Families are welcome we accommodate children aged six years and older at Toro River at Toro River Lodges. 

By road

From Johannesburg

• Depending on your location in Johannesburg, take the N1 North and connect to the N4 East in Pretoria, or take the N12 East, which merges into the N4 near eMalahleni (Witbank).
• Continue on the N4 East towards eMalahleni (Witbank), then onward to eMakhazeni (Belfast).
• Take the exit to eMakhazeni (Belfast).
• In eMakhazeni (Belfast), turn right onto Steven Masango Street (R540).
• Continue on the R540.
• Where the R540 meets the R36, turn left toward Mashishing (Lydenburg).
• In Mashishing (Lydenburg), turn left onto Voortrekker Street (R37), then right onto De Clercq Street (becomes R36) towards Ohrigstad.
• Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad and continue through the J.G. Strijdom Tunnel.
• Turn left toward Tzaneen (staying on the R36).
• You’ll pass a filling station on your left – this is your last opportunity to refuel.
• Continue across the Olifants River, passing The Oaks village.
• Drive past the Phalaborwa turnoff (±10 km) and follow the Makalali signs.
• Turn right at the Gravelotte (D202) turnoff – this road becomes a gravel road.
• Proceed through the boom gate.
• Travel approximately 9 km on the gravel road toward the Makalali Private Game Reserve main gate on your right.
• Once through the gate, follow the Toro River Lodges signs.

Note

• Low-clearance vehicles are not suitable for travel on the gravel road.
• Drive cautiously on the gravel road — not recommended at night.
• Fuel up before entering the reserve — no fuel stations inside.
• Map apps may not show internal reserve roads — follow signage carefully once you are on the gravel road.

By air

• Fly from O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.
• Road transfers to the lodge from the airport can be arranged in advance.
• Private charter flights to an airstrip within the reserve are also available on request.

Yes, by prior arrangement and at an additional cost.

Please contact  reservations@newmarkhotels.com.

The area is rich in diverse wildlife, including the Big Five and other wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, hippo, wild dog and a variety of antelope, which could be spotted on morning and evening game drives. Because animals roam freely, every game drive is unique and presents the opportunity to spot different animals. Our rangers are experts in their field and navigate dense bush to explore sights otherwise unseen. Although no sighting can be guaranteed, you are quite likely to spot hippos and crocodiles at the water hole in the Makhutswi River.

Yes, stays at Toro River include two game drives per day with a knowledgeable field guide and expert tracker. Guided walking tours can also be arranged at no additional cost. Please note that game drive and safari walk times may vary with seasonal changes.

Dining is an immersive culinary experience, rich in local flavours and ingredients. There are various dining areas at Toro River, including a restaurant, boma, pool deck and the riverside, under the trees. Private in-room dining can also be arranged.

To ensure that you have a comfortable and memorable safari experience, we recommend that you include the following items when packing:

• Light-weight clothing
• Swimwear
• Warm clothing, including items such as a jacket, scarf and beanie
• Waterproof jacket
• Hat
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Small flashlight
• Binoculars
• Camera

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need further info.