How to Reach the Lodge
Makuwa Safari Lodge is an easy self-drive destination nestled between Big Five game reserves, a stone's throw from Kruger's Orpen Gate and central Kruger National Park.
The lodge occupies 70 hectares of bushveld bordering Thornybush Nature Reserve and Sandringham Nature Reserve along the Orpen and Avoca Roads. The closest airport is Eastgate/Hoedspruit; O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg is the nearest major international gateway (about 6 hours by road).
GPS: -24.554593, 31.150685. Access is by appointment — phone the lodge manager 066 479 6833 for Avoca/Ilkley Game Ranch gate access.
On the Map
Makuwa Safari Lodge lies just off the Orpen Road in the Greater Kruger, Limpopo.
Use the map to orient yourself, then follow the driving directions from Johannesburg or Hoedspruit. Phone 066 479 6833 for gate access on arrival.
Directions from Johannesburg / Pretoria
Take the N4 towards eMalahleni (Witbank) / Middelburg. About 87 km past eMalahleni take the R540 / Belfast turnoff. Continue through Belfast (35 km) to Dullstroom, then Lydenburg (50 km). Through Lydenburg you join the R36 to Ohrigstad (45 km). Continue 70 km over Abel Erasmus Pass and through the JG Strydom tunnel until Khamai reptile park on your left. Turn right onto the R531 towards Klaserie and Orpen. After 32 km take the R531 / Orpen turnoff left. Makuwa is 15 km down this road on the left.
Turn into the main gate called Avoca / Ilkley Game Ranch (thatched structure). Tell the guard you are going to Makuwa Safari Lodge. Take an immediate left to the second gate, then follow the Makuwa signs on the sandy roads.
Directions from Hoedspruit
Exit Hoedspruit on the R40 (Klaserie Road) and travel south towards White River/Hazyview for 23 km to a T-junction. Turn left on the R40, continue 2 km, then turn left onto the R531 towards Orpen. Makuwa is 15 km down this road on the left. Enter via Avoca / Ilkley Game Ranch as above.