Toro River Lodge

• All premium beverages
• All items of a personal nature
• Any additional activities requested
• Gate Levvy: R495 pp per entry (Subject to change) 

• Children 6 years and older are welcome.
• Suites can accommodate 1 Child sharing with parents.
• Children 6 - 11 will be charged at a rate of R2000 per night (payable direct to the property when using your Secret Getaway Voucher to book).
• Children 6 - 11 may join game drives subject to your guide's approval. 
• Children aged 12 years and above are considered adults and will be charged at the applicable adult rate.

Set along the banks of the Makhutswi River in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, Toro River Lodge offers a refined safari stay with a quieter, more intimate feel. Part of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, the lodge blends contemporary comfort with the raw beauty of the bush, surrounded by ancient trees, river views and regular Big Five sightings.

The lodge features just five luxurious suites, each designed for privacy and relaxed indoor-outdoor living with private decks overlooking the river. Guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives, guided safari walks, a swimming pool, spacious lounge areas and open-air dining experiences that make the most of the setting. Dining is centred around locally inspired flavours and seasonal ingredients, with everything from breakfasts beneath the trees to fireside dinners in the boma.

The Luxury River Suites are designed for slow safari living, blending contemporary comfort with uninterrupted bush views. Each suite features a King-size bed dressed in crisp linen, an elegant en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, a minibar and a private viewing deck overlooking the river. Natural textures, warm finishes and floor-to-ceiling glass create a calm, connected feel throughout the space, while the secluded setting allows guests to fully switch off between game drives.

Set within the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit, Toro River Lodge places guests in one of South Africa’s most rewarding safari regions. The reserve is known for its diverse landscapes, from open plains and riverine forests to rocky outcrops and dense bushveld, creating excellent conditions for year-round wildlife sightings. Guests can expect encounters with the Big Five, as well as cheetah, hyena, giraffe, zebra and a remarkable variety of birdlife during guided game drives and bush walks.

The surrounding Hoedspruit area is also a gateway to some of the Lowveld’s best experiences, including scenic routes, conservation centres and panoramic viewpoints along the Drakensberg escarpment. Whether it’s early morning coffee overlooking the river, sundowners in the bush or evenings around the fire beneath a sky full of stars, this is the kind of safari escape that feels both grounding and unforgettable.

Game Drives Experience twice-daily guided game drives through the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, where expert rangers and trackers lead guests in search of the Big Five, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and more. Morning drives offer the chance to catch the bush waking up, while afternoon safaris end with classic sundowners in the wild.

Guided Bush Walks For a closer look at the smaller details of the bushveld, guided walks offer a slower, more immersive safari experience. Learn more about the reserve’s plants, tracks, birdlife and ecosystems while exploring the landscape on foot alongside experienced guides.

Bush Dining Experiences Dining at Toro River Lodge goes beyond the dining room, with opportunities to enjoy meals beneath the trees, fireside dinners in the boma and relaxed outdoor settings overlooking the river. Each experience is designed to make the most of the surrounding wilderness.

Birdwatching The reserve is home to an impressive variety of birdlife, making it ideal for both casual birdwatchers and keen enthusiasts. From colourful kingfishers and hornbills to larger birds of prey, there is always something to spot around the river and surrounding bushveld.

Relaxation & Leisure Between safari activities, guests can unwind beside the pool, relax on their private deck or simply take in the peaceful atmosphere of the lodge. The secluded setting and uninterrupted bush views make it easy to slow down and fully switch off.

Toro River Lodge is located within the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit in Limpopo, making it an easy safari escape for both local travellers. The closest airport is Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit, with regular domestic flights available from Johannesburg and Cape Town through major South African airlines.

Guests can also choose to self-drive from Johannesburg, with the journey taking approximately five to six hours depending on traffic and stops along the way. The final stretch into the reserve includes bush roads, so a higher-clearance vehicle is recommended for a more comfortable drive, particularly during rainy periods.

Road transfer assistance and additional transport arrangements can also be arranged with the lodge on request for a more seamless arrival experience.