13 Mar 2015
Many of us have gone on a wonderful holiday and day-dreamed of one day owning a holiday home in that destination, but few would make that day dream a reality…..and a sustainable way of life; however Jessica Gold has done just this with Makanyi.
Anglo-Italian Jessica fell in love with South Africa on holiday in 2013. Several visits later and Jessica came to appreciate that by owning and running her own South African safari-lodge she could fulfil her own passions – a keen interest in tourism and hospitality (gained through a degree in hotel management from Lausanne) and a love of wild animals and conservation. Additionally for Jessica's son, a unique seven-year-old with an obsession for animals and nature, it would provide an incredible opportunity for a happy, healthy, outdoor life in one of the few places on Earth where nature remains virtually untouched; a place where nurture and nature could brilliantly coexist. From that quest Makanyi was born – a stunning safari lodge, in the most wonderful place on earth. “We are committed to being responsible custodians of this inspiring land and helping our guests to share our vision and values – This is not merely a holiday destination, it's a way to expand horizons and help our planet”.
Makanyi is 856 hectares in size and is located in the southern sector of the South African Timbavati, an area dubbed as “The place where something sacred came down to earth”. The lodge has traversing rights to a further 6,000 hectares and is directly adjacent and open to the 2.4 million hectares of the Kruger National Park, enabling guests to enjoy a truly vast game viewing area. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is not only home to an abundant variety of wildlife and birdlife but also to the famous “Big Five” and the extremely rare and world-renowned white lion.
The architecture of Makanyi is clean and contemporary, cleverly blending seamlessly into its bush surroundings. There are a total of 8 open plan suites, 6 Classic and 2 Honeymoon, of approximately 140m2 each making them some of the largest rooms to be found in the bush. All suites have an extra-large bed, sitting area with fireplace and a spacious bathroom with a shower and separate freestanding bath. Outside, a private deck overlooks the bush, with an outdoor shower and inviting sun loungers. The 2 Honeymoon suites are situated at the far reaches of the camp offering total privacy. Four-poster beds, private plunge pools, secluded candle-lit dinners and flower petal strewn picnics make Makanyi the perfect romantic hideaway.
Guests are spoilt for choice at Makanyi with activities including exhilarating game drives, guided bush walks with a highly experienced ranger, fishing in one of the many dams accompanied by wallowing hippos and mesmerising night-time star gazing. With a longer stay, Makanyi couldn't be better located for exploring a vast array of world renowned attractions and activities (such as visits to Blyde River Canyon and the Drakensburg Mountains amongst others)which can be organized from the lodge.
For those wanting to take life a little slower, the lodge provides a perfect haven to retreat to; spend a blissful few hours by the pool, soak in a hot tub, enjoy a spa treatment in room or in the peaceful massage area or burn excess energy in the fully-equipped gym. Then at the end of the day, watch nature's ever changing performance with a chilled evening sundowner in hand or on cooler nights retreat by the fireplace with a glass or red wine and a book.
Variety is also the order of the day when it comes to meal times. After gently waking to a birdsong serenade breakfast can be taken on the deck watching curious wildebeest. A light lunch by the pool or picnic in the bush could be accompanied by a herd of impala and the cutest vervet monkeys and who could resist a delightful high tea of scrumptious treats whilst watching a rhino pass by? Dinner is the highlight of the day with delicious local specialities served with simplicity and finesse in the beautiful dining room or under the sparkling African sky sitting around the fire in the boma.
Makanyi embodies the Timbavati feeling of sacredness and no doubt guests will fall in love with the bush during their stay and perhaps they too will leave day dreaming about one day creating their own little piece of safari heaven.
From £275 per person per night full board.
For press information and images please contact:
Julie Hedley at Small World Marketing
e: julie@smallworldmarketing.co.uk t: 0845 634 1460
