Garonga is all about feeding your soul and for many years, “Safari for the Soul” was the strapline, but it was more than just words. The safari for the soul permeated through everything, every little detail. Garonga is not just about seeing incredible Big Five wildlife, but it is about coming home rebalanced and recharged.
This mantra that Garonga live by is showcased effortlessly in each tent or suite by the hammocks gently swaying on the decks, just inviting you to curl up, close your eyes and take in the sounds and smells of being in the bush.
On entering your room you will see a little welcome note carefully written in a tiny sand box and a yoga mat positioned nearby gently encouraging guests to carry out some independent practice on their decks or at the yoga Sala. If guided yoga is required then this can also be arranged as Steph, the Hospitality Manager is also a yoga teacher.
To work on your body as well as your mind you can complete your relaxation with a visit to the spa Sala which offers a range of incredibly affordable treatments at a very high standard. A massage helps that tired body to really unwind.
At Garonga, to really feed your soul and restore the balance, Bernie has taken things a little further. He has incorporated a range of activities under the stars that guests can enjoy at no extra charge, subject to availability. Once the sun goes down and you have finished your game drive, guests can venture out for a star bath or a bush bath. As the water gently cascades and the night lights twinkle in the darkness, run your bath, add some relaxing bath salts and sink into the most enormous tub on the edge of the bush. Turn the light off and soak in the darkness, save for the candles, marvelling at the sounds of nature.
For the ultimate night in the bush, a sleep out experience is a must and there are 2 now available at Garonga. At the end of the evening game drive, guests will be dropped off to enjoy sundowners followed by dinner on the beautiful and very spacious deck. After a few drinks, guests will turn in for the night to bury themselves under the warmest duvet in the most enormous bed under the stars. Cocooned in the softest of duvets and looking up through the mosquito net, take in that wonderful African night sky. Never one to forego creature comforts you will be pleased to know that there is a fully functioning toilet and basin as well! The next morning, after a cup of tea and biscuits your guide and vehicle will come to pick guests up and start the morning game drive. What an adventure and all included in the rate!
For those that need a little bit of an adrenaline rush to really rebalance then Garonga offers a microlight flight over the Makalali reserve (at an additional cost). This gives guests a truly unique perspective over this great untouched land. Watch as herds of game animals cross the bush in search of food and water. Marvel at the pristine landscape framed by the Drakensberg mountains in the distance.
At Garonga, the staff know how to ensure that your experience of the bush is an all-encompassing soul restoring one.
www.garonga.com