Toro River Lodges By Newmark Hotels & Reserves Opens 1 December 2025
Posted on: 21 October 2025Written by: Newmark Hotels & Reserves
Cape Town, South Africa, 21 October 2025 – Newmark Hotels & Reserves proudly announces the opening of Toro River at Toro River Lodges on 1 December 2025, marking the debut of its newest Big Five destination within the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve. Following a detailed refurbishment and interior redesign, Toro River offers guests a refined yet authentic safari experience in one of the lowveld’s most beautiful settings.
Set along the banks of the Makhutswi River beneath ancient jackalberry, wild-fig, and marula trees, Toro River blends contemporary elegance with a deep connection to nature. The lodge features five luxurious suites — three River Suites and two Luxury Suites — each with a private deck overlooking the river. Interiors balance warmth and authenticity, creating a relaxed environment for guests to unwind between immersive safari experiences.
Guests can look forward to twice-daily game drives, guided safari walks, and encounters with the region’s abundant wildlife, including lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Dining forms an integral part of the Toro River experience, with menus inspired by African traditions and locally sourced ingredients — from breakfast beneath the trees to dinner in the boma or on the pool deck.
“The opening of Toro River at Toro River Lodges represents another step in Newmark’s ongoing commitment to authentic, experience-led hospitality across Africa,” says Neil Markovitz, Founder and CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves. “Toro River encapsulates the raw beauty and freedom of the bush while offering the warmth, comfort and sophistication our guests have come to expect.”
Neil Markovitz, Founder and CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves
Located within a 26 000-hectare conservancy west of the Kruger National Park, the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve is recognised as a pioneer in ecotourism and a registered Protected Area. Toro River Lodges forms part of its long-term conservation vision — where guest experiences contribute directly to the preservation of wildlife and wilderness.
