Garonga Safari Camp is in the 27,000ha Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve. Just North of Hoedspruit (the gateway to Kruger) in Limpopo. This secluded corner of South African bush veld welcomes you for an immersive Big 5 safari experience. Just beyond the bustling crowds in the Kruger National Park. Providing a more private and intimate safari. Having limited vehicles and commercial camps.
As well as the Big 5 (including Black and White Rhinos) there is plentiful plains game. Plus, cheetah, hyenas, crocodiles, hippo, and an abundance of birdlife.
Garonga is committed to sustainability. With one of the main contributions being that all of the camps are run on solar power as a primary energy source. This ensures a guarantee of exceptional luxury safari experience without any disruption. Plus, greywater reticulation and reverse osmosis water purification with glass bottles. Avoids plastic bottled water at all costs).
At Garonga Safari Company the ‘safari for the soul’ ethos is woven throughout the 3 x luxury safari camps. It could be a romantic getaway to Garonga Safari Camp. A luxury wedding or honeymoon at Little Garonga. Or an exclusive family holiday to MCH Private Tented Camp. Each of the three camps offers a unique atmosphere while maintaining a luxurious safari experience.
Garonga Safari Camp Accommodation
The luxurious Garonga Safari Camp an exclusive tented camp. The 6 x luxury en-suite tents overlook a dry riverbed. Each with a wooden deck complete with a hammock that commands spectacular views. The rooms are light, airy, and spacious. With large, draped beds. In addition to the indoor shower, there is an outdoor shower. Providing the perfect link between the luxury of the suite and the allure of Mother Nature.
The camp reflects the surroundings of the bush’s textured earthy colors. Clean lines have been incorporated with fine linen to ensure pure comfort. It perfectly balances nature’s tranquility and our modern luxuries for absolute rejuvenation. Each room can accommodate a maximum of 2 x adults.
Little Garonga can be taken out independently (ie, using one or two suites). Or for Exclusive-Use. It is ideal for a Family or group of friends to take over. With full exclusivity at little Garonga your family can enjoy their own safari lodge. This includes your own private safari vehicle and guide/tracker team. This camp is more traditional and built under thatch. It is more luxurious and very private and intimate.
Little Garonga Main Lodge
There are 3 x suites. Hambleden, Chiltern and Buckingham Suites.
Hambleden Suite x 1
Little Garonga’s Hambleden suite consists of the main bedroom (catering for 2 x adults). And a closed-off room that can accommodate 2 x children. Making it ideally suited for a couple or a small family. A 3rd child can also be accommodated with a floor bed.
An indoor and outdoor lounge are both covered and offer guests ample room to dine and relax. A huge bathroom has a beautiful hand beaten copper bath tub. Plus separate indoor shower and outdoor shower, two basins and a toilet. It has its own swimming pool with deck and hammock.
The suite has its own mini bar, and is fully air conditioned. As well as having ceiling fans.
Copper bath tubHambleden Suite
Chiltern and Buckingham Suite
Chiltern and Buckingham are two cozy 1 x bedroom air-conditioned suites that are designed for couples. The bedroom comfortably accommodates a king size bed, small lounge and writing desk. The fully en suite bathroom has a beautiful bathtub along with indoor and outdoor showers. Each suite has a mini-bar, and ceiling fan. All Suites surround the main living area of Little Garonga. Outside, the private wooden deck has a seating area with hammock. Ideal for those lazy days spent reading or watching wildlife passing by.
Buckingham Suite
MCH Private Tented Camp ↓
MCH is the newest addition to the Garonga Safari Company family. The main camp offers indoor and outdoor dining areas. Along with the MCH Bush Boma and fire-pit designed to pair with delicious pre-dinner drinks.
In addition to the safari activities, you can laze by the pool, and be pampered at the MCH Massage Sala. Or snuggle up with a good book by the library fireplace. For those who can’t leave the office behind, the library has WiFi, a working desk with a PC and photocopier.
MCH Ariel view
MCH Private Tented Camp Suites
Perched on a kopje (little hill), you can revel in panoramic views of the wild Makalali and Drakensberg Mountains beyond. The 4 x luxurious en suite tents boast a sumptuous bathtub and indoor and outdoor showers. Each features a well stocked bar and indoor lounge that flows outside onto a private deck. They are each approximately 70m2.
As a canvas tented camp, MCH Private Tented Camp embodies authentic safari style. Yet has the added luxuries that make it a safari for the soul experience. It offers family or friend groups a private and intimate bush getaway. Perfect for extended stays. If not booked out for a group, individual couples are welcome to make it home for their luxury safari stay.
MCH TentMCH deck
Garonga Safari Company Activities
Garonga Safari Company’s safari for the soul philosophy is captured in the unhurried experience. From intimate wildlife encounters to personal time to reflect in nature. The abundance of relaxing safari activities is designed to encourage exactly that. There is a multitude of activities on offer. Or, simply unwind in a hammock with a good book. Surrounded only by the sights and sounds of the reserve.
Game Drives
Game drives are at the heart of the Garonga experience. Allowing you to encounter the Big 5 and other wildlife up close. Your stay will typically include a morning and afternoon game drive in open-air Land Rovers. Led by the experienced and knowledgeable guides. On a morning game drive, as the animals are waking up, tuck into tea, coffee and snacks in the bush. Then, in the late afternoon, sip on an sundowner as the sun slowly dips below the horizon. Look out for cheetah, spotted hyena, black rhino, African wild dog, hippos, and crocodiles. Plus diverse plains animals and colorful bird life.
Giraffe and Zebra at the waterhole
Walking Safari
A walking safari in South Africa is a very different experience to a traditional game drive. This is your opportunity to discover the surrounding flora and fauna. Paying attention to the small things that might otherwise be missed. You will also learn the basic tracking techniques used by guides and trackers. Who make it look so easy on your game drive that you won’t even notice them doing it! The guides will share tales and tips from the bush. Such as how to make and use a catapult. How to create a bracelet from a plant. And how to identify different dung. Who knows, you might even bump into some of the bigger creatures en-route too. But don’t worry, the guides are fully trained and experienced to ensure a safe experience for all.
A solitude walk is also available for those that want to fully embrace Garonga’s ‘safari for the soul’ ethos. During a completely silent walk through the bush, your guide will identify various points of interest along the route. They will explain only by pointing at something. And leave it for you to decipher what insect, plant or track lies before you. The purpose here is to be exposed to the sights and sounds of the bush without interruption. At the end of the walk, the guide will confirm what they had pointed out. After which you will have the chance to sit alone for to think, meditate and absorb nature around you.
Walking safaris last approximately three hours.
Take Flight
Take to the skies for a unique perspective of the Makalali Reserve. Herds of game animals and fascinating landscapes will unfold below you. With the Drakensberg Mountains making a dramatic backdrop.
Fly over wildlife
Photo Studio
Take advantage of the photo editing and printing suite. Learn about photo composition, post processing and how to maximize visual impact of photos taken during your stay. Put it all into practice on your game drives and then print your images to take home. As the ultimate souvenir or gift.
Yoga Deck
The ‘safari for the soul’ ethos is at home of the Yoga Deck. It’s the ideal spot to meditate, stretch and practice some well deserved breathing time in nature.
Yoga Deck
The Sleep Out Deck
Enjoy a night under the stars on the Sleep Out Deck. Complete with four poster bed and dining table for two. A 20 minute drive from the main camp. You will be fully immersed in your natural surrounds overlooking the popular waterhole. Excited at the possibility of ‘visitors’ of the wild!
Sleep Out Deck
Bush and Star Bath
Bathing beneath the African stars is the epitome of indulgence. The Bush Bath is a private, open air safari bath experience set within the camp’s wild scenery. Expect romance, relaxation and lots of bubbles.
The bush bath is completely open. While the star bath is semi covered by a grotto of star lights with a flowing waterfall.
Star Bath
Massage Sala
Pure relaxation awaits you in the safari spa, the Massage Sala. Unwind and breathe deeply during a massage within the therapeutic natural setting in the bush.
Spa sala
Dining
Let the resident chefs spoil you with their unique creations combining traditional dishes with international influences. Not forgetting the rich afternoon teas, fresh light lunches and indulgent breakfast spreads. Which after your morning game drive, you will be able to tuck straight into. Share stories with other guests around the camp fire while you sip on your favorite South African wine. Then feast on a hearty and indulgent meal around the communal table in the lantern lit Bush Boma.
How to get to Garonga
From Johannesburg International; the closest airports are Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa. Both these flights take about one hour. There are also direct flights from Cape Town to Hoedspruit. It is a 75-minute drive from either Airport (Hoedspruit/Phalaborwa) to the camps.
There are also daily direct flights from Cape Town to Kruger (Nelspruit) Airport. From there, a road transfer (3 hours) or private air charter will take you to the camps.
There is also an airstrip (1100M) 5 minutes drive from the camps. Else, it is a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg.
Garonga Safari Camp Accommodation Rates
1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Luxury Tent per person sharing
R9 280
3 x Tents (Max 6 x adults)
R48 740 for 3 tents
Exclusive Camp Takeover Package (Max 12 x adults)
R92 280 for 6 tents
Garonga Safari Camp is closed for the month of March for annual maintenance.
Little Garonga Accommodation Rates
1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Hambleden Suite
R12 700 per person sharing R16 000 per single Children from 6 – 16 stay complimentary when sharing with parents R5 130 per child per night (17 – 20 years) or R9 280 from 21 years when sharing with parents
Chiltern and Buckingham Suites
R10 810 per person sharing R14 000 per single
Exclusive Camp Takeover Package (Max 8 x adults with no additional charges for children)
R61 580
Little Garonga is closed for the month of June for annual maintenance.
MCH Private Tented Camp Accommodation Rates
1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Luxury Tent
R14 500 per person sharing R18 000 per single
Exclusive Camp Takeover Package (Max 12 x adults)
R97 000
MCH Private Tented Camp is open all of 2024.
The above rates are all per night.
All rates include: All meals, teas, and coffees Game drives Bush walks Sleep-out experience, bush bath, Star Bath, and Yoga Sala All local drinks (including beers, house wine, soft drinks, spirits and liqueurs) WiFi
All rates exclude: Transfers. Curios. Telephone calls. Massage Treatments. Conservancy Levy/Anti-poaching Levy per person (Gate entrance fee). Special wines and champagnes.
Garonga Safari Company Special Offers
Long stay offers
Stay 5, pay for only 4 nights, and get 50% off the return road transfers (if required) to Hoedspruit
Stay 9 nights and only pay for 7 nights and get complimentary return transfers (if required) to Hoedspruit
These safari specials are applicable until 31st March 2025.
Garonga Honeymoon Package
Based on a minimum of 3 nights’ stay, the couple will receive: One 45 minute massage each A complimentary dinky bottle of champagne (375ml) on their arrival Complimentary return transfers (if required) to either Hoedspruit Airport 1 x Private Game Drive during their stay based on a minimum Room upgrade IF available during their stay.
If staying less than 3 nights, then all of the above, LESS the complimentary transfer.
Garonga Wedding Packages
Bush wedding heaven can be found at Garonga. If you are seeking a destination wedding, a Garonga wedding is part of your happily ever after story.
Your wedding ceremony can take place in any of the stunning areas at any of the lodges / camps. For a backdrop of incredible views, there is the Sleep Out Deck. Or say ‘I do’ in the middle of the bush itself. Little Garonga is an excellent exclusive-use venue to accommodate your closest family and friends.
The Garonga staff are highly capable of catering to your individual needs. Creating a truly unforgettable wedding day for you. Before the ceremony, indulge in a delicious breakfast followed by a relaxing massage. Afterwards, enjoy a light lunch on an elevated deck. Or game drive in the bush with some bubbly, followed by a romantic soak in the Bush Bath or Star Bath.
The wedding package includes: Ministers Fee (Includes all legal documents licenses, and communications with the wedding couple before and after the ceremony). Unabridged marriage certificate and/or Apostille. Single Tier Wedding Cake. Pressing of wedding outfits. A rustic bouquet of wildflowers. A bottle of champagne. A 45 Minutes Massage each for the bride and groom. A private dinner on the wedding night. Decorated setting for your wedding ceremony. A decorated open-air safari vehicle for the transfers to and from the wedding ceremony. Return road transfers for the bride and groom from Hoedspruit Airport.
The wedding package is valid year-round and is based on a minimum three-night stay.
Outer Kruger Accommodation ↓
We will be adding to this soon so in the meantime, see drop down below for Kruger accommodation.
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge offers luxury all inclusive accommodation in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa – perfect for honeymoons and even weddings
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the western Sabi Sand Game Reserve, for an incredible Greater Kruger National Park safari. Lots of offers and packages including family and honeymoon.
South Africa Holiday Safari Specials – Discounted rates for the ultimate South African safari at Kirkman’s Kamp in the Sabi Sand (Greater Kruger National Park).
Jabulani is a 5* soulful safari lodge in the Kruger National Park, offering not only safaris but unique elephant and sustainable experiences – rates and offers
