Elaine M 
 
 
 
 Verified Life at makutsi
Love it at makutsi. The atmosphere, people, staff etc cannot fault. I went again in May and it was my fourth time. This trip wasme and my daughter. She has been once and loved it as much as me so we decided to have a girlie 2 weeks. My first time at makutsi the only way I could describe it is it’s like adult fairyland . Once again we had an amazing time. Love just how peaceful it is and also how wildlife can just wander onto the property. Looking forward to many more stays at makutsi. Keep up the great work
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jenny S 
 
 
 
 Verified As the 4 Safari Sisters from downunder we loved every minute at Makutsi
Absolutely fabulous 6 night stay from the warm welcome and safety orientation by Anke to the fond farewell by Karin, Jesco and Anke. You must go. Unmissable. We saw and learnt so much more about South Africa than we thought possible. The Guides were outstanding. Thanks Jesco, Giddy and Scott. Wildlife everywhere. We have returned home very much smarter than when we left! The large Family Rondavel was excellent. We loved the swimming pool, Roman Bath, Hippo Hide and Library. Thank you to all the always cheerful and willing support and service staff. Our close encounter with the leopard is forever emblazoned on our memory ; as is the encounter with the lion pride that walked closely around our vehicle. Every game drive was an adventure We loved them. I saw my African Spirit animal the Giraffe many times. My soul was filled.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   George 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful experience
We really enjoyed our 8 day at Makutsi. Staff were friendly & the guides were excellent, especially Rob. Accomodation was roomy & clean. Food was delicious though limited choice. Safari guides were great. Plenty of wild animals to see. Makutsi only accept a max of about 40 guests, so was easy to make new friends with other guests. Many different safari rides. Tented camp was fun & challenging.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sheryl B 
 
 
 
 Verified African safari camp
We had a most satisfying stay at Matkutsi Springs. The rondaval was a wonderful experience and very well equipped. Although a hair dryer would have been handy. Well organised daily safaris meant that we were able to see the big 5 and some wonderful scenery. The guides were very experienced and mindful of our safety at all times. The food was varied and guests were called to dinner with the playing of two large drums. Magic!

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