Safari365

The Guidebook to A Luxurious Safari Retreat: Garonga Safari Co. MCH Private Tented Lodge

Written by

in

The Guidebook To A Luxurious Safari Retreat: Garonga Safari Co. MCH Private Tented Lodge

At Safari365, we believe that firsthand knowledge is invaluable when crafting unforgettable journeys for our clients. Recently, Maxine, one of our dedicated travel consultants, had the opportunity to explore Garonga Safari Co MCH Private Tented Lodge, in South Africa’s greater Makalali Game Reserve.

Logistics

Airlink flight Cape town to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport on our way to our Garonga Safari.

Our adventure began with a 2.5 hour Airlink from the beautiful Cape Town. Despite the rainy arrival, Airlink’s thoughtful gesture of providing umbrellas to every passenger made us feel truly cared for. Airlink’s seamless service must have made the short flight a breeze, and arriving at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport always feels like stepping into the heart of the bush.

Stunning wildlife can be found just outside the accommodation at the lodge.

From there, we were off to Makalali Private Nature Reserve, a gem offering incredible wildlife experiences and beautiful landscapes. The anticipation of safari adventures and the unique charm of this private reserve was exhilarating.

The journey from the airport to the lodge offered glimpses of the adventure awaiting us—an authentic, intimate safari experience. The drive took around 4.5 hours for us, so I would rather fly into Hoedspruit (Eastgate Airport) which is 1.5 hours by road transfer.

Best Option For Getting TO Camp: Flight & Road Transfer

Take a commercial flight with Airlink or CemAir to Hoedspruit from Johannesburg (1hr) or Cape Town (2hr 30min). Road Transfers would be arranged with our travel experts from the airports. Air Charters from Hoedspruit to Garonga’s airstrip are also possible (20 minute flight).

After entering Makalali Private Nature Reserve, we arrived at Garonga Safari Camp which is approximately 45 minutes away. The Garonga Safari Co. has 3 properties namely Garonga Safari Camp, Little Garonga Safari Lodge and MCH Private Tented Camp. We were lucky enough to stay at the latter.

Arrival At The Garonga Safari MCH Camp

I love the location, as it is 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 who immediately made us feel at home. The efficient check-in process, including a brief orientation and completing an electronic indemnity form, set the tone for a smooth and relaxing stay.

As it was raining, the staff provided umbrellas and escorted us to our room to freshen up after a day of traveling. Their attention to detail and care made a fantastic first impression.

Shortly after settling in, we were shown to the dining area, where a delicious spread was prepared for us—a perfect start to our adventure in the bush.

Accommodation

Garonga Safari MCH offers 4 luxury air-conditioned en-suite canvas tents.

 

One of my favorite features was being able to open the canvas walls at night, letting the soothing sounds and smells of the bush fill the room as I slept. It was pure magic to fall asleep under a blanket of stars with the wild as my lullaby.

 

The most extraordinary moment was waking up to an unusual sound—grunting and the rolling of rocks just outside our tent. Intrigued, I ran to the tent nets and was absolutely blown away to see a giraffe passing by! I’d never experienced anything like it before—it was unforgettable.

Luxury tent a the camp.
Activities

One of the highlights of our stay was the exhilarating game drives and walking safaris. Our experienced guide expertly navigated the diverse landscapes, sharing their knowledge of the local wildlife and ecology. The tented camp has its own game drive vehicle and guide. We were fortunate to encounter a variety of animals, including majestic elephants and giraffes. After a thrilling afternoon of a wet but great game drive, we retreated to the serene main lodge.

Stunning wildlife can be found just outside the accommodation at the lodge.

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!

More posts