The Guidebook To A Luxurious Safari Retreat: Garonga Safari Co. MCH Private Tented Lodge
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At Safari365, we believe that first-hand knowledge is invaluable in planning unforgettable journeys for our clients. Recently, Maxine—one of our dedicated travel consultants—visited the Garonga Safari Co MCH Private Tented Lodge in South Africa’s greater Makalali Game Reserve.
Logistics
Our adventure began with a 2.5-hour Airlink flight from beautiful Cape Town. Although it was rainy on arrival, Airlink gave each passenger an umbrella. This thoughtful gesture made us feel well cared for. The seamless service helped make the short flight feel very smooth. Landing at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport always feels like stepping into the heart of the bush.
From there, we headed for Makalali Private Nature Reserve. It is a gem with incredible wildlife and beautiful landscapes. The excitement of upcoming safari adventures and the unique charm of the reserve was exhilarating.
During the drive from the airport to the lodge, we saw hints of the adventure awaiting us. It promised an authentic, intimate safari experience. The journey took about 4.5 hours for us. Given this length, I would rather fly into Hoedspruit (Eastgate Airport), which only requires a 1.5‑hour road transfer.
Best Option For Getting TO Camp: Flight & Road Transfer
Take a commercial flight with Airlink or CemAir to Hoedspruit from Johannesburg (1 hour) or Cape Town (2 hours 30 minutes). Our travel experts will arrange road transfers from the airports. You may also take an air charter from Hoedspruit to Garonga’s airstrip, which is a 20‑minute flight.
After entering the Makalali Private Nature Reserve, we reached Garonga Safari Camp in about 45 minutes. The Garonga Safari Co. offers three properties: Garonga Safari Camp, Little Garonga Safari Lodge, and MCH Private Tented Camp. We were fortunate to stay at the latter.
Arrival At The Garonga Safari MCH Camp
I love the location. It sits on a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Our time at Garonga Safari MCH Camp began with a warm welcome from a friendly staff member. They made us feel at home right away. The check‐in was efficient and included a brief orientation and an electronic indemnity form. This set the tone for a smooth and relaxing stay.
Because it was raining, the staff gave us umbrellas and escorted us to our room to freshen up after a day of travelling. Their attention to detail and care made a great first impression.
After we settled in, we were shown the dining area. A delicious spread was prepared for us—a perfect start to our adventure in the bush.
Accommodation
Garonga Safari MCH features four luxury, air-conditioned en-suite canvas tents.
One of my favourite features was the ability to open the canvas walls at night, allowing the calming sounds and scents of the bush to fill the room. Falling asleep under a blanket of stars, with the wild as my lullaby, felt truly magical.
The most extraordinary moment came when I woke to an unusual sound—grunting and the rolling of rocks just outside our tent. Curious, I went to the tent’s nets and was amazed to see a giraffe passing by. It was an unforgettable experience like no other.
Activities
One of the highlights of our stay was the exciting game drives and walking safaris. Our knowledgeable guide skilfully navigated the diverse landscapes, sharing insights about the local wildlife and ecology. The camp has its own dedicated game drive vehicle and guide, ensuring a personalised experience.
We were lucky to see a variety of animals, including majestic elephants and graceful giraffes. After an adventurous afternoon on a wet but enjoyable game drive, we returned to the peaceful main lodge to unwind.
Highlights
- This vast 27,000-hectare reserve, shared only with Makalali Safari Lodge, provided an unparalleled sense of seclusion and immersion in the African wilderness.
- Garonga Safari MCH Camp exceeded our expectations in every way. The combination of luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and breathtaking wildlife encounters made for an unforgettable safari experience.
- There is a sleep out deck which is a 20-minute drive from the main camp.
- Is committed to sustainability and operates entirely on solar power.
- The camp is in a big 5 reserve.
Thank You
I highly recommend this lodge and destination to anyone seeking a truly authentic African adventure outside of the Kruger National Park.
I would love to thank Africa in Focus for the invitation to experience this amazing camp and for Garonga Safari Co. for hosting me.
Ready to plan the safari of your dreams? Let our experts guide you – contact us today!