With rough-clad walls, gentle curves and plenty of African charisma, Garonga Safari Camp is a sensuous safari lodge in the Makalali Private Game Reserve outside the Kruger National Park near the Timbavati Game Reserve.

Garonga Safari Camp has tented double rooms and a magnificent thatched suite complete with private pool. All have been lavishly draped in white linen, decorated with an African theme and have en-suite bathrooms, private patios and additional outdoor showers. The living area oozes equal amounts of charm and sophistication with an elevated viewing deck – the scene of many fine meals. And with all this easy grace and elegance wafting about its easy to forget the raison d’etre of Garonga – the wildlife and wilderness experience.

Morning game drives, walking safaris, night drives and a sleep-out tree house offer a gamut of game viewing experiences. Offering a “soul safari” takes some courage, but Garonga pulls it off with aplomb.

Try the silent walk where your guide simply points out interesting features of the bush to describe later; or meditating in the rocks; or an aromatherapy treatment in the open gazebo; or the revitalizing open-air baths; or the total tranquillity of a night under the stars. Keeping with the theme, game viewing activities are entirely optional and flexible. Feel like a lie in? Feel like some exercise? No problem, just skip the dawn game drive and line up for the exercise wilderness walk.

Lodge Type: Classic