WEDDINGS AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I LO D G E

An African wedding

W

hether you’re looking for an intimate wedding for just the two of you or hoping to celebrate your special day with close friends and family, it’s hard to picture a more idyllic location to say I do than Sanctuary Makanyane.

Set amidst the dramatic escarpments, verdant valleys and game-rich expanse of one of Africa’s most pristine conservation areas, Madikwe Game Reserve’s 4,450 private acres of breathtaking scenery provide a memorable backdrop to your precious day. Only here could lion, elephant, rhino, zebra, leopards, giraffe and the rare African wild dog that gives Makanyane its name come together to join you for this joyous celebration. Whilst you soak up the untamed beauty of South Africa, our attentive staff will work tirelessly to deliver the personal touches that will ensure your wedding exceeds your wildest expectation. Their raison d’être: to make sure your far-flung fairy-tale comes true in this most extraordinary of locations. And, once you’ve tied the knot deep in the African bush, your marital adventure and honeymoon blend into one. With incredible wildlife viewing to enjoy on game drives as well as from our soothing spa, it’s time to truly unwind in a natural nirvana that oozes exclusivity, elegance and relaxed charm. Your African romance starts here.

WILD AT HEART Escape to the heart of the African bush for a wedding that is a million miles from city life. Welcome to Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge – a romantic paradise where the Big Five gather for your big day.

W E D D I N G S AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I L O D G E

The final countdown

GETTING READY

Thanks to our in-house beauty experts, you can rest assured your partner’s heart will skip a beat as you walk down your African aisle. From hairdressing and make-up to clothes steaming and an ironing service, let our hands-on team take care of everything so that you can just focus on each other. For the ultimate pre-wedding pampering, why not take advantage of the indulgent treatments offered by our highly trained team of specialists at our secluded bush spa. With a bountiful menu brimming with manicures, massages, facials and body wraps, simply choose whether to soothe your body and mind from the luxury of your suite deck or from another idyllic vantage point and enjoy dramatic views across one of South Africa’s most remote game parks. Whichever you opt for, simply lie back and let any worries ebb away in the Sanctuary of Makanyane safari lodge.

W E D D I N G S AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I L O D G E

The wedding wow factor Picture yourselves celebrating your union beneath an ancient Tamboti tree, on the banks of the Marico River or overlooking a waterhole. Imagine being serenaded by the uplifting performance of a local African choir or walking down the aisle to the evocative sounds of the reserve’s untamed residents. To be wed in Africa is to answer the call of the wild. And, with 4,450 awe-inspiring acres of private African savannah, Sanctuary Makanyane offers a rare opportunity for the two of you to exchange vows wherever the mood takes you. Wherever and however you choose to say I do we’ll help you find the perfect spot that captures your hearts as well as your imagination. Together we’ll help create an exquisite marriage ceremony that takes full advantage of the promised land around you in a way that couldn’t feel more natural.

SAYING 'I DO' W E D D I N G S AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I L O D G E

A fairytale feast After your VIP nuptials, it’s time to savour the moment with a gourmet reception that’s right for you. Trained by one of South Africa’s finest food alchemists, our passionate head chef and his talented team are on hand to conjure up culinary magic and transfix your tastebuds with a unique blend of local and international flavours. If you’re celebrating à deux, an intimate meal underneath the stars or a mouthwatering sunset feast in our open-air Boma could well be on the menu. Alternatively, perhaps you’d prefer a poolside candlelit dinner for you and your guests or an authentic bush braai out in the reserve, letting the flickering flames from the open fire cast mesmerising shadows across the plains. For a sweet finale, a wedding cake of your choosing is included in all our wedding packages, whilst our sublime dishes are complemented by a tempting choice of awardwinning fine wines from our exceptional wine cellar.

ON THE MENU W E D D I N G S AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I L O D G E

Sophisticated slumber With just eight luxurious suites dotted along the riverbank, Sanctuary Makanyane is the epitome of romance. Stylishly furnished and discretely positioned, each glass-walled bedroom offers uninterrupted views across the Marico river and surrounding forest, ensuring you can fold back your windows and enjoy the area’s intoxicating natural beauty in total privacy. Where else offers game viewing so exclusive that you can watch the local wildlife wander past your door or wallow in the tranquil waters below whilst you luxuriate in a sumptuous freestanding bath? For a magical start to married life, why not enjoy an alfresco night under the African sky. Cosy up in our secure double storey hide, watch the sun set across the horizon and listen to the bush lullaby as you fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars. Then, as dawn breaks, gaze down on the Big Five as Madikwe’s abundant game approach the waterhole below for a morning drink.

THE END OF THE NIGHT W E D D I N G S AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I L O D G E

Tailored for you When you choose Sanctuary Makanyane for your wedding, you’ll have a dedicated member of the team to liaise with every step of the way. What’s more, you’ll have instant access to our carefully vetted shortlist of trusted suppliers, from florists to photographers, who we have worked with successfully for years. Same-sex weddings are also available in South Africa, and we welcome your enquiry

MAKE IT YOURS

So, whether you’re looking for a secluded ceremony for two or an extraordinary celebration which takes over the whole lodge, we’ll work closely with you to ensure every aspect of your day is exactly as you would like it to be.

FULLY PERSONALISED WEDDING PACKAGES START FROM ZAR 25,000 AND INCLUDE: • Wedding coordinator • A minister to perform the ceremony • Wedding cake • Hot Stone Massage for wedding couple • African song and dance troupe • Decorated wedding suite • Sleep-out under the stars experience • Private dinner & breakfast for wedding couple • Sparkling wine & fruit platter on arrival

W E D D I N G S AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I L O D G E

Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge Our luxurious lodge offers unparalleled opportunities to get up close and personal with the local wildlife - and with your betrothed. Why not extend your stay with a few extra nights enjoying close encounters of the safari kind from one of Africa’s most exclusive settings.

THE FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES OF SANCTUARY MAKANYANE INCLUDE:

• 8 air-conditioned glass-fronted suites with private fireplaces • Heated infinity pool • Bush spa • Air-conditioned gym • Extensive wine cellar • Open-air dining Boma • Secluded hide to sleep under the stars

• Library • Lounge • Curio shop • Year-round safari drives and game walks • 4,450 acres of privately owned land in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve

Sanctuary Makanyane is a safari lodge like no other. We look forward to helping co-create the life-affirming marital moments that will stay with you forever. Contact the team on [email protected] for further inspiration.

THE LODGE

W E D D I N G S AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I L O D G E

W E D D I N G S AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I L O D G E

W E D D I N G S AT S A N C T U A R Y M A K A N YA N E S A FA R I L O D G E

CONTACT US For more information and for your next booking, please contact us: + (27) 11 438 4650 [email protected]

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