Description
The emphasis at Garonga Safari Camp is on total relaxation set on the banks of the river Makhutswi to the west of South Africa's famous Kruger Park within beautiful natural surroundings.
Each of the six spacious tented rooms are nestled into ebony trees along the banks of a water course and have private decks with hammocks. Interiors boast inviting draped beds and en-suite facilities including indoor and outdoor showers and inviting claw footed Victorian baths.
The camp is passionate about cuisine and offers gourmet meals in a variety of locations including romantic candlelit dinners in the boma, bush picnics and private dining under the stars. There is also an excellent wine cellar specialising in quality South African wines.
To completely switch off, the open-air sala offers beauty treatments, aromatherapy, reflexology and reiki.
Game viewing activities include game drives, guided walks and sleep-out excursions all with experienced armed rangers and there are some fantastic birdwatching opportunities.
Accommodation
Each of the six spacious tented rooms are nestled into ebony trees along the banks of a water course and have private decks with hammocks. Interiors boast inviting draped beds and en-suite facilities including indoor and outdoor showers.
| Luxury Safari Tent | There are 6 luxury en-suite safari tents with indoor and outdoor showers. All the tents have private platform decks with hammocks for relaxation. |
Childcare
Children over the age of 7 years are welcome at Garonga but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
Facilities at the camp include a beautiful infinity pool, a large boma area for candlelit dinners, a raised open plan living/dining area with stunning views over the riverbed a well stocked wine cellar offering exclusive wines from the region and abroad and a curio shop selling African artefacts.
Activities
Guided walks, game drives, bush picnics, bush baths and sleep-outs are complimentary at the lodge.
Microlighting, aromatherapy and reflexology treatments are charged at an additional cost. Other activities in the local area include horse riding, Blyde River Canyon excursions and white water rafting.
When to travel
There is no bad time to go on safari in the Kruger National Park. The experience does, however, change from month to month. In the summer months (October to March), it gets very hot. The verdant vistas are all the more spectacular because of the rains, but this means that the foliage is denser, water is more abundant and game is therefore trickier to see. There are lots of beautiful migratory birds during the summer months. While the daytime temperature in the winter months (May to September) is ideal, it does get a little chilly at night and in the early morning.
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Location and directions
Greater Makalali Game Reserve, South Africa
Garonga is situated west of Kruger National Park, between Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa, in South Africa's Northern Province. The reserve forms part of the Makalali wildlife conservancy and offers an in-depth experience for bush-lovers seeking more than the classic "Big Five" encounter.
How to get there
Cape Town International and Johannesburg International are South Africa's main international airports. From these airports you can fly to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa. There's also a private airstrip available at camp. Private air-charters can be organised on request. Transfers are available from the airport to Garonga. Alternatively, for self-drive it’s a 5-to 6-hours drive from Johannesburg.
