Garonga Safari Camp

Garonga Safari Camp is an exclusive camp situated in the secluded and private 22,000 hectare Makalali Conservancy, just west of the Kruger National Park. This unassuming sanctuary promises a more intimate wildlife encounter in an unhurried environment - somewhere where you can unwind, sleep deeply and be yourself.

Activities include game drives to view big game such as lion, elephant and rhino, or guests can choose a more intimate wildlife encounter through walking, tracking and sleep-out excursions.

The Sala offers a range of aromatherapy and reflexology treatments, designed to make you feel invigorated and calmed. There is an open yoga deck, surrounded only by the sounds of the bush, or local wildlife passing by. For a truly unique experience, take time out for yourself and enjoy a bath in the bush or sleep out under the stars!  You can either try your hand at every activity on offer, or you can do simply nothing at all, and just relax in a hammock with a good book while watching the grazing impala.

The accommodation at Garonga Safari Camp reflects the surroundings of the bush - textured earthy colours and clean lines have been incorporated with fine linen to ensure pure comfort

The 6 spacious tented luxury double suites, with canvas roofs, are situated on a dry riverbed - each with a wooden deck that commands spectacular views. The en-suite bathroom has an indoor as well as an outdoor shower for those wanting to get closer to nature.

Rates Include

Game drives; bush walks; bush baths; sleep-outs and picnics; all meals; drinks (including house wines but excluding exclusive wines and champagnes); the Conservation Levy; and a laundry service are included.

Children Policy

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.

Directions For Drivers

From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie and Hoedspruit. Follow the signs to Phalaborwa until you reach the Mica/Gravelotte turn-off. Go past Mica village, and just the other side of Mica, turn left towards Gravelotte. After approximately 15 km from the turning you will see the sign for Garonga Safari Camp/Little Garonga.

Dirt Road Directions: From the tar road, it is about 15 km to the camp. The dirt road is signed by arrows, however, on approaching the railway line, cross over it and you will come to a closed gate marked 'Barberton Thatcher's'. Open this gate and drive through but PLEASE REMEMBER TO CLOSE THE GATE. Continue on following the arrows to the camp.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

PLEASE NOTE: The Conservancy Gates (Including Garonga Gate) will open and close at the following times

:May to August: 6.30 am until 5 pm; September to April: 6 am until 5.30 pm

The aim of this is for the security of all guests, and to emphasise the need to seriously consider the safety implications of driving ANY time after dark in such remote areas and within a dangerous game area.

Exceptions and Call Out Fees:

1. If the arrival of your flight is a late afternoon arrival, plus if an outside transfer company is driving you in, then Garonga will meet guests at the railway gate but a charge of R120 (subject to change) will be levied against the transfer company to compensate for the journey that Garonga will be doing now instead of the transfer company. The transfer company therefore does not have to drive all the way into the camp and all the way back out again.

2. Only if Garonga have advance warning due to an emergency such as a road accident hold up. This will be at the discretion of the Owner/Manager, however this will result in R350 call out fee (subject to change).

All other cases will result in the guests not being let in until the following morning, and suitable accommodation should be sought in the local area.

From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn right out of the airport and then turn right onto the R40 towards Hoedspruit, and follow the directions as above.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.

Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn left onto the R40 Phalaborwa/Mica road, and continue along this road until you reach the Mica/Gravelotte turn-off, then follow the directions as above.

General Information For Guests

All rooms have an indoor and outdoor shower, a viewing deck with a hammock, a ceiling fan, room safe, an international adaptor, a hair dryer and a mini bar.

The lodge has a curio shop, yoga sala, star bath, open air bush bath, swimming pool, boma and an open lounge and bar area.

Activities include game drives, wilderness walks, sleep-outs, outdoor bush-baths and aromatherapy and reflexology sessions.

Your rate includes a complimentary laundry service. Laundry is collected during the afternoon game drive, and returned the following day at about 13:00. Only essential laundry is done.

There is no dress code at the camp - relax and wear what you please!

Only MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted.

The lodge asks that you do not use mobile phones in the main guest areas or while out on safari game drives.

There is complimentary Wi-Fi available around the main lodge area.

There is a wine cellar that stocks an excellent selection of South African wines.

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the camp is a 5 minute drive away from the airstrip.

Popular Alternatives to Garonga Safari Camp

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Garonga Safari Camp, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Garonga Safari Camp was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.