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What to Pack for a Safari: The Ultimate Checklist

Siphamandla Mbokazi — Wed, 13 May 2026 06:55:09 +0000

A practical guide to everything you need to bring along for your first safari experience in South Africa Packing for a safari is part of the adventure – but knowing what to bring (and what to leave behind) can make all the difference to your experience. From early morning game drives to relaxed afternoons at the lodge, a well-prepared suitcase ensures you’re ready for every moment in the bush. If you’re heading to Garonga Safari Co., set within the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve, this guide will help you pack with confidence – combining practicality with effortless safari style. Lightweight, Neutral Clothing When it comes to safari attire, comfort and colour matter. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics in neutral tones like khaki, beige, olive, and soft browns. These colours not only keep you cool but also help you blend into the natural surroundings. Pack a mix of: Short-sleeved shirts and t-shirts Long-sleeved shirts for sun protection Comfortable safari trousers or shorts Avoid bright colours and stark whites, which can stand out in the bush and attract unwanted attention from insects. Layers for Changing Temperatures Safari days begin early – and mornings can be surprisingly cool, even in warmer months. As highlighted in similar safari packing guides , layering is essential for comfort throughout the day. Be sure to include: A warm jacket or fleece A lightweight scarf or buff A windbreaker for open-vehicle drives As the sun rises, temperatures climb quickly, so easy-to-remove layers are key. Comfortable Footwear While much of your safari will be spent on game drives, comfortable shoes are still important – especially for walking safaris or time spent around the lodge. Pack closed, comfortable walking shoes or trainers and sandals or flip flops for relaxing at the camps. Sun Protection Essentials The African sun is strong year-round, so proper protection is a must. Don’t forget high SPF sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or cap Applying sunscreen before every game drive will help you stay protected, even during early morning outings. Safari Gear & Extras A few key items can elevate your safari experience from memorable to exceptional: Camera (and spare batteries or memory cards) Binoculars for spotting distant wildlife A reusable water bottle Insect repellent Even though many lodges provide some of these essentials, it’s always best to come prepared. Swimwear & Lodge Wear Life at Garonga Safari Co. is as much about relaxation as it is about adventure. Between game drives, you’ll have time to unwind by the pool or enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Pack swimwear, light, comfortable clothing for afternoons and something slightly smarter (but still relaxed) for dinner. Travel Essentials Finally, don’t overlook the basics: Passport and travel documents Travel insurance Personal toiletries and medication Most safari lodges, including each of the Garonga Safari Co. properties, provide luxury amenities – allowing you to pack lighter than you might expect. Pack Light, Travel Well One important tip: many domestic and charter flights to safari destinations have strict luggage limits, often requiring soft-sided bags. Packing efficiently not only ensures compliance but also makes your journey more seamless. Take a look at the requirements for your specific transfer option before you leave home and pack accordingly. Ready for Your Garonga Safari With this ultimate safari checklist, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your safari at Garonga Safari Co. – from crisp morning drives to starlit evenings in the bush. All that’s left to do? Arrive, unwind, and let the magic of the Greater Makalali unfold. View rates and availability at Garonga Safari Co or enquire about your safari with us.

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Why Garonga is Perfect for Solo Travellers

Siphamandla Mbokazi — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:29:37 +0000

Solo travel has shifted in recent years. It’s no longer just about independence, but about intention – choosing destinations that allow space to slow down, reflect and connect through meaningful experiences. A solo safari in South Africa offers exactly that. And in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve, Garonga Safari Co. provides a setting that feels both reassuring and immersive. For those considering travelling alone, Garonga offers the balance many are looking for – privacy without isolation, structure without rigidity and a sense of ease from the moment you arrive. A Solo Safari That Feels Personal & Meaningful A solo safari at Garonga is shaped by a balance of connection and independence. Our camps are intentionally small and intimate, creating a sense of ease from the moment you arrive. Shared spaces such as the lounge, dining areas and firepit invite conversation, often unfolding organically between guests brought together by a shared experience of the bush. At the same time, there is always space to step back and enjoy time alone, whether on your private deck or between activities. It is this rhythm, moments of connection alongside time for yourself, that makes solo travel here feel both fulfilling and restorative. A Balance of Privacy and Connection A luxury solo safari in South Africa should feel comfortable, not overwhelming. At Garonga, each suite is designed as a private retreat. Whether staying at Garonga Safari Camp, Little Garonga or MCH Private Tented Camp, you have your own space to unwind between activities. Private decks, outdoor showers and quiet views over the bush offer moments of stillness, while shared experiences remain available when you choose them. This balance allows solo travellers to shape their stay in a way that feels comfortable to them. Guided Experiences That Remove the Guesswork Travelling alone often means planning every detail. A safari with Garonga simplifies this. Each day follows a flexible schedule: Early morning game drive Breakfast Time to rest and reset Lunch Afternoon tea before heading out again Evening drive and dinner Drinks around the fire With experienced guides and trackers leading every outing, there is no need to navigate logistics. Their knowledge of the reserve, from reading spoor to understanding animal behaviour, creates a sense of confidence and ease throughout your stay. Safety and Peace of Mind For many, safety is a key consideration when planning a solo safari in Southern Africa. Private reserves like the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve offer a structured and well-managed environment. Game drives are led by qualified guides, camps are staffed by experienced teams, and guest wellbeing is always prioritised. From airport transfers to daily activities, every aspect of your stay is handled with care, allowing you to focus fully on the experience. Time to Slow Down and Connect Perhaps the greatest appeal of a solo safari is the opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life. At Garonga, there is space for stillness: Watching the bush come to life in the early morning Spending time on your deck with nothing scheduled A soak in the Star Bath beneath the night sky A sleep-out experience surrounded by the sounds of the bush These moments, often quiet and unstructured, are where the experience becomes something more personal. This is where Garonga’s philosophy of a “safari for the soul” naturally resonates. Easy Access, Seamless Travel For solo travellers, ease of travel matters. Garonga is easily accessible via Hoedspruit (Eastgate Airport), with regular flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Transfers to the reserve are arranged in advance, ensuring a smooth arrival. For those looking for a more direct option, Federal Air offers scheduled charter flights directly to Garonga, providing a seamless connection into the reserve without the need for a road transfer. These scheduled charters offer a more cost-effective alternative to private charter flights, while still delivering a convenient and comfortable travel experience. This simplicity removes much of the uncertainty that can come with travelling alone, allowing your safari to begin the moment you arrive. Learn more: [Your Guide to Safari in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve] Why Choose Garonga for a Solo Safari? Choosing Garonga means choosing a safari that feels considered and personal. It is well suited to solo travellers because it offers: Intimate camps A mix of privacy and shared experiences Structured days without pressure Experienced, attentive staff A setting that encourages rest and reflection Easily accessible; transfers can be arranged It is not about filling every moment, but about allowing space for the experience to unfold. Plan Your Solo Safari at Garonga A solo safari in South Africa offers a rare opportunity to step away, reset, and experience the natural world without distraction. At Garonga, this experience is shaped with care, ensuring that travelling alone never feels uncertain, but instead quietly rewarding. We look forward to helping you plan your adventure. View rates and availability Enquire about your stay with Garonga Safari Co

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The Ultimate Guide to a Safari in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve

Siphamandla Mbokazi — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:45:51 +0000

A safari in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve offers a more exclusive and quietly immersive alternative to South Africa’s busier reserves. Located in the Limpopo province, this private reserve is known for its open landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a more personal approach to safari. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about planning a Makalali safari, including location, wildlife, best time to visit, accommodation, and how to get there. Where is the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve? The Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve is located west of the Kruger National Park, near Hoedspruit in Limpopo, South Africa. Spanning over 26,000 hectares, Makalali is made up of privately managed concessions, offering a more exclusive safari experience compared to national parks. This region forms part of the broader Limpopo safari landscape, known for its Big Five sightings and diverse ecosystems. What Makes a Makalali Safari Unique? A safari in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve is defined by privacy, space and flexibility. Unlike public reserves, private concessions allow off-road game viewing, fewer vehicles at sightings and more personalised guiding. This creates a more intimate experience of the South African bushveld, where time can be spent observing behaviour rather than simply moving onto the next sighting. What Wildlife Can You See in Makalali? The Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. In addition, guests may encounter cheetah and spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra and plains game, hippo and crocodile and over 250 bird species. The combination of skilled tracking and varied habitats makes Makalali one of the more rewarding game reserves in Limpopo. Best Time to Visit Makalali A Makalali safari can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering something different. Summer (November to March) Warm weather with afternoon showers Lush, green landscapes Peak birding season Lots of newborn animals Autumn (April to May) Milder temperatures Transition from green to dry bush Balanced game viewing Winter (June to August) Cool mornings and evenings Sparse vegetation Excellent wildlife visibility Animals gather at waterholes Spring (September to October) Increasing temperatures Dry bushveld conditions High wildlife activity near water sources How to Get to Makalali Getting to the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve is straightforward, with a range of options depending on your preference for convenience and travel time. By Air Scheduled chartered flights with Federal Air directly to Garonga Or fly to Hoedspruit (Eastgate Airport) ±1 hour road transfer to the reserve For a more direct and seamless option, Federal Air operates scheduled charter flights directly to Garonga, allowing you to fly straight into the reserve. These scheduled charters offer a more cost-effective alternative to private charter flights, while still providing a comfortable and efficient journey. By Road Approximately 5–6 hours’ drive from Johannesburg Private transfers can be arranged through your lodge This accessibility makes the Greater Makalali one of the more convenient safari destinations in Limpopo, while still offering a sense of seclusion once you arrive. Accommodation in Makalali There are a number of safari lodges in Makalali, each offering a slightly different experience. At Garonga Safari Co, guests can choose between three camps: Garonga Safari Camp A tented camp comprising spacious, en-suite safari tents, each accommodating two guests, and designed to offer an authentic yet refined safari experience in a tranquil bush setting. Little Garonga A two-bedroom, luxury en-suite villa accommodating up to four guests, with two separate one-bedroom suites, each sleeping two.. MCH Luxury Tented Camp An intimate safari camp featuring a collection of luxury en-suite tents, each designed for two guests, offering a classic and immersive bush experience with a focus on comfort and understated luxury. Explore: [Our Camps at Garonga Safari Co] Safari Activities in Makalali A safari in Makalali is about more than just wildlife sightings, offering a well-rounded experience that connects guests more deeply with the bush. At Garonga specifically, morning and afternoon game drives, led by experienced guides and trackers, provide incredible opportunities to encounter wildlife, while walking safaris offer a slower, more immersive way to explore the finer details of the environment. Dining is often enjoyed outdoors, from atmospheric boma dinners to memorable bush breakfasts, and wellness experiences such as star baths, sleep-outs, and moments of quiet between activities invite guests to truly unwind and absorb the rhythm of the wilderness. Discover: [Safari Experiences at Garonga] Is Makalali Suitable for Families? The Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve can be a great option for families, particularly when staying in private-use lodges. Garonga offers flexible options for families and small groups, although: Some activities (like walking safaris) have age restrictions Private villas offer the most flexibility Read more: [Family Safaris in Makalali] Conservation in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve Conservation in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve is driven by a holistic approach to protecting and restoring its diverse ecosystems. The reserve plays an important role in species recovery, with successful reintroduction programmes for buffalo, wild dog and other endangered wildlife helping to re-establish natural populations. Ongoing management initiatives, such as the elephant contraception programme, support ecological balance by carefully managing herd growth within the reserve. Conservation efforts also extend to more vulnerable species through a dedicated pangolin rehabilitation programme run in partnership with a charity organisation. In addition, the Siyafunda programme invites both local and international volunteers to take part in research-based internships, contributing to ongoing wildlife monitoring and conservation work while fostering greater understanding of the reserve’s unique environment. 👉 Learn more: [Garonga Green Actions] Why Choose a Safari in Makalali? Choosing a safari in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve means choosing: Fewer crowds More personal experiences Flexible, off-road game viewing A quieter, more considered pace It is particularly well suited to travellers looking for a luxury safari near Kruger without the intensity of busier reserves. Plan Your Makalali Safari A safari in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve offers a rare balance of easy accessibility and exclusivity. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to South

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Spotting the spotted big cat

admin — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 06:40:20 +0000

As guides and trackers, we are often asked what our favourite animals are. Saying that this is a difficult question to answer would be a massive understatement. However, sometimes certain sightings just make your heart beat differently. For my tracker, Bongi, these sightings would be the elusive Panthera pardus, commonly known as the Leopard. When I asked Bongi where this fondness for leopard came from the answer did not surprise me at all. It sounded to me as if these big cats and Bongi had a lot in common. This was Bongi’s answer: A leopard is like a person who does not like to argue. When it hunts and kills an animal, he drags it up into a tree to avoid challengers, like other predators. It’s kill is safe up there. The leopard knows it has the “power” to fight off certain predators, but it does not like to fight. That is why you will see even if a leopard knows that it can win against a challenger it will run away. Also, they are so beautiful. A tracker’s role largely involves being on foot in the bush. This means that in Bongi’s five years at Garonga he has come across his fair share of animals, including leopard, on their turf without the safety of a vehicle. According to him, on foot you see leopard in a different way, it’s like two different leopards. The first are the ones who do not have kills or cubs, they are shy and will immediately run away. He describes the second type of leopard with this story: One day I was on foot and was coming closer to a leopard that I did not know about, I hadn’t seen it yet. Then I saw him, a young male, he had a kill and was standing his ground. He charged me, but not because he wanted to, because he was trying to protect his food. The animals do not always know when they are going to get food again out here, that’s why. To show me he was only trying to protect his food, he ran back into thick bush and stood and watched me, so I slowly moved away. Personal experiences like this is what grew Bongi’s love for leopard, that is clear by his smile every time we see them. So next time you see him, ask Bongi about leopards, I’m sure he will have a lot to say. Danelle

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Safari Camp Stories: Josia’s Long Journey!

admin — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:59:35 +0000

My long journey to a successful level 2 pass. I always wanted to take guiding to the next level but I knew that it takes a lot of energy to achieve that. It started the middle of 2020 whereby we had a Safari Meeting after shooting practice. Charles our assessor, he came to assist us for proper ARH shooting practice. He asked: “When will you do your Level 2?” because I had had the books already now for nearly 2 years . He advised me to answer at least three questions a day and by the end of the year it would be a big achievement and the books would be finished. Josia is rarely happier than when he is watching Lions! I took it seriously from there and that is where my journey really started. It was difficult because it had been so long since I had studied, halfway through I gained strange strength instead of answering three questions it became more than that. I could feel it that one day I will be Fgasa level 2 which is not easy it needs a lot of commitment, dedication, discipline, passion as well as focus. I went to my room and wrote on the wall that I want to achieve level 2. What encouraged me was that I had to read the message on the wall every day as a reminder to the goal I wanted to achieve. Josia is renowned for being the master of a bush bar – but he decided he wanted to make his mark by achieving a higher level guiding qualification as well! I had a time whereby I wanted to quit reading because it was a lot of work, the message on the wall played an important role as a reminder to me of this journey. With the help from Sophie in most of the questions and answers that I was struggling with them, the journey become more interesting and easier to me. I was informed that I must first finish up the first workbook and then that I will sit for exam as most of the questions come from this book. Big smiles as Josia is much happier in his natural environment than when studying books! By the end of June very luckily that’s when I completed my workbook, I could not believe it that the workbook was finished!! That was the highlight of my studies, and I was happy just for that achievement although the journey was not yet over. After that the exam date to sit for the theory was arranged, it was to be October 4th at least I had enough time to prepare for the exam. I knew that this was the last opportunity therefore I had to focus on the preparation. A week before the 4th of October I had a nightmare, I was not sleeping very well knowing that the exam is close. The 4th of October came, I sat for an exam and after finishing to write I was told to wait for a month to get the results. Unbelievably the exam results came out positively meaning that I have made it, I “passed’ I was very excited! I received another workbook for practical assessment and I was left with it to complete Fgasa Level 2, after passing I had a lot of strength to study. It took me two months to complete the practical workbook and I completed it by the end of December. I called Charles, the assessor, informing him that the workbooks are done and to check his availability to assess me. Very fortunately he told me that is available on the 18th of January, it sounded a perfect day for me in the meantime I was nervous, happy that I was nearly there. Josia shows off an unconventional tracking technique! On the 18th it was raining a bit in the morning I knew that it was my lucky day as the rain in Shangaan culture is symbol of fortunes. But, when Charles the assessor arrived things changed, I started to be really nervous, thinking about what will happen during and after the assessment, that made my nerves much worse, all of the information that I had prepared to show Charles was gone! I started to lose confidence, panicking, just before we started the first game drive. Luckily, after roughly thirty minutes I slowly recovered, I could feel that I was back to normal as I did what I do best, I felt strong and from there I regained knowledge, information, and the rest followed. The first drive game, regarding the animals it was a quiet morning probably because of weather anyway we had a lot of informative stops. We found a breeding herd of buffalos south of Korhaan dam one of our big dams, but they were in the block whereby we could not off road, only one bull that was in perfect view, impala and few common birds were spotted. Strutting his stuff Josia gives Charles some great photo opportunities The afternoon game drive, there was on and off showers, also bit quiet just like the morning one anyway we managed to see impalas, zebras and I shared a nice story about the “leopard orchid” the love charm that one could be interested to know about in the story behind Shangaan culture and the Muthi. To attract a partner other than with good looks, wit or cash, it all boils down to love potions. Over the centuries traditional doctors dedicated themselves to pursuit of magic mixtures that will render us irresistible to those who we admire, the flowers of the leopard orchid are very beautiful, but it is the cane and the roots that carry the power, if you want to attract someone, you chew some at night then spit it out while saying the name of the one you want to attract, put few pieces under your pillow, the person will start thinking about you and won’t be able

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5 Things That Helped Me Overcome My Fear of Elephants!

admin — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 12:08:38 +0000

By Norma-Jean Naude (Lodge Manager) Growing up on a farm from a young age I only truly felt at home when I was in the bush, from sliding down a muddy two-track on your belly after heavy rains, the only swimming pool was dams or water troughs filled with all sorts of living organisms I knew this was the life I wanted to continue to live. My name is Norma-Jean Naude and that is where my love for the bush started. For me the bush means the freedom of being able to have fun and learn all at the same time, I have been lucky enough to spend 5 amazing years in the bush as a lodge manager and will continue my journey here as manager of Garonga`s MCH Luxury Tented Camp. Some photos of the stunning MCH Luxury Tented Camp – Click Here to enquire about availabilty Before coming to Garonga I had a terrible fear of elephants mostly because I did not understand a thing about them, I had been on many game drives with many different guides trying to help me with my fear and I will admit it did help my confidence, but there were no ways I was going in alone. Luckily for me, I got the opportunity to head out on a drive with Sophie one of the guides at Garonga in search of a herd of elephants. Filled with excitement to try to push my boundaries and see what exciting experience lay on the road ahead we headed off! Below are some of the things that helped me overcome my fears: A gentle giant helping to ease my fears ©Norma-Jean Naude (@through_normas_eyes) 1 –Having an experienced Guide: This must be number one on the list, and no I am not saying that the past guides I went out on a drive with were not experienced. What I am saying is that Sophie’s super calm manner with these incredible beasts was not only admirable but fascinating the way she could interpret every movement of the animal and then explain in a way that a not so bush-wise person could understand and feel that not every movement that animal was making was a threat to little old me. The highly experienced characters of the Garonga Safari Team at work! 2 – Camera or phone: This one is more of a distraction than anything else as well as I kept telling myself that I may be able to get a cool picture out of it. I found that when looking at an elephant through the viewfinder of my camera I focus more on trying to get the right angle or image that my fear doesn’t go away but it somewhat subsides, especially having my guide calmly talking me through each action of the elephant I was trying to photograph. Being eye-balled by a large elephant was made infinitely easier by watching through my camera! ©Norma-Jean Naude (@through_normas_eyes) 3 – Trust in your guide & tracker: This one may seem easy at first after all every time you go out on safari you are accepting that your guide and tracker have your life in their hands just like every time you climb onto an airplane the pilot holds your life in his or her hands. You trust that they will keep you safe but sometimes when fear takes over you, like a massive five-ton animal approaching you while you sit in a vehicle that is like a tin can for an elephant you may forget that this is their job, their livelihood, their passion and they will do their utmost best to protect you not only this but most of them have been in the bush their entire lives it’s their backyard, and with this thought running through my head I found myself being able to relax and trust in the guide and tracker. The dynamic duo of Sophie and Bongi 4 – Time: Spending time with the animal in a safe and comfortable environment helps when I could just sit back and watch them go about their daily lives as if we were not even there this is when I learned the most from them. 5 – Research: Yes, I do read – sometimes. I would find a few books that I had at home to find out more about elephants, not only cool facts about them but I focused on learning about their behavioural patterns, as well as spending my fair share of time on YouTube watching encounters of elephants how they reacted to certain movements, being able to tell the difference between a not so happy one or a very relaxed one that just wants to take a walk, eat some food, maybe have a drink of water if it is nearby or just play around with other members of the herd. Watching videos and going through photos in your own time is a great way to come across different animal behaviour – if I ever find anything I don’t understand I just ask the guides! This is not to say that after one drive I have overcome my fear completely! It is definitely a daily learning and growing experience. The more I expose myself to going on safari being able to spend time with them and learn from them the more excited to see them I become, and now I want to learn a whole lot more about elephants!

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Bush Escape – On foot with the Big and Hairies

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 17:38:14 +0000

When most people dream about a safari they picture a rough and rugged Landrover, open and exposed to the elements rumbling along well-worn dirt tracks in search of the bush residents that are what the journey to Africa has all been about. A safari is an opportunity to escape reality and its daily pressures and to step into a world of wonder. The safari lifestyle naturally eases you out of “city life” mode and helps you to get back in sync with nature, and nothing does that more effectively than stepping out for a safari on foot. Some of the special residents that guests come from far and wide to see! At Garonga we have an ethos of a safari for the soul. A visit to us should not just be about exciting things to see, you should leave a stay at Garonga feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, revitalised and so we invite you to step down from the game viewer and experience the wild on foot. Those of you who have met me before (either in real life or through my blogs) will be unsurprised that I will immediately begin by talking about elephants. Elephants are remarkable animals for a huge number of reasons but one thing that never fails to impress guests in a sighting with them is how quietly these giants move through the bush. Nothing puts this in as much perspective as walking in the bush yourself. A walking safari is usually a very peaceful experience, your awareness that you are moving around on foot in an area that is home to the Big Five heightens your senses; and the scents and sounds of the bush come into sharper focus. One inescapable truth is that we are not quiet creatures. Even trying to move unobtrusively through the bush it is incredible how much noise we actually make and your mind inevitably drifts back to the sightings that you have had with nature’s gentle giants and their stealth becomes even more impressive. Being on foot in the bush you are liberated from the network of dirt roads that present your usual perspective of the wild and as you start to move along game trails you become immersed in the secret world of the denizens of the bush. It is hard to cover much ground when you are on a walking safari because every step you take reveals something new and fascinating about the world around you. Inevitably you are drawn into the world of track and sign as your curiosity is paired with disbelief at the spaces that elephants and rhinos can squeeze themselves through. As the morning goes on you start to synchronise with the rhythms of the world around you and before long you are spotting for yourself flecks of dried mud on the leaves and branches, sometimes the only indication that one of nature’s giants has passed by. Single file is the only way to rock life in the bush, whether you are a social animal or a solitary one, a big animal or small, it is by far and away easiest to follow in others’ footsteps (or vehicle tracks)! ©Sophie Barrett On one of our informative walks you will be introduced to the world of track and sign, traditional medicinal uses of the local plants, you will be guided through the sounds and scents of the bush and might even have the chance to trail one of the Big Five. However, here at Garonga we love spending time on foot and we have designed 3 additional specialised walks to immerse you in the wild experience each in a different way. Jaff will take you on a cultural walk, focussing on sharing insights of the Shangaan culture and the different role that various trees and animals have to play; you will finish this journey through local traditions with a catapult shoot! To truly tune into the patterns of the bush Josia can take you on a solitude walk. Instead of stopping and talking, the walk will be conducted in silence as a way to heighten your senses even further to the world around you. You will start to notice the differing scents that are released depending on what species of grass you are walking through; each crackle of a leaf and chirp of a bird will be amplified as you shake off the cobwebs from your senses. At the end of the walk you will be given time for observation and reflection (whilst Josia keeps a close eye to make sure that everyone stays safe!) and finally you will come back together to discuss what each of you noticed on your stroll through the savannah. Or you can choose to get in touch with your ancestors on a walk with me as we put your survival skills to the test. I will unravel the secrets of the bush and show you where you can find water, how to make fire, build tools, rope and shelter and most importantly how you can tell whether something is safe to eat (without constant snacks are you even on a safari?). We will take you back to your roots as we delve into human history and examine how the nomadic San Bushmen learnt to unlock the secrets of the bush and to exist in harmony with it. Whatever option you choose, spending time on foot changes your perspective, you will have spent a morning sharpening your senses and being bamboozled by the small 5000, life’s pressures and stresses are forced to take a back seat and when you venture forth in your trusty Landrover once more you are filled with a fresh appreciation of exactly what it takes to survive in the wild. Hope to see you in wild soon! Sophie

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Garonga’s Green Initiatives!

admin — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:55:39 +0000

With the Climate Change Conference about to start and people focusing suddenly on The Environment, it seems apt to talk a bit about what we at Garonga do for this. Many Lodges do something more or less but all are very aware of the sensitivity of the Environment. Now the most suitable people to be really dealing with SOP’s, systems etc to protect our natural resources are people who live in the countryside or the Bush; they better understand it as it directly affects their Business or way of life and more importantly see it as quite normal and commonsense. Politicians and Eco Warriors don’t, and do it for PR, and self-Importance. 1. Heat Pumps All our Guest rooms at Safari Camp and Little Garonga have hot water supplied by these. I see they are very much now in the news overseas. Here they work splendidly and certainly cut the amount of energy being used. They are very effective. At MCH Luxury Tented Camp we use Gas geysers which again are extremely effective and economical. 2. Water We have established a water plant that cleans, softens and filters our water from the natural boreholes to the supply syste Fresh water from the boreholes, although totally delicious and natural, is very hard, and clogs the systems up very easily; hence the softener. We also have a Water Filtration Plant separate to the plant above that is used to clean and filter “Grey/Used” water. This water is then pumped down back into the Waterholes in front of Safari Camp; thereby negating the use of fresh Borehole water which would be a huge waste. This water is perfectly drinkable by Animals. We have our own Bottled water system supplied by “Vivreau” whereby we cycle our own filtered water (Via the water plant) into Glass Bottles; therefore no plastic. Harvester Tanks are used to collect rain water that can be used for Irrigation, cleaning vehicles etc. 3. Solar Safari Camp Front of House is totally solar; it covers about 30% of our energy needs. MCH is totally solar and completely off-grid. This is backed up by a Generator should we get several overcast cold days. Although Solar prices have reduced since we first installed in 2007 it is still a very expensive business. Unfortunately here in South Africa there is no incentive to use “Alternative Energy Sources”; at Safari Camp my main Electricity Bills have not changed at all even since using Solar as the main Camp is mixed between Solar and the Main Supplier, ESKOM. One day I hope to take Safari Camp off the grid, but currently this is far too expensive an exercise. 4. Waste All our waste is separated. We keep daily records of waste mass to see how we can improve and which departments are wasting unnecessarily. Again in SA , and especially here in the rural areas there is not a recycling plant whereby waste is put to good use. 5. Suppliers We source our Food Supplies from the Local area to keep local businesses afloat and provide indirect employment to people outside the Reserve. 6. Firewood This is carefully selected from dead trees fallen down and broken up. Again it is done carefully that the wood is not regenerating and providing additional life sources. 7. Conservation The reserve is constantly looking at ways of “Conserving Wildlife, Fauna, Flora”. We run an Elephant Contraception Programme; it was set up in 2001 and is extremely effective in controlling Elephant Numbers without harming them at all. This is essential in a Private Game Reserve as you can only have a certain number of Ellies, otherwise they feel pressurized and break out on to surrounding Farms etc. This programme allows Ellies to still give birth once the “3 Years Cycle of Contraception” is over, which is extremely important as Ellies are such social animals. Black and White Rhinos exist on the Reserve in a “Protected Environment” in that we of course have Anti-Poaching Teams operating 24/7, 365 days per year. This of course is an expensive operation with all the security apparatus that goes into this but we, as Owners, have decided , that Rhinos need to rebound again in large numbers and no longer fall under the “Extinct Species” which is where they were. Wild Dogs, Cheetah, Pangolin are all prevalent on the Reserve and we source more numbers all the time as long as its sustainable. Every two years a Game Census/Count is held on the Reserve that will literally count how many head of Game of all species we have. This is essential to maintain an equilibrium or balance that we have enough of one animal to sustain another. Conservation as you are all aware costs a huge amount of money which is why I stated at the beginning that “farmers, Bush People etc” who live amongst it are better at implementing Conservation and Environmental Practices than those sitting in plush offices in New York, London, Paris etc. We, as owners, are happy to put our hands in our pockets and “Do Something” rather than “Say Something” (Apparently HM The Queen UK) said exactly this. Farmers etc plant trees, shrubbery etc – same thing. These are my own words and I don’t speak on behalf of the other owners; so if you want a rant, then rant at me. Those who wish to contribute to this huge Conservation Effort in many shapes and sizes are more than welcome; it is on our website and goes directly into the Reserve Pot. I hope that the Conference of course is a success, but is practical. Going to the extreme in a rush will not help, and will affect so many people’s lives in a bad way. A lot has already been achieved but we never hear about it; if only the Media shouted it out. However this is also done purposely by the “Shout the Loudest Brigade” of Eco-Warriors so it seems that nothing is being done; it is

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Safari Camp Stories: Josia’s favourite animal

admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 11:07:35 +0000

My name is Josia, and I am a guide at Garonga. I have been working as a guide for above ten years now. I would like to narrate once more about lions, we had the best lions sighting last week with the guests and “The Garonga pride”. The Garonga pride is a big pride of 13 in total, two dominate males three lionesses, cubs and sub adult cubs which is an outstanding pride to come across. Having had them the whole night before the guests’ arrival, roaring we had hope that when guests arrived the next day it would be easy to find them, but it was not the case. When the guests arrived the next day and we met them on arrival and the guests were very keen to go out on the afternoon game drive. The guests were booked in for two nights meaning that if they are interested they would have four game drives. We had a lot of hope to find lions though as they were roaring last night, and we thought that they could still be nearby. At full strength the Garonga Pride are impressive to see! ©Sophie Barrett Unfortunately, it was opposite we tried our best to check everywhere but it was not our day, we followed the tracks until we had to admit defeat and instead had some beautiful sundowners. The next day we saw a beautiful elephant sighting and a female leopard sighting with a fresh impala carcass! Some wonderful sightings but the lions continued to elude us! © Josia Sibuyi and Johnson Ntimane The third out of fours game drives was the afternoon game drive and the guests specifically requested to see lions, my tracker Bongi had to apply his tracking skills to the lions once again. Whilst driving we found fresh Garonga pride tracks, and Bongi stepped down to track the lions. The whole afternoon game drive was about finding lions, unfortunately, we found other animals but not the lions. We ran short of time before we get them it was getting dark. We had to go back to the camp empty handed, but on our way back we found a breeding herd of buffalos feeding which was another awesome sighting. We were left with one game drive, the last morning game drive. The guests were happy, but lions were the only animals missing in their vocabulary. Game drives are like fishing you never know what will happen next. Happily for us it was an unbelievable sighting, we went back where we left tracks yesterday to follow up on the Garonga pride. Fortunately, it was our lucky day we found the Garonga pride before we even started to track them. One of the guests said to me ‘Josia stop there’s something growling!’ I stopped to listen and likely it was Garonga pride feeding on the impala kill. Remember Garonga pride is a big pride for impala, growling was a sign of that everyone needed to fight to get a piece of the impala. What an outstanding finish, our guests were extremely happy and so were we! We look forward seeing you soon. Warmest regards. Josia.

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Safari Camp Stories: Tracking Lions with Bongi

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 07:43:46 +0000

My name is Bonginkosi but everyone calls me Bongi. I work as a tracker and have been doing this since 2016. I really enjoy working as a tracker because I have always loved animals and when you track them they give you different reactions each time that you find them. I have been tracking since the age of 9 when I was looking after my father’s goats at home. Being a tracker is something that is in my blood. I used to track goats after I lost them in the bush. And I was able to tell which goat it is by looking at its tracks. Today I am going to tell you about a day when I was tracking lions. It was early in the morning, the sun was rising and it was quiet in the bush, we were just starting our morning game drive. We had been driving for a short while when suddenly in front of us we saw impala running very fast across the road, we were excited and looking for what had made the impala run because we know that if impala are running they might be terrified of something (maybe lion, leopard or any of their predators). We decided to drive to where the impala were running from and soon we found tracks for lion, very fresh! The tracks were on top of the vehicle tracks that had driven early that morning showing us that the lion tracks were very fresh. We stopped to tell the guests about the tracks and then we heard a monkey shouting about 200m away from us. Monkeys will usually shout if they see predators! We could not see what the monkeys were shouting at because it was very thick. My guide drove around and I tracked the lions on foot, neither of us could see the lions and we met up again where the tracks crossed the road. We know that the lions have specific places where they love to spend time so I got back onto the vehicle and we went to check where we thought they were heading to. When we got there we stopped the vehicle and we could hear the lions growling a lot! From the way that they were growling we knew that they must be feeding on a kill and that probably their prey is something small because of how much they are growling at each other, they won’t growl so much over a larger kill. We drove in to where we could hear them growling and saw that they were feeding on an impala. It was so amazing the way they were growling to each other when they are all family and usually have such close bonds with each other. It was interesting to see the oldest female just holding onto the neck of the impala, not feeding but holding until the rest of the body had been finished by the other lions and then she took the neck to feed on it. I loved seeing how they had been growling so much at each other over the meat and once it was finished they were friendly with each other like they have never fought before, grooming and bonding with each other again. The moment the food is finished apologies are made and the social bonds are reinforced ©Sophie Barrett I couldn’t wait to go out on the afternoon drive and see what surprises the bush would have in store for us!

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