Garonga Safari Camp
Makalali Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
At a Glance
All suites have private decks and indoor/outdoor showers
Garonga safari guides have an excellent comprehensive knowledge of the area and the wildlife
Spend a night under the stars on a tree-top deck overlooking the wilderness
Aromatherapy and reflexology from the open-air sala
Wallow in the outdoor bush bath
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
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.
Insider's View
Call us on to start planning your holiday to Garonga Safari Camp or take a look at our itineraries to South Africa
Description
Garonga Safari Camp is an exclusive luxury bush retreat comprised of six spacious safari tents within the Makalali Game Reserve. Guests can enjoy a relaxing safari experience, as well as gourmet cuisine and first class service.
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 also 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 12 years are welcome at Garonga but there are no specific facilities. Garonga's sister camp, Little Garonga, is more of a family-focussed camp whilst Garonga Safari Camp has more of an adult atmosphere.
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.
Experiences
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4WD Game Drives
Go on private or shared game drives in the world famous Greater Kruger Area, South Africa to see the Big 5 - lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino - and a host of other animals. The Kruger is also a brilliant spot for birders so pack some binoculars.
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Activities at Garonga
Enjoy a variety of game drive and bush walks at Garonga in the Makalali Conservancy. The property also hosts a variety of unique experiences such as sleep outs over a water hole and bush baths, perfect for a romantic retreat or honeymoon.
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Search for leopard in the Sabi Sands
The Sabi Sands is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding regions for spotting leopard in Africa. With good populations and the ability to go on night game-drives which coincides when these big cats are most active, all you need is good timing!
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Sleep Out Experience
Spend a night sleeping under the stars on a beautiful deck overlooking the Veldt.
Holiday Ideas
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Extraordinary South Africa
Greater Kruger National Park, Cape Town & the Winelands
from £3500 pp inc flights & transfers for 10 nights
- Spend a night under the stars as you fall asleep in a four-poster bed on Garonga’s sleep-out deck, overlooking a waterhole.
- Delve into the wilderness of the Makalali Conservancy, tracking animals in an open-top safari vehicle.
- Paddle in the Atlantic Ocean on SUP’s, as you explore the coastline surrounding Boulders Beach in Cape Town and observe penguins and seals.
Location & directions
Makalali Reserve, Greater Kruger, 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 is also a private airstrip available at the 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 hour drive from Johannesburg.
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- Award-winning tour operator