Makhanda

Travel Guide

A single elk standing in a grassy field with a blurred natural background.
A close-up of an elephant's face with tusks.
A red building with a sign reading "SOPHIA TOWN LASER STARZ" in a rural area with a dirt road and sparse buildings.
A dirt road with giraffes and a person in the center.
Pumba Private Game Reserve

Pumba Private Game Reserve

5 out of 5
Highlands, Makana Municipality Makhanda Eastern Cape
$819 nightly
The price is $942 total per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
$942 total
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury lodge in Makhanda. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and private plunge pools. Popular attraction African Pride Pumba Private Game ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"From the moment we arrived we were spoilt and everything was so perfect every little detail was taken care of All the staff were so helpful kind and friendly our ranger was fantastic and so knowledgeable and caring towards the animals The lodge we stayed in was so perfect I cried with happiness when ..."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2026

Pumba Private Game Reserve
AppleBee Guest Cottages

AppleBee Guest Cottages

3.5 out of 5
5 Harrismith Street Makhanda Eastern Cape
$80 nightly
The price is $80 total per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
$80 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Makhanda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Amazwi South African Museum of Literature and International ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"I had a super stay here. It is really nice that the B&B actually provides breakfast along with tea and coffee and crackers. That makes the morning much easier. Also, I unexpectedly had an overnight guest and the hotelier allowed me to bring the other guest in the guest room. This was much ..."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2026

AppleBee Guest Cottages
African Safari Lodge

African Safari Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Medbury Farm Makhanda Eastern Cape
$116 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
$133 total
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this lodge in Makhanda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge).
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Nice room, fantastic view down the river with a deer on our patio 😁"

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

African Safari Lodge
See all 73 properties in Makhanda
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming 1-bedroom cottage with WiFi and AC in enchanting Makhanda

Charming 1-bedroom cottage with WiFi and AC in enchanting Makhanda

Makhanda EC
Stay at this cottage in Makhanda. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Observatory Museum and Elizabeth Salt Monument are located ...
Charming 1-bedroom cottage with WiFi and AC in enchanting Makhanda
Cosy & gorgeous 3-bedroom house in Grahamstown with pool! Stunning family home!

Cosy & gorgeous 3-bedroom house in Grahamstown with pool! Stunning family home!

Grahamstown Eastern Cape
Stay at this vacation home in Makhanda. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Egazini Park and Observatory Museum are located ...
Cosy & gorgeous 3-bedroom house in Grahamstown with pool! Stunning family home!
Uplands Homestead

Uplands Homestead

4.5 out of 5
R67 Fort Brown Makhanda Eastern Cape
Book a stay at this luxury vacation home in Makhanda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attraction Kwandwe Private Game Reserve ...
Uplands Homestead
See all properties in Makhanda
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Makhanda attractions

African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve

9.8/10 (6 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve, a lovely green space in Makhanda. Discover the countryside while you're in the area.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Makhanda worth visiting?
Makhanda is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including Rhodes University and the nearby Lalibela Game Reserve. Travelers can explore the academic environment of the university or experience wildlife viewing at the game reserve.
What is Makhanda known for?
Makhanda, also known as 'Makana Municipality', is known for being home to Rhodes University. Travelers can also explore the nearby Lalibela Game Reserve and African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve, offering opportunities to experience South Africa's diverse wildlife.
What is a good itinerary length for Makhanda?
A good itinerary length for Makhanda is two to three days to experience a Day Safari at Pumba Private Game Reserve and explore Lalibela Game Reserve. For a more in-depth trip, four to five days allows travelers to enjoy both game reserves more fully and visit Rhodes University. See Makhanda Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Makhanda?
Makhanda offers a mix of academic history and incredible wildlife experiences for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Makhanda?
To plan your trip to Makhanda, search for flights and places to stay on Expedia. Consider booking a rental car to easily explore attractions like Rhodes University and nearby game reserves such as Lalibela Game Reserve and African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve. You can also book a Day Safari at Pumba Private Game Reserve in advance.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Makhanda?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Makhanda by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Makhanda with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Makhanda trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Makhanda?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Makhanda can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Makhanda trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Makhanda trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Makhanda trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Makhanda trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Makhanda?
If it's your first trip to Makhanda, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Makhanda hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Makhanda hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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