in the Mkuze Valley Wilderness
an intimate Big 5 experience
in the Mkuze Valley Wilderness
an intimate Big 5 experience
Makongo Hills invites you to connect with the wild.
Across the great Mkuze River, deep in the lines of a historic Zulu battle, stretches fifteen thousand hectares (37 000 acres) of untouched African wilderness.
Here you’ll find a malaria-free, secluded, biodiversity hotspot – Makongo Hills Lodge – offering accommodation and Big 5 activities suited to the whole family.
Makongo Hills invites you to connect with the wild.
Across the great Mkuze River, deep in the lines of a historic Zulu battle, stretches fifteen thousand hectares (37 000 acres) of untouched African wilderness.
Here you’ll find a malaria-free, secluded, biodiversity hotspot – Makongo Hills Lodge – offering accommodation and Big 5 activities suited to the whole family.
Lovely place to stay
I really enjoyed my stay here. It is the perfect place for a gathering of friends and family as we were. Small and comfortable with everything you need. The lodge sits on high ground with wonderful views over the surrounding bush. The evenings were lovely sitting in the lapa around the blazing fire listening to the sounds of the bush. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Take a hat for game drives. The food was tasty and good without being pretentious. I really appreciated the extra mile they went to to help us see leopard.
Liz S
2022-10-17
Verified
The perfect bush escape
Makongo Hills is an ideal setting for a family getaway in an authentic setting. The staff were friendly and helpful and we appreciated the small touches-especially the basket of mozzie repellent! My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the game walks, where we enjoyed learning about the plant life, looking at spoors and seeing the giraffe up close. The food and accommodation were superb, and we will be back!
Nichola N
2022-09-28
Verified
What more can one ask for!
Makongo Hills is a breath of fresh air. Beautiful reserve, awesome big 5 sighting, and amazing bird life. Lovely and comfortable lodge. Friendly staff. I was able to unwind and really enjoyed my stay. I will definitely be back to explore this spot again!!
Megan
2022-09-28
Verified
excellent weekend away
We were greeted on arrival by all the staff and our ranger. We were made to feel so welcome. The rooms were clean and well appointed. Our game drives were superb. I am looking forward to a return trip.
denton889
2022-09-14
Verified
All the comforts without the frills!
We were lucky enough to steal a few days for ourselves on holiday at Makongo Hills, Ven Africa. I must say, the staff were very hospitable and hugely accommodating offering spontaneous activities such as game drives, walks and sundowners on top the hills above the savanna bushveld. Meg, our guide showed us her delightful camera capture sighting offering a secret peek into mysterious world of the shy and nocturnal. On the last night we decided to camp in the tented safari camp near a secluded waterhole. The braai vleis was delicious, beds very comfortable and our every need was taken care of. This truly is a special place – all the comforts without the frills makes for a very worthwhile and reasonably priced getaway!!
Julia@Spekboom Tours
2020-07-07
Verified
Back to the bush experience!
A wonderful place to truly immerse yourself back into nature. A bushveld experience without the pretense and over-commercial touristy feel of many other lodges that we've been to. Places like this are becoming rarer and rarer to find these days. Highly recommended for any true nature lover!
jonathan i
2020-07-02
Verified
Seventh heaven and two Rolling Hills
This hidden gem known as Makongo Hills in a unspoilt Biosphere of Bushveld with Amazing views in the Mkuze Valley. The Birding oppertunities are endless boasting over 350 Species. The Game is amazing and the walks very pristine. The Aloe Banzai forest is arguably the Biggest in the World- giant aloe trees reach for the Sky. The staff are friendly and the Boma facing the synonamous Makongo Hills are a unique Trademark
Grant F
2019-04-22
Google Reviews:
Incredible place! Both Brett and Kaylene were amazing hosts! Brett drove us around the reserve and was the perfect ranger and Kaylene took care that at home everything was perfect!! The Brai, dinners, breakfast! The place is beautiful! And the game drives were a 10!very exciting!
Maria Fdz Daza
2023-01-29
Makongo Hills is perfectly situated with incredible views over the Mkuze Valley Wilderness in KZN. Coming from Durban it was not a difficult drive up the N2 following the directions given. What a wonderful surprise to find a beautiful lodge surrounded by mountains with welcoming hosts and staff who took care of our every need. Our game drives provided excellent sightings of numerous animals including fabulous time spent with elephant herds and lions drinking at the water hole. Our incredibly knowledgeable guide, Brett, even pointed out old carcasses hanging in the trees where leopards had previously made their kills. The birdlife was fantastic and terrain of the reserve was just quite special, and unlike anything else in KZN.
We feasted on delicious food for all meals and the chef, Alice, made the best fresh bread! The setting of the lodge made for spectacular evenings around the fire listening the distant calls of Hyena - and awakening to truly magnificent sunrises before departing on morning drives. Thanks to Brett, Kaylene and the rest of the staff for a memorable time!
We really couldn't ask for more for a weekend away. Thank you!
Julian Pace
2022-12-20
Celumusa Promise
2022-05-18
Londeka Ncane
2022-05-15
Makongo hills is a game lodge in the Greater mkhuze valley it has Majestic views of lovely bush. The lodge is comfortable with en suite rooms and a cozy boma to sit around the fire
Grant Fowlds
2022-03-16
A beautiful get away, staff so friendly and accommodating. Venue is clean and comfortable 👌
Sharon Hosking
2022-01-26
Megs at Makongo Hills made our long weekend stay so personalised and special ! From her Oumas rusks with coffee on our early morning game drives to yummy homecooked meals around the fire in the boma in the evenings …..lazy long days taking in the african sun on the deck and star gazing at night . The rooms have thatched roofs and beds decadently comfortable! What was so amazing was we had the whole lodge to ourselves ….a family bonding space where memories are made !
Kate Cole-Bowen
2021-10-10
Last weekend we were treated to 4 gorgeous days in the bush at Makongo Hills, in the Ven Africa reserve. From the minute we arrived, to our good bye hugs, we were doted over & spoilt rotten by Megan. It started off with our own personalised welcome letter on our beds ( with a choccie too!) We had a real home from home experience, the food was delicious, Meg served us coffee & tea throughout the day and made sure we were comfortable & content at all times. Meg is not only skilled in hospitality, but she is also an accomplished game guide, driving us around the reserve and sharing her wealth of knowledge. I had the treat of staying in the beautiful “ zebra room” with a breathtaking view of the 2 Makongos! The kids enjoyed the deck & pool while the adults went for a leisurely stroll to the bird hide. What a lovely venue for some family down time, enough space for the whole family yet small enough to have the privacy of having the lodge to ourselves. Thank you Megs & your team for the treat! We will be back!
Merewyn de Heer - Rossouw
2021-10-01
Nice place
Ntshebe Weldings
2021-06-17
Last week, 12 &13 May, was our 2nd visit to this lodge.
Fabulous stay, breathtaking views.
Peace and Tranquility.
Food, service and drives are superb.
Megan is the perfect guide and Host.It was really great to see the progress made in the last 6 months.
Alice and Kholiwe,the two ladies, chef and Helper, are an asset to the Lodge.
Do make effort to visit this up and coming Game Reserve
Rina Wallis
2021-05-16
Facebook Reviews:
recommends
Makongo Hills is a private game reserve 57kms from Pongola.
Stunning rooms, an excellent host, game / bird guide, 4x4 driver in Megan.
She also relates interesting anecdotes on local history, the conservation management of the reserve etc
Despite inclement weather we managed to record 80 birds on a few game drives.
A very reasonably priced lodge too which is a bonus if you’re South African.
Penny De Vries
2021-02-25
recommends
Makonho Hills is beautiful and scenic. Staff were friendly and spoiled us from start to finish. Accommodation,food and company around the fire was excellent. We returned home feeling relaxed and fully rested. Thank you Grant and Megan! :-)
Ina de Jager
2020-08-10
recommends
A magnificent few days spend in the remote Northern KZN Bushveld. Such chilled vibes, friendly staff and fantastic scenery. If your area serious birder you will be twitching away for hours with a birding list of almost 300 birds including the elusive Eastern Nicator and Pink-Throated Twinspot. Being a plains game reserve for now it was wonderful to have the freedom to hike, run and cycle this 6000 hectare reserve. I’m not usually one for long game drives cooped up in a car so this was wonderful combination of untouched wilderness and fun outdoor activities.
Julia Colvin
2020-07-07
recommends
The most pristine and diverse environment that still remains in Zululand.
Juan Sebastian Maldonado Blaubach
2020-05-19
recommends
Amazing Lodge in the rolling Mkhuze hills with game drives and walks in breathtaking scenery
Grant Fowlds
2019-11-10
recommends
It’s fabulous!!! The best, most authentic, fun and awesome experience in the South African bush. Absolutely love it.
Veronica Maldonado Degwitz
2019-11-07
We are inspired to share our remote Zululand wilderness with you.
We are inspired to share our remote Zululand wilderness with you.
Makongo Hills Accommodation
Zebra Room
The room has a deluxe king-sized bed, private deck and en-suite bathroom. You will wake up to great views of the iconic Amaqongo Hills and plains animals on the lawn.
Giraffe Room
Includes a deluxe king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom with beautiful views from the private deck.
Nyala Room
There are 2 double beds in the Nyala room with the option of adding a single bed. Can form part of a family unit, which includes the Giraffe room.
Eagles Nest Rondavel
Includes a deluxe king-sized bed with a private deck and en-suite bathroom. Beautiful views from the deck and close proximity to the Lapa.
Sundowners Rondavel
This room has a deluxe king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom and great views of the sunset from its private deck
The Lapa
Enjoy your early morning coffee break, or evening drink around the fire, to the bush sounds.
From birds to wildlife, kaleidoscopic flora to the miniature world of insect life, Makongo Hills will come alive in front of your eyes.
Our 15 000 hectare reserve incorporates a diversity of habitats, including riparian thicket, acacia woodland, Zululand lowveld and tall grassveld, and rolling savannah.
From birds to wildlife, kaleidoscopic flora to the miniature world of insect life, Makongo Hills will come alive in front of your eyes.
Our 15 000 hectare reserve incorporates a diversity of habitats, including riparian thicket, acacia woodland, sweet and sourveld grasslands, riverine sand forest and rolling savannah.
