Staying at Garonga Safari Camp

The Camp

With just six tents, life at camp feels peaceful and never crowded. Aside from the sounds of the surrounding wildlife, it’s incredibly quiet and you don’t even hear another guest when you’re in your tent.

One moment that has stayed with me was arriving and stepping out onto the main deck for the first time. The view over the dry riverbed just opened up in front of us, and it suddenly hit me that I was finally on safari. It’s a difficult feeling to put into words. That first evening, we even spotted an elephant down in the riverbed from that very spot.

The pool looks out over the same view, so you can swim while watching wildlife move below.

Time between game drives is slow and unhurried, the perfect chance to switch off and unwind. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend time on holiday.

Accommodation

When you hear the word “tent” it’s easy to picture something small and basic. The tents at Garonga are the complete opposite: clean, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, with a canvas canopy and rustic-textured walls. The windows are more like open spaces, so even when you’re inside, you feel completely immersed in nature. Each tent also has a raised wooden deck overlooking a dry riverbed, a view you can just as easily enjoy from the large, incredibly comfortable bed that is absolutely perfect for sinking into at night.

Between game drives, especially when it was too cloudy for the pool, we loved sitting out on our deck with a cold drink, simply enjoying the stillness and where we were. We had a perfect view of the resident monkeys at play, and one morning noticed trees that had been flattened overnight by an elephant passing through. How we didn’t hear it, I still don’t know! But goes to show just how at peace we felt.

One of the standout moments for us was the outdoor shower. Warm, powerful, and open to the riverbed beyond, I can safely say it’s unlike any shower I’ve experienced before.

Other Experiences

As well as heading out on game drives twice a day, Garonga offers other activities you can do with your time.

The Sleep-Out Deck was a surreal experience of sleeping under the stars on a raised platform, with nothing but the sounds of distant wildlife around us. Armed with a torch, we even spotted two hyenas patrolling the edge of the watering hole below.

We also booked the Star Bath, which was a standout moment. With a drink of your choice in hand and a sky full of stars above, it’s a simple but incredibly special experience, one of those moments we won’t forget.

There is also the Massage Sala, a small hut away from the main tents that is completely open on one side to the bush. A stream flows next to it, and that, combined with the incredible massage, created a moment of pure relaxation. It didn’t take me long to fall asleep; it was that calming.

Where It Fits In A Trip

If you’re looking for a safari that feels personal, unhurried, and genuinely special, Garonga is one we come back to time and time again. We usually include it as part of a wider South Africa itinerary, often paired with Cape Town and the Winelands, tailored around how you want to travel.

If Garonga has captured your imagination and you would like to know more about how it can be woven into your itinerary, our Africa team can offer help and guidance.

Get in touch to start planning your South Africa safari.