The main lodge and infinity pool at Garonga Safari Camp at dusk, with the lodge's dramatic curved thatched roof and warm interior lighting reflected in the still pool water, tall pillar candles on the pool deck, and a sweeping view over the African bushveld and dry riverbed at sunset.

South Africa

Garonga Safari Camp

Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

South Africa Holiday Ideas

Laid-back luxury, soulful safari moments, and star-lit nights in Big Five country.

A huge Sundowner favourite, Garonga gets everything right. Located in the Makalali Game Reserve, the camp is a perfect size for service that goes the extra mile and to allow you to relax peacefully between safaris, as well as ensure plenty of memorable safari moments. In fact, Garonga encourages you to indulge in activities that allow you to enhance your wildlife encounters and get close to the bush around you! Head out on games drives twice a day with guides who are experienced and knowledgeable, and keep an eye out for the Big 5! As well as game drives, there are wilderness walks. And if you fancy a bath under the stars, book the secluded Star Bath. Or there’s the Sleep-Out Deck – just the two of you, the sounds of the bush and the stars above you. High in a tree in a four poster bed. This is how Garonga creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your South Africa holiday today.

A team of real travel experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays that focus on boutique hotels and luxury hideaways

We have just arrived back after the most incredible road trip around South Africa. Jo organised everything perfectly for us, we didn't want to come home. We would even go to say it was our best ever holiday and we have been to some lovely destinations.
Cheryl Short, South Africa
More about us
Exterior view of a luxury safari tent at Garonga Safari Camp, showing a rendered earth-tone structure with a large canvas roof, open-fronted veranda, raised hardwood walkway deck extending into the surrounding African bushveld, and sparse indigenous trees in the foreground.
Interior of a luxury safari tent at Garonga Safari Camp, featuring a four-poster canopy bed with white draping, a reclaimed wood headboard, elephant artwork above the bed, a geometric kilim rug, built-in curved seating area with red and patterned cushions, an open wooden wardrobe, and a canvas tent ceiling with a ceiling fan and warm accent lighting.
outside wooden deck with a swimming pool overlooking the african bush
a hammock set up between two trees in the african bush with an elephant passing by
a sleep out deck on high stilts perched in the middle of african bush
a view from an outdoor bedroom set on a sleep out deck overlooking an african bush at Garonga Safari Camp
An elegantly set outdoor dining table on a wooden deck at a safari lodge, overlooking the African bush at sunset, with woven placemats, wine glasses, candle lamps, and floral garland decoration, surrounded by teal-cushioned chairs.
aerial view of a luxury safari lodge made out of wood and tached roof set in the middle of an african bush with a swimming pool in front of it
A freestanding bubble bath in an open-air
An open-air massage sala at Garonga Safari Camp, featuring a padded treatment table draped in brown towels on a warm hardwood deck beneath a thatched roof, with an open view into the African bush canopy, a wooden treatment cabinet, side table with refreshments, and a cream armchair.
An elevated outdoor dining deck set amongst mature African bushveld trees glowing with golden evening light, with multiple round tables laid with glassware, surrounded by dark wicker and timber wishbone chairs, and lounge seating along the railing.
a table with glass jars filled with coffee, sugar and tea bags in the foreground and behind them, a man is pouring a flask of coffee into a silver metal mug. behind that is the side of a green jeep with a white logo on of 2 elephants facing each other and Garonga Safari Co underneath
An open-air outdoor shower at Garonga Safari Camp, enclosed by curved walls of hand-laid multicoloured stone, with a concrete rainfall shower column, a natural rock slab shelf holding two dark glass toiletry bottles, and a polished concrete floor, open to the sky and bush above.
A private hardwood deck outside a luxury safari tent at Garonga Safari Camp, featuring a hammock strung between timber posts, two wicker chairs with a small side table, a teal floor cushion, and an unobstructed view over a dry riverbed and green bushveld in warm golden evening light.

" A safari experience that feels personal and deeply connected to the African landscape—an experience that lingers long after you leave. "

Makalali Private Game Reserve
6 tented suites
Eco-focus
Wifi
On-site dining
On-site spa
Infinity pool
Guided nature trails
aerial view of a luxury safari lodge made out of wood and tached roof set in the middle of an african bush with a swimming pool in front of it

Why we love it here

  • Sleeping in stylish tented rooms with outdoor showers and private decks means you’re never far from the sights and sounds of the bush.
  • Spend the night under the stars on the Sleep Out Deck, surrounded by nothing but the rustle of trees and distant calls of wildlife.
  • Game drives and bush walks in this private Big Five reserve offer intimate, unhurried wildlife encounters with expert guides.
  • Mealtimes feel special, whether you’re dining by candlelight in the boma or enjoying afternoon tea overlooking the dry river bed.
  • Little Garonga is also a great safari lodge for families, with a calm setting, flexible hosting, and guides who tailor experiences to keep children engaged and inspired.
  • There’s a calm, easy charm to Garonga, where owner Bernie’s hands-on approach and his ‘Safari for the Soul’ philosophy shape a stay that feels genuinely personal and refreshingly unhurried
wildebeest

Talk to us about your perfect trip to South Africa

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your South Africa Holiday today.

Subscribe to our newsletter
Interior of a luxury safari tent at Garonga Safari Camp, featuring a four-poster canopy bed with white draping, a reclaimed wood headboard, elephant artwork above the bed, a geometric kilim rug, built-in curved seating area with red and patterned cushions, an open wooden wardrobe, and a canvas tent ceiling with a ceiling fan and warm accent lighting.

Rooms

Garonga Safari Camp is made up of three distinct camps; each offering privacy and a different style of safari stay. Garonga Camp and MCH Luxury Camp are ideal for couples, while Little Garonga is perfect for families or small groups. Each camp has its own pool, shared living and dining areas, and a dedicated team.

Garonga Camp has 6 elegant tented rooms set among ebony trees, with sculpted ensuites, private decks, hammocks, and indoor and outdoor showers over looking the dry riverbed. These are the original tents, cooled by fans rather than air conditioning, and suit guests who enjoy a classic safari feel.

Little Garonga offers just three thatched suites that can be booked individually or exclusively. The larger Hambledon Suite (perfect for families) includes a private pool and a second bedroom for children, while the other suites are ideal for couples.

MCH Camp is a newer canvas tented camp with four tents on a raised hill, offering lovely views towards the Drakensberg Mountains. Facilities include a pool, boma, massage sala, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Each tent has a private deck with a freestanding bath.

An elegantly set outdoor dining table on a wooden deck at a safari lodge, overlooking the African bush at sunset, with woven placemats, wine glasses, candle lamps, and floral garland decoration, surrounded by teal-cushioned chairs.

Food

Dining across the camps is relaxed and thoughtfully done. African-inspired flavours give a modern twist and an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Every meal is not only delicious, but also an experience in itself.

Lunch is served just before your afternoon game drive, and evening meals alternate between atmospheric dinners under the stars at the bush boma and private, intimate tables just for you. Each night the chef will talk you through the menu for dinner, and a selection of South African wines is available from the self-service honesty bar.

a man on a game drive spotting a rhino

Activities

Days at Garonga are shaped by classic safari moments and thoughtful extras. Twice-daily game drives offer the chance to see the Big Five, along with cheetah, giraffe, plains game, and abundant birdlife, all led by experienced guides. Walking safaris provide a slower, more immersive way to explore the bush and notice the smaller details often missed from a vehicle (subject to availability). Back at camp, you can unwind with a massage in the sala overlooking the bush, cool off in the pool, or enjoy a soak in the Star Bath beneath the night sky. Evenings include relaxed gatherings around the bonfire, while the Sleep-Out Deck offers a truly memorable night under the stars overlooking a waterhole.

Our top inspirational South Africa holiday ideas

Elephants in Chobe National Park - Botswana
South Africa

Cape, Vic Falls & Safari

14 Days
£4,597pp (incl. flights)

A thrilling adventure that combines Cape Town’s culture, the power of Victoria Falls, and an exhilarating safari in Botswana.
A family of four enjoys a sunny beach walk. The parents, wearing casual clothes, hold two young children. One child sits on a shoulder, the other held closely. Waves crash gently nearby.
South Africa
Great for families
Special Offer

Madikwe Safari & Mauritius Family Holiday

13 Days
£3,797pp £3,697pp (incl. flights)

An adventure packed with unforgettable experiences for all the family.
Two Elephants head to head with trunks and tusks interlocked.
South Africa
Great for families
Special Offer

South Africa Family Cape to Cape

18 Days
£3,589pp £3,379pp (incl. flights)

A family holiday with plenty of fun activities, amazing wildlife & lovely family-friendly places to stay.
A small narrow row boat with two fishermen in it, floats on the completely still tropical Mozambique sea. The water is light turquoise and completely clear, revealing coral reefs below the water and small fish.
Mozambique

Kruger & Mozambique Holiday

16 Days
£4,767pp (incl. flights)

Enjoy Big Five safaris in Kruger National Park and unwind on Mozambique’s white-sand beaches. The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Two people paddling away in a yellow sea kayak with still waters.
South Africa
Great for families
Special Offer

South Africa Family Highlights

16 Days
£4,355pp £3,837pp (incl. flights)

An adventure packed with unforgettable experiences for all the family.
Aerial view of lodge roofs hidden in a coastal forest in the foreground and stunning golden beach stretching off in the distance.
South Africa
Special Offer

KwaZulu-Natal Highlights Holiday

15 Days
£5,410pp £4,750pp (incl. flights)

Discover the beauty and diversity of KwaZulu-Natal exploring majestic mountains, rich culture, incredible wildlife, and pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean.
a couple having sundowner drinks by a safari jeep in the savanah at sunset
Mozambique
Great for Honeymoons
Special Offer

Kruger Safari & Beach Honeymoon

13 Days
£3,633pp £3,195pp (incl. flights)

Intimate safari mornings and castaway beach sunsets - this is Africa at its most romantic.
A lush green hillside overlooks a curving train bridge crossing a river mouth that meets the ocean.
South Africa

South Africa Self-Drive Highlights

17 Days
£2,867pp (incl. flights)

Experience the highlights at your own pace on this incredible road trip!
Carana Beach, Seychelles
South Africa
Great for Honeymoons
Special Offer

Safari & Seychelles Honeymoon

14 Days
£4,494pp £3,994pp (incl. flights)

The ultimate Southern Africa honeymoon, combining thrilling Big Five safaris in the Makalali Conservancy with blissful relaxation on the stunning beaches of the Seychelles.

a couple walking through Vineyard in Franschhoek
South Africa
Great for Honeymoons
Special Offer

South Africa Honeymoon Highlights

15 Days
£3,011pp £2,844pp (incl. flights)

A honeymoon packed with incredible scenery, wildlife and South African hospitality.
a row of zebras standing in a dry grass
South Africa

Simply South Africa Highlights

11 Days
£3,537pp (incl. flights)

An adventure packed with incredible scenery, wildlife and South African hospitality.
a view of a safari jeep on a game drive with one solo elephant oposite the jeep in the long dry grass under a sky with a setting sun
South Africa

Luxury South Africa Garden Route

15 Days
£4,997pp (incl. flights)

Discover South Africa’s highlights on this luxurious road trip, complete with carefully selected boutique hotels!

Boutique hotels and luxury hideaways

a view of a pool on a roof at sunset overlooking a sea in the background
South Africa

Amanzi Island Lodge

A tranquil island retreat offering lagoon-facing rooms and complimentary kayaks and bicycles to explore Knysna’s Leisure Isle.
a long pool with a white hotel building at the end of it, Tabletop mountain in the background
South Africa

2 Inn 1 Kensington

Tucked beneath Table Mountain, this chic ten-room hideaway pairs city energy with leafy tranquillity and a sun-drenched pool.
a front building of Blue Gum Country Estate on the lawn with loungers
South Africa

Blue Gum Country Estate

A country-style lodge set on the slopes of the mountains with beautiful views, great food, fantastic service & spacious rooms. A perfect place to relax or explore.
aerial view of a luxury safari lodge made out of wood and tached roof set in the middle of an african bush with a swimming pool in front of it
South Africa

Garonga Safari Camp

An exclusive six-suite safari camp offering bush baths, sleepouts, warm hospitality and first-class guiding in Makalali’s wild heart. A Sundowner favourite.
an elephant drinking from a waterhole with a safari lodge in the background
South Africa

Arathusa Safari Lodge

A relaxed, thatched lodge overlooking a busy waterhole in the heart of Big Five territory.
view of an outside with colorful buildings with a mountain behind it
South Africa

Rouge on Rose

A centrally located guesthouse with spacious rooms and welcoming staff.

aerial view of a pool from high above with two people swimming in at Kambaku Safari Lodge
South Africa

Kambaku Safari Lodge

A relaxed, super-friendly lodge with a mission to ensure you get up-close & learn all about the Big Five on safari.
a lake view from a wooden terrace from the Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
South Africa

Mosaic Lagoon Lodge

A beautiful coastal retreat on its own private sanctuary with stunning views.
a view of a pool with a hotel building behind it, with indoor lights on
South Africa

Derwent House

A chic boutique hotel blending vibrant style with stunning views of Table Mountain. A Sundowner favourite.
a lion
South Africa

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Discover eco-luxury on safari at Shamwari, a conservation icon in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
a photo of a table set for breakfast with two hard boiled eggs in egg cups, yogurt parfait, orange juice, two bowls
South Africa

The Trevoyan Guesthouse

A centrally located oasis of tranquillity with a hands-on team keen to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

We have just arrived back after the most incredible road trip around South Africa. Jo organised everything perfectly for us, we didn't want to come home. We would even go to say it was our best ever holiday and we have been to some lovely destinations.

Cheryl Short, South Africa

This year we decided to take our kids to see as many animals as possible. Lucy at Sundowner made it happen for us with a magical holiday to South Africa. Everything about it was easy, from booking to execution, even adjustments to fit in a meeting with friends and an extra day due to airline complications. We've been back less than 48 hours and are already planning our next trip with them.

Iain Laurie, South Africa

We recently returned from the most unforgettable honeymoon to South Africa and Seychelles… From the moment we arrived, every detail felt like it had been perfectly crafted for us.

Mehru Raza, South Africa and Seychelles

It was an amazing trip from start to finish with so many highlights along the way, thank you so much for looking after us with the itinerary you produced and the accommodation along the way, there wasn’t a thing we would change

Aaron Harper, South Africa

We had an amazing family holiday in South Africa and Mozambique thanks to the team at Sundowner. Each stop felt different and special, and the whole trip came together beautifully. We’ll be booking again.

The McGrath Family, South Africa & Mozambique
Read more reviews on Trustpilot

Sundowner moments

A serene infinity pool overlooks a dry riverbed and lush green bushveld under a clear blue sky. A wooden deck with lounge chairs sits beside the pool, offering an elevated view across the tranquil, tree-dotted landscape.

Staying at Garonga Safari Camp

wildebeest

Get In Touch With A South Africa Expert Today

Let's plan your perfect trip
christine-donaldson-I7KBqnjN9xM-unsplash

About us

More about us

The Sundowner way

about-us-woman

It's about you

We create exceptional holidays, unique to you, managed in a way that makes everything easy for you, with the aim of surpassing your expectations every step of the way.

Learn more
about-us-man

Real travel experts

Our travel expertise ensures authentic experiences, fantastic boutique hotels and outstanding guides that help create unforgettable holiday moments.

Learn more

Peace of mind

  • Unbeatable prices
  • Our price promise
  • A focus on owner-run properties
  • Ideas & advice from true specialists
  • Wonderful guides to steer the way
  • 24-hour emergency support
  • Financial protection from ATOL
  • Superb sundowner ideas!
Learn more