If your fairy-tale wedding includes tying the knot as you overlook a vast panorama where Lion King-like families of elephants enter stage left, pot-bellied wart hogs stage right and tessellated giraffe roam the reserve as far as the eye can see look no further. Protected by an impressive grove of marula trees, Makanyi's prime safari setting offers sweeping views over a magnificent dam creating the most arresting backdrop to your magical day.

The Makanyi wedding package includes all the necessary documentation (as required by the government of South Africa), the wedding ceremony conducted by a Minister either in the welcoming main lodge or at a special location in the bush, music, flowers and décor for the event as well as a choice of fine catering, wedding cake and wines. To make the day even more special the package also includes a Mr & Mrs 1 hour massage and exclusive use of high-spec new game vehicle for the day and when required a romantic private dinner on the deck of your room, turn down, and rose-petal bubble bath.  Wedding extras can also be easily arranged which for some couples might be the usual hair dresser, make-up artist and photographer whilst for others that might include pre-ceremony cocktails overlooking the scenic dam, a solo violinist during the ceremony or traditional Shangaan dancers to bestow good-luck.  Whatever is on your wedding wish-list Makanyi will ensure every aspect of your celebration is beautifully taken care of leaving you free to relax and enjoy precious time with your nearest and dearest.

Saying “I do” will only be one of the big decisions you'll make during your stay at Makanyi. Bride and Groom and lucky guests will be spoilt for choice with activities including exhilarating game drives, guided bush walks, fishing in one of the many dams accompanied by wallowing hippos, romantic picnic lunches in the bush 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) all of which can be organized from the lodge.

Or if that all sounds too much like hard work the lodge provides a perfect haven to retreat to; spend a blissful few hours by the pool, soak in a hot tub or enjoy an in-room spa treatment. Then at the end of the day chill with your new significant other whilst watching nature's ever changing performance with an evening sundowner in hand or on cooler nights retreat by the fireplace with a glass or red wine and a good book.

At Makanyi there are a choice of 7 open plan suites, 5 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, flower petal strewn baths and secluded candle-lit dinners make Makanyi the perfect romantic hideaway.

Makanyi lodge and its location are blessed, and by way of reciprocity, it seeks to be a respectful custodian creating amazing experiences and inspiring a sense of wonder. The memory of how your special time here made you feel will remain with you for a lifetime.

Accommodation from R8,000 (approx £350) per person per night full board.
Wedding package from R 21,500-00 (approx £950)

Includes:
Wedding ceremony in the bush (few options to choice from or at the main lodge)
Minister for the ceremony, including the preparation and processing of all legal documents
Single layer cake of choice, Snacks & local sparkling wine at the wedding venue
Local flowers for the ceremony – bridal bouquet, groom's corsage, ceremony table
Pressing of bride and grooms garments
Private vehicle for the day of the ceremony only
1 hour massage for the bride and groom
Makanyi Personal wedding coordinator
Witness at the ceremony – Makanyi personal wedding coordinator
Romantic private dinner, turn down & rose petal bubble bath on the night
Gift for the bridal couple

Excludes:
Accommodation
Conservation levy
Flights
Transfers
Private vehicle (R5000-00 per day) – day of the wedding ceremony the vehicle is included in rate for the wedding package - anything additional is excluded – this needs to be set due to a first come basis for the vehicle
Photographer
Hair dresser
Make-up artist
Traditional shangaan dancers (local dancers)
Further spa treatments

Makanyi was recently selected to receive a 2016 Condé Nast Traveler HOT LIST award, the prestigious US award given to the world's top 60 properties that have opened their doors in the last 12 months and has also just been included in the new Condé Nast Brides Magazine Honeymoon supplement featuring their top 100 global honeymoon destinations.

www.makanyilodge.com

For press information and images please contact:
Julie Hedley at Small World Marketing
e: julie@smallworldmarketing.co.uk t: 0845 634 1460