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- Garonga Safari Camp & Little Garonga, South Africa
Garonga Safari Camp, Little Garonga & MCH
This intimate, owner managed safari camp portfolio, situated in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, west of the world acclaimed Kruger National Park, is one of our favourites in South Africa. Here, there is no urgency to jump into a game vehicle and madly ‘tick off’ the animal sightings – instead, you are encouraged to slow down and savour an unhurried wildlife experience. Charismatic owner, Bernie Smith, calls it 'Safari for the Soul' and there's no doubt that Garonga is a relaxed, informal luxury wilderness camp where you will leave feeling like you have glimpsed a little piece of Africa in her raw natural beauty. The Garonga portfolio comprises three small and individual authentic camps, each one with its own unique charm - the original Garonga Safari Camp, Little Garonga and MCH Private Tented Camp. All three provide an effortless safari refuge from the wilds of this little known secluded corner of the African bush. What's more, Garonga is committed to sustainability and all three camps run on solar power.
Garonga Safari Camp & Little Garonga
Garonga Safari Camp's six stunning tents boast real wilderness wow factor! Each has an expansive outside deck with a hammock, an indoor and outdoor shower and a four poster bed with a view! The use of natural materials and neutral tones creates a relaxed safari chic feel. Little Garonga, the separate smaller camp just a short drive away, is ideal for families and friends travelling together or couples seeking a quieter ambience. Little Garonga has three suites including the Hambleden Suite, which has its own pool and second bedroom for children. For the more adventurous, Garonga's treehouse sleep-out deck offers the chance for a memorable night under the African star-studded sky.
Traditional early morning and late afternoon game drives provide an introduction to Africa's Big Five including Black and White Rhino. Also look out for cheetah, spotted hyenas, wild dog, hippos, crocodiles and colourful birdlife. Guided bush walks, microlight flights over the bushveld, yoga, along with relaxing massages at the Massage Sala, are all part of the experience. Garonga's other little secret is its unique bush bath - a candlelit affair, set under starlit skies in the wild!
The expansive deck in front of the main lounge is a favourite 'hang-out' spot for guests - the view overlooks the riverbed which is often frequented by elephants, giraffe and wildebeest. Dine under the stars at the Bush Boma around a roaring fire and share safari stories with new friends. Garonga prides itself on its sumptuous cuisine. There's also a 'help yourself' bar and wine cellar stocked with exquisite South African wines. Garonga's pizza ovens are also a firm favourite.
Garonga is best accessed either via a scheduled flight from Johannesburg to the nearest airport at Hoedspruit followed by a 75 minute drive, or via a scheduled flight to Kruger Mpumalanga airport followed by a 30 minute light aircraft charter hop to Garonga's airstrip. Daily direct flights from Johannesburg to Garonga's airstrip are also available with Federal Airlines whose fleet of small planes will take you on a memorable flight into the African bush!
Garonga's romantic treehouse sleep-out deck has long been a favourite with honeymooners! It offers the chance for a night under the star-studded African sky. The four poster bed is draped with a mosquito net and the beautiful extended deck boasts stunning views over the surrounding bush. Enjoy a hearty meal as the sun sets and you will be given a radio to contact main camp which is only a 20 minute drive away. Surely nothing in Africa is quite as magical as being able to experience the sights and sounds of the bush while sleeping under the stars!?Another romantic special touch is Garonga's unique bush bath - a rose strewn lantern-lit affair. Imagine returning from the dusty bush and relaxing in softly scented bubbles, listening to the sounds of Africa, while watching the sun set on yet another perfect day!
MCH Private Tented Camp
Garonga MCH Private Tented Camp is the newest addition to the Garonga Safari Company Portfolio. Owner, Bernie Smith, affectionately named it after his mother, Maria Carmela Hambleden. MCH is an exclusive private camp, with just four luxury tented suites. Each has air-conditioning and is incredibly spacious, with indoor and outdoor showers, an ensuite with a sumptuous bathtub,a well-stocked bar and an inviting living area that flows onto the outside deck. The jewel in Garonga’s crown, MCH opened during the height of the pandemic and remains a hidden, little known safari gem. It is a camp which, in true Garonga style, surpasses all expectations. Small and intimate, it is ideally suited to those looking for peace and tranquillity in the African bush. Perched on a kopje (small hill), it boasts far reaching views of the wild Makalali Reserve and the Drakensberg Mountains beyond.
MCH is for those clients who appreciate attention to detail, impeccable service, superb food and wonderful experiences – all the values that Garonga has become synonymous with. MCH has also been built with the environment front of mind. The camp is fully solar powered and follows the green principles that run throughout the whole company. For the more adventurous, MCH also has its own private sleep-out deck, elevated off the ground, and complete with net draped four poster bed, just 20 minutes from the camp. A lantern-lit table for two sets the scene as you arrive for a night of romance under the African stars. Fall asleep to the nocturnal sounds of Africa and wake up to the warm glow of the sunrise.
Big Five morning and afternoon game drives, bush walks, bush baths and the sleep-out deck are all part of the MCH experience. The camp is perfect for a special celebratory safari holiday for couples, a group of friends or a family.
Virtual game drive at Garonga Safari Camp
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Where is Garonga Safari Camp & Little Garonga?
Tailor-made Holidays with Turquoise
Every Turquoise holiday to South Africa is tailor-made and expertly crafted. Please contact our team of travel specialists on 01494 678 400 or via our online enquiry form for a bespoke quotation and we’ll happily source the best available offers for your travel dates.
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