Garonga Safari Camp

The tents at Garonga Safari Camp are nestled in the wilds and styled as traditional safari tents. Plaster walls make the tent feel rustic and earthy with a neutral colour palette flowing throughout which enhances this atmosphere. A large king-size bed sits in the centre of the tent, covered in crisp white bed linen and draped mosquito netting. The tents can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children, and can be configured as a single, twin, or double room. Wide windows line the sides of the tent, making the tent feel bright and spacious. All tents come with their own ensuite bathroom which includes an indoor and a unique outside shower.

A private decking outside the front of the tent comes complete with a hammock where guests can relax with a gentle swing while gazing out over the stunning surroundings, and keeping an eye out for any meandering animals.

Meals at Garonga Safari Camp are an event to remember. Talented and passionate chefs create delicious dishes which are influenced by a range of cuisines and flavours, and can be paired with smooth South African wines. Light and refreshing breakfasts and lunches are served around private tables, and dinners can be served privately, around the communal dining table or around the crackling fire pit in the open-air boma where guests can recount stories of their day while enjoying delectable food in the heart of nature.

Enjoy a traditional safari activity by experiencing a game drive through the wilderness of the Makalali Private Reserve. In an area renowned for the presence of the Big Five, journey through the bush in the comfort of a 4×4 safari vehicle with a trained and knowledgeable guide who can take you to some of the best viewing points of the reserve. This is also a fantastic opportunity to see some of the rich and colourful birdlife which inhabits the reserve.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the bushveld while on a walking safari. Following a trained and friendly guide take some time to appreciate some of the smaller aspects of the reserve, such as micro-ecosystems and animal tracks. Slower paced – though no less exciting than a game drive – these guided walks are the perfect way to feel closer to nature on your own two feet.

Guests can enjoy a night spent under the stars on the sleep-out deck at Garonga Safari Camp. Located a short drive away from camp, guests will be fully surrounded by the wilds of the reserve. A comfortable four-poster bed allows guests to relax and snuggle down while gazing up at the wide starry sky. This is a unique experience which will leave guests with memories to last a lifetime.

There is no better place to indulge in some self-care than in the wilds of South Africa. Enjoy a trip to the massage sala in the heart of the bush where you can enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating massage to refresh and reset your mind, body, and soul. Also available at Garonga Safari Camp are star bush baths. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy a relaxing soak in the heart of nature, underneath the wide starry sky.

Rhinos are a much-threatened species in South Africa, which is why Garonga Safari works to help protect and conserve these magnificent creatures. Garonga is partnered with the World Wildlife Fund which leads a successful conservation program in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve called the ‘Black Rhino Range Expansion Project.’ There are many anti-poaching efforts which aim to stop illegal rhino poachers, such as a K9 conservation unit which uses dogs to assist in 24/7 patrols of the reserve as they can sniff out a poachers trial, and GPS collars are also used on the rhinos so their location can be easily monitored. High-cost technology is also very useful in anti-poaching initiates such as drones and infrared cameras but can be financially difficult to implement. Guests staying at Garonga can contribute to the anti-poaching initiative via a donation or can sponsor a GPS collar.

Garonga Safari Camp runs on a combination of solar power and grid provided energy. The implementation of solar power was introduced to reduce Garonga’s dependence on fossil fuels and reduce its carbon footprint with Garonga’s Private Tented Camp running fully on solar power. Water metres have been installed to keep a record of their water usage as well as weekly reports to help them keep track of any wastage. Their water quality is maintained through an onsite water plant and it is here where greywater is treated and redistributed into the watering hole in front of the main camp. Hot water is provided to guests through hot water pumps which use significantly less energy than geysers as they only heat the water when it is needed. All firewood is collected from dead trees which not only reduces new trees being cut down but reduces the risk of wildfires.

When guests arrive they are given a reusable metal water bottle which they can keep after leaving, this reduces the need for single-use plastic water bottles and encourages sustainability in their guests. They have their own filtration plant which controls the water quality, and they also have an onsite water system, which is run by Vivreau which provides sparkling and still water in glass water bottles.

Much of Garonga’s usage is reported to them on a weekly basis including water, diesel, gas, and solar usage which helps them to see where they can improve and where new measures may need to be implemented to further reduce their carbon footprint and increase their sustainability.