Safari for your soul. That’s how Garonga is billed. And with hammocks, a yoga deck, star bath, massage sala and silent bush walks, it delivers. So much so that if you don’t leave here feeling more relaxed than when you arrived, and with photos of most - if not all - of the Big 5 on your camera, you’ll be one of the few.

Mountains. A river. Grassy plains. A more diverse landscape you could not wish for. And it’s no coincidence that the creators of the fully solar powered Garonga Private Tented destination chose this beautifully secluded spot for their camp - on the top of a ridge in the 22,000 hectare Makalali Game Reserve, just west of Kruger.

Kruger is king

The neighbouring Kruger National Park is renowned for sightings of the Big 5, so this is a camp to book to give yourself the best chance of completing the set. You’ve also a good chance of seeing wildlife that would likely form the Big 10 if there were such a thing – with cheetah, crocodile, hippo, hyena and wild dog all having been sighted in the area.

Book your place on a game drive or a silent walking safari and an expert ranger will take you to the places you’re most likely to get those photo opportunities that will stay with you long after you leave camp.

In a complete change of pace, the camp also offers a Star Bath, best enjoyed as a couple, but who knows, you might want to lay back in a candlelit bath on your own and gaze up at a night sky unpolluted by light sources until your toes go all wrinkly.

Six suites and a sleep-out deck

The six air conditioned suites are a bit tricky to describe as they are part tent with a canvas canopy, and part room, with solid terracotta walls, all built on a raised wooden deck.

Each sleeps 2 in a four poster bed and the views you’ll wake up to every morning will be of the dry riverbed and surrounding landscape, often visited by elephant and other wildlife. After waking, you’ll have a choice of indoor or outdoor shower to get ready for the day ahead

Your private deck will give you the best views, and you can look forward to spending lazy times gently rocking in your hammock. All rooms have Wi-Fi, which is not something all camps offer, usually limiting access to public areas. So that’s a big tick for Garonga if you want to be browsing in your bedroom.

Some guests choose to book one or more nights on the Sleep Out Deck. Privacy is assured as it’s a 20 minute drive from the main camp, with a four poster bed and dining table set for 2 awaiting. The only other life you’re likely to see while here are the animals who visit the waterhole your accommodation overlooks.

Shared facilities

Garonga lets you enjoy shared and private dining experiences, with breakfast served in the bush and dinner around the open fire in the boma. You can also ask the team to prepare you a picnic.

Also on site, a swimming pool, a gift shop with all kinds of souvenirs for sale, plus a large main lounge with fireplace and a bar from which you can help yourself to drinks.