Garonga Safari Camp and Little Garonga

Garonga is a little piece of heaven situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River, West of Kruger National Park.  At Garonga, there is no urgency to jump into a game vehicle and madly ‘tick off’ the animal sightings – instead, you are encouraged to relax, reflect and restore lost vigour in the most tranquil of settings.

Garonga Safari Camp is an inspired blend of North African and Mexican architecture where rough curved sienna walls and columns combine fittingly with natural canvas to give the intimate tented safari camp its soothing ambience.  Completely unique and utterly serene, owner Bernado Smith maintains a holistic philosophy distinctly different from any other safari lodge in the striking landscape to create a haven of serenity which embraces the natural flow of Africa’s wide open spaces.

At Garonga, the clocks are set to your time-scale and you are encouraged to enjoy activities at your own pace – relax, snooze, sunbathe, daydream and feast on the sumptuous food. A sleep-out in the trees under a mosquito net provides the chance for an intimate bush experience, or delight in a reflexology or aromatherapy session in the open-air sala. A piping hot candlelit ‘bush bath’ with your choice of oils sets the scene for a night under starlit skies, or spend a few hours in the quiet shadow of the trees with a good book.

Accommodation at Garonga Safari Camp comprises of 6 suites with terracotta walls and billowy ceilings of cream coloured canvas which are strung out on a platform overlooking a dry river bed. Attention to detail is extraordinary with beautiful handcrafted touches – guests receive a kikoiu (traditional sarong) on arrival and are encouraged to wear it during their stay, even to dinner at night!

Little Garonga is the newest addition to the Garonga family and comprises three beautiful suites, which can be booked individually or for the exclusive use of a group of friends or family. The camp sleep a maximum of six adults and two children and here the focus is on total relaxation within the confines of a very private and intimate sanctuary. Each of the three thatched and spacious suites has its own private deck with hammock. The Hambledon Suite boasts its own pool and indoor / outdoor lounge area – and an additional bedroom can accommodate two children. Linked by pathways, two additional suites, the Buckingham and Chiltern Suites are ideal when booked together – or all 3 suites can be combined to create a private lodge. Little Garonga comes complete with its own guide and vehicle, chef and host.