Toro River Lodges By Newmark Hotels & Reserves Opens 1 December 2025

An authentic Big Five safari escape along the Makhutswi River, Limpopo

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.”

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.

Bookings are now open for stays from 1 December 2025.

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About Newmark Hotels & Reserves

Newmark Hotels & Reserves lives by the promise of “Experience Authentic”. It creates memorable and unique experiences for guests – authentic to the location, environs and people of each of its properties.

From gracious boutique luxury hotels, vibrant city hotels, inspiring safari lodges to blissful island getaways – Newmark is a curator of occasions that excite, serve, soothe and take care of its guests. Occasions that are complemented by sensorial cuisine, directed by Newmark’s Group Head Chef, and enhanced by its Group Sommelier’s selected wine choices.

Established in 2007, Newmark Hotels & Reserves has its roots in Cape Town, and continues to expand throughout Africa. The hospitality management company’s South African footprint includes Cape Town’s iconic V&A Waterfront, the open skies of the Karoo, the rolling green hills of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere and the vast Kruger National Park where lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard roam free. Further afield, Newmark’s guests can experience West African golf experiences, East African gorilla trekking experiences, and the opulence of Mauritian and Zanzibar beach resorts. Soon, guests will also discover life along the Makhutswi River in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, explore the Batoka Gorge near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and experience Namibia’s water-rich safari land in the Zambezi Region, originally known as the Caprivi Strip.