With rough-clad walls, gentle curves and plenty of African charisma, Garonga is a sensuous safari lodge in the Makalali Private Game Reserve outside the Kruger National Park. The lodge has six 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 feature 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 the dining room indoors on chilly nights. 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.

Garonga – self-styled soul safaris

Offering a “soul safari” takes some courage and Garonga pulls it off. 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 revitalising 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.