Garonga Safari Company’s holistic ‘safari for the soul’ philosophy is captured in an unhurried experience. From intimate wildlife encounters to personal time to reflect in nature, our abundance of relaxing safari activities is designed to encourage exactly that. At Garonga MCH Safari Camp, you have your own team, including a safari guide, that looks after your every need. Try your hand at everything, or simply unwind in the sights and sounds of the reserve.
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 our open-air Land Rovers. Two of our experienced and qualified guides will lead you through the bush, impressing you with their knowledge of the great variety of wildlife in the reserve. Their tracking skills are exceptional, giving them the advantage of locating animals based on their recent movements and enabling your safari sightings dreams to come true. 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 a cocktail or glass of wine as the sun slowly dips below the horizon. In addition to the Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), look out for cheetah, spotted hyena, black rhino, African wild dog, hippos, crocodiles, diverse plains animals and colourful birdlife.
A walking safari in South Africa is a very different experience to a traditional game drive. It is your opportunity to discover the surrounding flora and fauna, paying attention to the small things that might otherwise be missed.
Our guides will teach basic tracking techniques used by our guides and trackers, who make it look so easy on your game drive that you won’t even notice them doing it. They 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, our guides are fully trained and experienced to ensure a safe experience for all.
Take to the skies for a unique perspective of the Makalali Reserve. Herds of game and fascinating landscapes will unfold below you, with the Drakensberg Mountains as a dramatic backdrop.
A guide is not just a companion on your journey; they are your window to the wonders of the bush and its magnificent wildlife. Our guides are passionate about the African wilderness and their expertise goes far beyond simply showing you the sights. They are educators, storytellers and conservationists who are dedicated to enhancing your understanding of this remarkable ecosystem. With their keen insights and extensive knowledge, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of nature, from tracking elusive animals to deciphering the secrets of the landscape.
Spend a night in the wilderness and under the stars on our safari Sleep Out Deck, complete with four-poster bed and dining table for two. After a 20-minute drive from the main camp, you will be fully immersed in your natural surrounds, excited at the possibility of ‘visitors’ at the popular waterhole below. Enjoy a hearty meal as the sun sets and then settle down to sleep (or not!), listening to the unique sounds of the bush. An incredible experience never to be forgotten.
Unwind with a deep, relaxing massage in our very own safari spa – the Massage Sala. The sweet sound of nature, combined with the masterful hands of our resident therapist, will ensure you drift off and completely let go of those everyday stresses from home.
Our resident chef will spoil you with unique creations paired with an abundance of South African wines.
It is not just Bush Boma dinners that will make your mouth water. Indulge in rich afternoon teas, light lunches and an incredible breakfast spread after the morning’s safari. Safari dining at its best!Dining at Garonga is truly an event of its own. Our resident chef will spoil you with unique creations. These include traditional safari dishes, beautifully presented, simple but delicious with a touch of British influence, all paired, of course, with an abundance of South African wine.
Boma nights are great fun with BBQ offerings and a table under the African Night Stars. There is a mix of private dining and occasionally communal dining, so guests can have privacy as well as fun with other guests. It is not just Bush Boma dinners that will make your mouth water. Indulge in rich afternoon teas, light lunches, and an incredible breakfast spread after the morning’s safari.
Makalali Private Game Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With its diverse ecosystems ranging from savannahs to wetlands, it is home to many bird species. The Reserve’s unique landscapes attract both resident and migratory bird species, making it an all-year-round destination for birdwatching.