'Makalali' Private Nature
Game Reserve

Our top-level guides make the Dream Safari

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A great guide is the heart that drives every safari.

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Guiding is important! Our Rangers, trackers and every one of our lodge staff is what makes your stay memorable. Having the best of staff is important to us.

 

Our Head ranger, Willem Scheuer has been in the business for decades. Having been based in this reserve for years, they know it intimately and will see to it that the most is made of every opportunity while looking after your every need.

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Wildlife Viewing Safety

• Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines.

• Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out of the car.

• Never walk off far to pee behind a bush – ask for advice from your guide about where to go.

• Don't stand up in the car or hang out of the window 

• Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari. Back off if the animals seem disturbed.

• Don’t drive between elephants, especially females and their young. Never get too close to elephants, particularly lone males.

• Don't talk or laugh too loud.

• Stay close to your guide and group on a walking safari and always walk in single file.

• Watch where you put your feet while walking in the bush.

• Never run in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack. For the same reason, never run away from a predator when confronted. Instead ask your guide for help and instructions or slowly walk backwards while facing the predator.

• Never walk between a hippo and water. It may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked.

• While on water pools, keep enough distance from animals on river banks.

• While camping, or in a tented camp, never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife.

• Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes. The repellent should contain at least 30% DEET.

• Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

• Don't wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume. This is especially true for walking safaris and, to a lesser extent, for other wildlife viewing activities. In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies. Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles during the cold months of June, July and August.

• General Travel Safety Precautions

• Buy good travel and health insurance and check that all activities on your trip are covered.

• Check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting, including: number of empty pages and months left before your passport expires, visa requirements, if holding a return ticket is required, etc.

• Get all the required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and insect repellent before you depart. 

• Lock all bags before handing them over at check-in at the airport. Keep all valuables in your hand luggage or money belt, including your passport and bank cards.

• Make photocopies of important documents like tickets, insurance papers, passport and visa and keep them separate. It is also recommended to scan these documents and email a copy to yourself and somebody at home, along with your flight other travel details. If you don't have a scanner, you can leave photocopies with somebody at home.

• Put your valuables in the safety deposit box of the hotel and make sure to take at least one bag that you can lock.

• It is important to be protected against the sun and have suitable clothing for wildlife watching 

• When small charter flights are part of your trip, check the luggage weight limits.

• Don't drive at night as the road conditions are a lot different from Western countries. Potholes and road edges are harder to spot, livestock may wander onto roads and other vehicles may drive haphazardly and even without lights.

• When driving in areas known for car hijackings (like in and around Johannesburg) you should lock all doors and keep your windows closed. 

• Don't offend or irritate police officers. Always show respect. In some African countries police officers might try their luck by asking for a bribe. If so, don’t get aggressive, it’s your choice as to whether you agree to a bribe or not but remember, corruption is being encouraged with each successful bribe. A light attitude and a joke might well get you off the hook.

• Don't take photos of government or military buildings and constructions.