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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, exclusivity, and Big 5 activities suited to the whole family.

Our Location

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.

Our Location

About us

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.

Facilities and Activites

About us

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.

Stay 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, stay at our homestead.

Our Accommodation

Tripadvisor Reviews:

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
ArjanKaren v profile picture
ArjanKaren v
23 August 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Excellent service & safari game drives we had a lovely time, the service was absolute fantastic and a really 5 start expericience. Also the safari game drives were excellent!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Companion30511333393 profile picture
Companion30511333393
17 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Game drive fun Great food, cool people, cool tour, and beautiful landscape as well as fun activities
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Athol D profile picture
Athol D
16 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Luxury in the bush From the moment I made contact with the team at Makongo Hills till the time I left there, I was made to feel valued and cared for. They were very accommodating of my seemingly constant changes to itinerary and number of guests. Once there, the group I was with and I were spoilt. The staff are exceptionally friendly and take care of you so well. Nothing is a problem for them. Casey the lodge manager is an incedible host, ensuring that we were comfortable and had everything that we needed. He genuinely was interested in our expereinces when returning from the various game drives and activities that we did whilst there. The food was incredible. Simple dishes but presented elegantly. Chef Siya is to be commended. The lodge staff took care of all housekeeping, helping us to relax further. Our two game guides, Trevor and Vusi, interacted affably with our group, providing us with a tailored experience whilst imparting interesting information about the area's history, the aniamls we saw and the ecosystem we were travelling through.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Seaside16448439677 profile picture
Seaside16448439677
7 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Genuine safari A fantastic safari experience whilst enjoying their warm hospitality. I would suggest staying a minimum of three nights.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
cstorrar profile picture
cstorrar
9 June 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Makongo Hills visit We had the best three days at Makongo Hills - we were blown away by it's beauty, by the hospitality and friendliness of all the staff and we appreciated how we were also made to feel part of the Makongo Hills family. We loved experiencing the beauty, sights and sounds of the bush as well as the fascinating facts shared with us by our game guide as he expertly drove around the reserve
Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 64 reviews

Google Reviews:

Posted on Google Google
Reinier’s Reviews profile picture
Reinier’s Reviews
12 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
If you’re looking for a bit of a “White Lotus” experience in the middle of a game reserve, Makongo Hills Lodge is the place to go! The location is absolutely stunning. The lodge is set on a large, unfenced property in the reserve, surrounded by beautiful hills, with fantastic spots to watch both sunrise and sunset. The pool area is lovely, with comfortable loungers and our room was spacious and had air conditioning. The bathroom felt a little basic compared to the otherwise high standard of the lodge, but that was a minor point. The staff really made our stay special. Casey made sure everything ran smoothly and chef Thankyou prepared delicious meals for us. Our game drives with Toby were fantastic. He is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, explained so much along the way and really went the extra mile to give us the best possible experience. If we heard about an interesting sighting, staying out a little longer was never a problem. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants and plenty of other wildlife. The only real downside was the condition of the game-drive vehicles. On one drive the starter motor wasn’t working properly and on another the brakes weren’t working as they should, both things you would definitely want to be reliable in a game reserve. Despite that, we had a fantastic stay. The spectacular setting, wildlife, food and especially the wonderful staff made Makongo Hills a very memorable experience. Highly recommended!
Posted on Google Google
Conor profile picture
Conor
22 July 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
What an amazing place. A special conservation reserve with so many animals. It’s huge and everyday is unknown what you will get to see on the drive, but even if you see no big animals it’s worth it for the magical landscape and information from the guides. The service was amazing, they treat you like family and as if you are the first guest to visit the lodge and put all the effort into a wonderful stay. We came for the safari, but honestly the food and atmosphere was unexpectedly outstanding. I am torn on what aspect I liked more. They should be charging twice the amount for this place. Great for families, honeymooners, it’s a small place, so the atmosphere quickly becomes cozy. If you are into birding, biology or conservation then it’s a no brainer to explore this place. TL;DR review: book now and thank me later after you experience Makongo Hills.
Posted on Google Google
Caroline Storrar profile picture
Caroline Storrar
9 June 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We had the most special time at Makongo Hills. The lodge is lovely with the most spectacular views, the food was delicious, the room we stayed in was spacious and comfortable, the staff made us feel special and welcome and went out of their way to spoil us. Thank you for the best time! A real treat!
Posted on Google Google
Alexis profile picture
Alexis
1 May 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Best Place in the World. I wish i could come back to Makongo hills every single day
Posted on Google Google
Rick Veldhuizen profile picture
Rick Veldhuizen
23 March 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Me and my family just returned from our trip through SA. We stayed at Makongo Hills for 3 nights. It is just heavenly!!! Manager Casey and ranger Trevor were super, along with the rest of the staff. Food wonderfull, game drives just great, with a sundowner drink with snack, or breakfast in the bush. Fantastic! The lodge was alsi wonderfull. We felt really sad to leave. When we come back to SA we definitely come back to Makongo. Rick, linda en the kids.
Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 47 reviews

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

IDUBE 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.

BHUBESI Room

Includes a deluxe king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom with beautiful views from the private deck.

NDLOVU Rondavel

This is a family room that has a king deluxe and day bed with a beautiful outlook onto the AmaQongqo Hills.

UBHEJANE 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.

INGWE 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.

AccommodationBook Now

Our Big 5 Private Game Reserve

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.

Find out more

Our Big 5 Private Game Reserve

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.

Find out more
Makongo Hills

makongo_hills

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Makongo Hills is an affordable Big5 authentic safari lodge. 15,000 hectare Mkuze Valley Wilderness, in Northern Zululand, South Africa

The best thing about the bush is that no two days ever feel the same. 🌿

Some days bring dramatic sightings, others bring quiet moments — golden light over the hills, distant bird calls, and the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. And somehow, those are often the moments that stay with you the longest.

At Makongo Hills Lodge, the wild always gives you something worth remembering.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandViews #ZululandBush #Bush #BushExperience #Safari #SafariLife #SafariVibes #Nature #NatureMoments #WildMoments #WildAfrica #IntoTheWild #AfricanWilderness #BushEscape #MakongoViews #TravelMakongo

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The best thing about the bush is that no two days ever feel the same. 🌿 Some days bring dramatic sightings, others bring quiet moments — golden light over the hills, distant bird calls, and the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. And somehow, those are often the moments that stay with you the longest. At Makongo Hills Lodge, the wild always gives you something worth remembering. #MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandViews #ZululandBush #Bush #BushExperience #Safari #SafariLife #SafariVibes #Nature #NatureMoments #WildMoments #WildAfrica #IntoTheWild #AfricanWilderness #BushEscape #MakongoViews #TravelMakongo

The best thing about the bush is that no two days ever feel the same. 🌿

Some days bring dramatic sightings, others bring quiet moments — golden light over the hills, distant bird calls, and the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. And somehow, those are often the moments that stay with you the longest.

At Makongo Hills Lodge, the wild always gives you something worth remembering.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandViews #ZululandBush #Bush #BushExperience #Safari #SafariLife #SafariVibes #Nature #NatureMoments #WildMoments #WildAfrica #IntoTheWild #AfricanWilderness #BushEscape #MakongoViews #TravelMakongo ...

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There’s something about being surrounded by untouched wilderness that makes everything else feel quieter. 🌿

Maybe it’s the stillness, the endless views, or the simple rhythm of nature carrying on around you. Whatever it is, the wild has a way of bringing you back to what matters.

At Makongo Hills Lodge, every day is an invitation to reconnect with nature.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #WildZululand #ZululandAdventures #WildernessEscape #WildPlaces #WildHeart #IntoTheWild #Nature #NatureEscape #NatureRetreat #Safari #SafariMoments #SafariExperience #AfricanSafari #AfricanWilderness #NatureConnection #EcoTravel

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There’s something about being surrounded by untouched wilderness that makes everything else feel quieter. 🌿 Maybe it’s the stillness, the endless views, or the simple rhythm of nature carrying on around you. Whatever it is, the wild has a way of bringing you back to what matters. At Makongo Hills Lodge, every day is an invitation to reconnect with nature. #MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #WildZululand #ZululandAdventures #WildernessEscape #WildPlaces #WildHeart #IntoTheWild #Nature #NatureEscape #NatureRetreat #Safari #SafariMoments #SafariExperience #AfricanSafari #AfricanWilderness #NatureConnection #EcoTravel

There’s something about being surrounded by untouched wilderness that makes everything else feel quieter. 🌿

Maybe it’s the stillness, the endless views, or the simple rhythm of nature carrying on around you. Whatever it is, the wild has a way of bringing you back to what matters.

At Makongo Hills Lodge, every day is an invitation to reconnect with nature.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #WildZululand #ZululandAdventures #WildernessEscape #WildPlaces #WildHeart #IntoTheWild #Nature #NatureEscape #NatureRetreat #Safari #SafariMoments #SafariExperience #AfricanSafari #AfricanWilderness #NatureConnection #EcoTravel ...

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An afternoon surprise...

A magnificent elephant strolling across the open ground, reminding us that here, wildlife appears when and where it pleases.

Moments like these turn a simple sighting into something truly special.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandMoments #ZululandExperience #Elephant #ElephantMoment #ElephantExperience #Wildlife #WildlifeEncounter #Bush #BushLife#BushEscape #BushLodge #Lodge #LodgeLife #LodgeMoment #Safari #SafariStay #NatureUnforgettable #AfricanSafari #TravelMakongo

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An afternoon surprise... A magnificent elephant strolling across the open ground, reminding us that here, wildlife appears when and where it pleases. Moments like these turn a simple sighting into something truly special. #MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandMoments #ZululandExperience #Elephant #ElephantMoment #ElephantExperience #Wildlife #WildlifeEncounter #Bush #BushLife#BushEscape #BushLodge #Lodge #LodgeLife #LodgeMoment #Safari #SafariStay #NatureUnforgettable #AfricanSafari #TravelMakongo

An afternoon surprise...

A magnificent elephant strolling across the open ground, reminding us that here, wildlife appears when and where it pleases.

Moments like these turn a simple sighting into something truly special.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandMoments #ZululandExperience #Elephant #ElephantMoment #ElephantExperience #Wildlife #WildlifeEncounter #Bush #BushLife#BushEscape #BushLodge #Lodge #LodgeLife #LodgeMoment #Safari #SafariStay #NatureUnforgettable #AfricanSafari #TravelMakongo ...

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Sundays are better with fresh air, open spaces, and a little reminder of how beautiful the wild can be. 🌿

Out here, nature sets the pace — calm, untamed, and completely real. And maybe that’s why places like this matter so much.

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” — Edward Abbey

From the wild heart of Zululand, have a peaceful Sunday.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandWonders #ZululandNature #SundayThoughts #SundayVibes #WildAfrica #WildlifePhotography #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #Nature #NatureEscape #NatureLovers #SafariLife #AfricanSafari #AfricanWilderness

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Sundays are better with fresh air, open spaces, and a little reminder of how beautiful the wild can be. 🌿 Out here, nature sets the pace — calm, untamed, and completely real. And maybe that’s why places like this matter so much. “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” — Edward Abbey From the wild heart of Zululand, have a peaceful Sunday. #MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandWonders #ZululandNature #SundayThoughts #SundayVibes #WildAfrica #WildlifePhotography #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #Nature #NatureEscape #NatureLovers #SafariLife #AfricanSafari #AfricanWilderness

Sundays are better with fresh air, open spaces, and a little reminder of how beautiful the wild can be. 🌿

Out here, nature sets the pace — calm, untamed, and completely real. And maybe that’s why places like this matter so much.

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” — Edward Abbey

From the wild heart of Zululand, have a peaceful Sunday.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandWonders #ZululandNature #SundayThoughts #SundayVibes #WildAfrica #WildlifePhotography #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #Nature #NatureEscape #NatureLovers #SafariLife #AfricanSafari #AfricanWilderness ...

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There’s a different kind of peace found in wild places.

No busy schedules, no constant noise — just open landscapes, fresh air, and the quiet reminder that nature has always known how to slow us down.

At Makongo Hills Lodge, every moment outdoors feels like a reset.

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandNature #Nature #NatureEscape #Wild #WildPlaces #IntoTheWild #Safari #SafariLife #SafariMoments #AfricanWilderness #ReconnectWithNature

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There’s a different kind of peace found in wild places. No busy schedules, no constant noise — just open landscapes, fresh air, and the quiet reminder that nature has always known how to slow us down. At Makongo Hills Lodge, every moment outdoors feels like a reset. “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson #MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandNature #Nature #NatureEscape #Wild #WildPlaces #IntoTheWild #Safari #SafariLife #SafariMoments #AfricanWilderness #ReconnectWithNature

There’s a different kind of peace found in wild places.

No busy schedules, no constant noise — just open landscapes, fresh air, and the quiet reminder that nature has always known how to slow us down.

At Makongo Hills Lodge, every moment outdoors feels like a reset.

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandNature #Nature #NatureEscape #Wild #WildPlaces #IntoTheWild #Safari #SafariLife #SafariMoments #AfricanWilderness #ReconnectWithNature ...

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The bush reminds you that nature is never in a hurry… and somehow, everything still falls perfectly into place.

A quiet drive, open landscapes, and the sound of the wild around you — sometimes that’s all you need to reset for the week ahead.

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandWilderness #Wildlife #WildlifeLover #WildernessCulture #WildlifePhotography #IntoTheWild #NatureLovers #NatureEscape #NatureInspiration #AfricanSafari #SafariAdventure #SlowLiving #PeacefulMoments #WildPlaces #ExploreTheWild #TravelSouthAfrica #EcoTravel

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The bush reminds you that nature is never in a hurry… and somehow, everything still falls perfectly into place. A quiet drive, open landscapes, and the sound of the wild around you — sometimes that’s all you need to reset for the week ahead. “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson #MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandWilderness #Wildlife #WildlifeLover #WildernessCulture #WildlifePhotography #IntoTheWild #NatureLovers #NatureEscape #NatureInspiration #AfricanSafari #SafariAdventure #SlowLiving #PeacefulMoments #WildPlaces #ExploreTheWild #TravelSouthAfrica #EcoTravel

The bush reminds you that nature is never in a hurry… and somehow, everything still falls perfectly into place.

A quiet drive, open landscapes, and the sound of the wild around you — sometimes that’s all you need to reset for the week ahead.

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandWilderness #Wildlife #WildlifeLover #WildernessCulture #WildlifePhotography #IntoTheWild #NatureLovers #NatureEscape #NatureInspiration #AfricanSafari #SafariAdventure #SlowLiving #PeacefulMoments #WildPlaces #ExploreTheWild #TravelSouthAfrica #EcoTravel ...

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A quiet walk through the bush, the golden light catching every scar and every step — the true spirit of the wild Zululand.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandWildlife #WildlifePhotography #LionSighting #KingOfTheBush #BigCatsOfAfrica #WildAfrica #AfricanBush #SafariAdventure #SafariMoments #ExploreZululand

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A quiet walk through the bush, the golden light catching every scar and every step — the true spirit of the wild Zululand. #MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandWildlife #WildlifePhotography #LionSighting #KingOfTheBush #BigCatsOfAfrica #WildAfrica #AfricanBush #SafariAdventure #SafariMoments #ExploreZululand

A quiet walk through the bush, the golden light catching every scar and every step — the true spirit of the wild Zululand.

#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #ZululandWildlife #WildlifePhotography #LionSighting #KingOfTheBush #BigCatsOfAfrica #WildAfrica #AfricanBush #SafariAdventure #SafariMoments #ExploreZululand ...

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