Garonga is a special place.  It is pure, holistic safari magic.  A place where you can’t quite put your finger on what it is that makes it different.  It is perhaps more about the way you feel when you are there – about the place, Nature – and life in general. It is not the type of game lodge to visit if you just want to tick off the Big 5 and move on.  Garonga offers an intimate ‘safari for the soul’.  There, within hours, you will feel relaxed and miles away from the rat race.  A place where you can really breathe, swap your watch for a kikoi and bare feet, and go with the flow.  Just lie in your hammock and contemplate the clouds.  Enjoy a romantic picnic in a tree house – or watch game wander in the riverbed below the swimming pool.  There is no routine to speak of, and if you fancy a lie-in rather than getting up before the birds for a game drive or a guided bush walk, the rangers will take you out later on.  You decide.

The reserve, located west of the Kruger National Park in the Limpopo Province, is beautiful and remote and you can enjoy it up close and personal  – tracking down 4 of the Big 5 (there are no buffalo) on guided walks and game drives.  The rangers are fantastic and teach you loads about the bush and wildlife so that aside from the big game, you will also be enthralled with the experience of just being out in the bush.  If you can bear to drag yourself away from your gorgeous semi-tented suite or away from the inviting pool and lounge area, you can explore your “wilder side” and sleep out under the stars in their tree house deck – or enjoy a bush bath for two by candlelight.

Garonga also offers massages at an outdoor sala, which are a must for all guests to really push you over the edge of relaxation.  The Camp is very intimate and private with only 6 semi-tented suites that have a Moorish, North African feel to them – run by the Owner himself, Bernie Smith.  There is also a sister camp called Little Garonga nearby with 3 thatched suites with air-conditioning that sleeps a maximum of 6 adults and 2 children, ideal for intimate groups or families, although the suites can be hired out individually.  There are no fences so the animals (even ellies!) sometimes wander through the camp, which really does make you feel like you are in the bush.  But they too seem as relaxed as the guests!

How to get there:  Fly into Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa Airports.

Garonga can arrange road transfers (approx 75 mins) to the lodge from there.

www.garonga.com / reservations@garonga.com / http://gallery.ethosmarketing.co.uk/gallery/garonga

PACKAGES FOR 2010

Unbelievable value with rates starting from just R2375 per person including all meals, teas and coffees, all drinks (excluding special wines and champagne), game drives and bush walks, sleep out excursions, bush baths and laundry!

Stay 4 -Pay 3

Pay 3 nights and get a fourth night free  – valid for the dates below:

1 – 31 July 2010 (NEWLY ANNOUNCED!)
20 Nov – 18th Dec 2010
10 Jan – 28th Feb 2011.

Minimum Stay Package

Stay a minimum of 5 nights and get 1 night complimentary (Stay 5/Pay 4; Stay 6/Pay 5 etc)

Honeymoon Package

Based on a minimum of 4 nights stay, the couple will receive:

A 45-minute massage each in the bush sala
A complimentary bottle of champagne (375ml) on arrival
Complimentary return transfers (if required) to either Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa Airport – worth at least R1650 (R845 per person)
If staying less 4 nights, then all of the above LESS the transfers

There is also an unbelievable Wedding package and Camp Takeover packages for both camps.

Normal contracted rates and commissions apply.  Commission can only be deducted from the full paying nights.  Subject to availability and rate change.