The wild is calling, hear the heartbeat of the Zulu Kingdom.

Makongo Hills invites you to connect with the wild.

Across the great Mkuze River, deep in the lines of a historic Zulu battle, stretches six thousand hectares of untouched African wilderness: Ven-Africa Private Game Reserve.
Here you’ll find a malaria-free, secluded, biodiversity hotspot – Makongo Hills –
offering accommodation and activities suited to the whole family.

We are inspired to share a pristine Zulu wilderness with you.

About Us

Makongo Hills invites you to connect with the wild.

We are inspired to share a pristine Zulu wilderness with you.

About Us

Our Offering. Your Connection.

Game drives

Experience the diverse fauna and flora of Makongo Hills in our custom-made 4×4 game viewer.

The Fight for the Zulu Kingdom Battlefields trail

Named after the famous Zulu-Zulu battle; a guts and glory fight for the Zulu Kingdom; this immersive historical experience traverses some of the most picturesque parts of the reserve.

Birding

The reserve’s range of diverse habitats; from rolling grassland, riverine sand forest, acacia woodland and extensive riverine cliff faces, makes it an absolute birder’s paradise.

Family Activities

We welcome guests of all ages and have ensured that our activities can be tailored to suit all members of your family. You’ll make family memories that will last a lifetime, connecting you wherever you are.

Ride Wild

Views, fast-paced downhills and a one-on-one experience of nature, makes this an undeniably exhilarating experience. The reserve is home to leopard and hyena so you will be riding wild.

Bush walking

Walks can range from short strolls to strenuous hikes tailored to the group’s preferences and fitness levels.

Makongo Hills is a home away from home,
offering affordable accommodation options suited to the South African bush-lover.
Meals are prepared with a proudly local flavour.
Makongo Hills invites you to script your own story,
connect with and explore this pristine environment on your own terms.

Staying With Us.

Everyone, from our cooks to our rangers, work hard at tailoring an experience
that will allow you to find your piece of wild-heaven.
From a more traditional farm inspired stay to an uninterrupted bush experience,
select from our Homestead or tented Bushcamp…

The Homestead

The Bushcamp

Staying With Us.

The Homestead

The Bushcamp

A journey off the beaten track

Secluded and well worth every second off the beaten track,
you will travel through two Big Five game reserves to get to us.

Makongo Hills is located on the Battlefields route,
approximately 5.5 hours from Johannesburg and 5 hours from Durban.
The Swaziland border is an hour away, and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is two hours drive away.

Make Makongo Hills your base
to explore the deeply historic and cultural destination of Zululand.

A journey off the beaten track

Secluded and well worth every second off the beaten track,
you will travel through two Big Five game reserves to get to us.

Make Makongo Hills your base
to explore the deeply historic and cultural destination of Zululand.