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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Verified 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.Posted on Liz SVerified 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!Posted on Nichola NVerified 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!!Posted on MeganVerified 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.Posted on denton889Verified 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!!Posted on Julia@Spekboom ToursVerified 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!Posted on jonathan iVerified 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 TrademarkPosted on Grant F
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!Posted on Maria Fdz DazaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!Posted on Julian PaceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Celumusa PromiseTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Londeka NcaneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 firePosted on Grant FowldsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A beautiful get away, staff so friendly and accommodating. Venue is clean and comfortable 👌Posted on Sharon HoskingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 !Posted on Kate Cole-BowenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!Posted on Merewyn de Heer - RossouwTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice placePosted on Ntshebe WeldingsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 ReservePosted on Rina Wallis
recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. 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.Posted on Penny De VriesrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. 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! :-)Posted on Ina de JagerrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. 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.Posted on Julia ColvinrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. The most pristine and diverse environment that still remains in Zululand.Posted on Juan Sebastian Maldonado BlaubachrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. Amazing Lodge in the rolling Mkhuze hills with game drives and walks in breathtaking sceneryPosted on Grant FowldsrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. It’s fabulous!!! The best, most authentic, fun and awesome experience in the South African bush. Absolutely love it.Posted on Veronica Maldonado Degwitz
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.
POV: As feathers float by, its as if time stands still entirely...
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #SouthAfrica #Kzn #Zululand #KznBirds #BirdsofKzn #Birds #Birding #BirdWatching #BirdsOfInstagram #BirdingPhotography #BirdLover #BestBirdShots #Wildlife #WildLifephotography #NaturePhotography #NatureLovers #PhotoOfTheDay
POV: As feathers float by, its as if time stands still entirely...
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #SouthAfrica #Kzn #Zululand #KznBirds #BirdsofKzn #Birds #Birding #BirdWatching #BirdsOfInstagram #BirdingPhotography #BirdLover #BestBirdShots #Wildlife #WildLifephotography #NaturePhotography #NatureLovers #PhotoOfTheDay
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A huge shoutout to our Makongo Guides — Tim and Trev!
From early morning drives to sunset adventures, these two go above and beyond to share the magic of Makongo Hills with our guests.
Your knowledge, humor, and heart make every safari special. 💛
We’re proud to have you as part of our family! 🌿
#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #MakongoHillsTeam #Guides #GuideAppreciation #GuidesOfMakongo #SafariTeam #SafariExperience #SafariLife #SafariGuides #AfricanSafari #WildSpirit #WildlifeAdventures #MakongoFamily #MakongoTeam #MakongoTeamAppreciation
A huge shoutout to our Makongo Guides — Tim and Trev!
From early morning drives to sunset adventures, these two go above and beyond to share the magic of Makongo Hills with our guests.
Your knowledge, humor, and heart make every safari special. 💛
We’re proud to have you as part of our family! 🌿
#MakongoHills #MakongoHillsLodge #MkuzeValleyWilderness #MakongoHillsTeam #Guides #GuideAppreciation #GuidesOfMakongo #SafariTeam #SafariExperience #SafariLife #SafariGuides #AfricanSafari #WildSpirit #WildlifeAdventures #MakongoFamily #MakongoTeam #MakongoTeamAppreciation
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There’s nothing quite like a romantic moment in the bush — no crowds, no noise, just the sound of the wild all around.
Here’s Thulabona, making a special moment even more memorable with a bottle of champagne, opened with care and a big smile.
Whether you`re celebrating love, marking a milestone, or simply enjoying each other’s company — the bush is the perfect backdrop.
Let us create something unforgettable for you.
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Kzn #Zululand #Safari #SafariMoments #SafariRomance #SafariGetaway #Bush #BushExperience #BushveldEscape #BushLove #Wildlife #WildlifeLover #WildlifeMoments #Nature #AdventureInNature #MemorableMoments #UnforgettableMoments #ThulabonaMagic #CelebrateInTheWild #RomanticGetaway #CouplesRetreat #NatureEscape #KZNAdventures #SouthAfricaTravel
There’s nothing quite like a romantic moment in the bush — no crowds, no noise, just the sound of the wild all around.
Here’s Thulabona, making a special moment even more memorable with a bottle of champagne, opened with care and a big smile.
Whether you`re celebrating love, marking a milestone, or simply enjoying each other’s company — the bush is the perfect backdrop.
Let us create something unforgettable for you.
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Kzn #Zululand #Safari #SafariMoments #SafariRomance #SafariGetaway #Bush #BushExperience #BushveldEscape #BushLove #Wildlife #WildlifeLover #WildlifeMoments #Nature #AdventureInNature #MemorableMoments #UnforgettableMoments #ThulabonaMagic #CelebrateInTheWild #RomanticGetaway #CouplesRetreat #NatureEscape #KZNAdventures #SouthAfricaTravel
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"The Bushveld is a place where the human element indeed shrinks into utter insignificance, and grips you and subdues you and makes you one with yourself."
- Jan Christian Smuts
"The Bushveld is a place where the human element indeed shrinks into utter insignificance, and grips you and subdues you and makes you one with yourself."
- Jan Christian Smuts
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"Yes, Africa is beautiful, a place where the earth and sky meet in total harmony, but it`s the heart of the people, the dusty animal trails through the bush and the sweet, herbaceous smell of the rain that becomes imprinted into one`s soul. After that, leaving the continent is merely a pause, until the African drums call your return."
- Unknown
"Yes, Africa is beautiful, a place where the earth and sky meet in total harmony, but it`s the heart of the people, the dusty animal trails through the bush and the sweet, herbaceous smell of the rain that becomes imprinted into one`s soul. After that, leaving the continent is merely a pause, until the African drums call your return."
- Unknown
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Our guests recently had a surprise encounter — the first snake sighting of the season, and what a beauty it was!
This striking Vine snake made its graceful appearance, reminding us that with the warmer weather, our slithering friends are starting to emerge.
Spotted in the game viewer with Ranger Tim .
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Kzn #Zululand #Bush #Bushlover #BushLife #Wildlife #Safari #SafariSeason #SnakeAlert #SnakeSighting #VineSnake #WildlifeEncounters #BushDiaries #RangerLife #RespectTheWild #ZululandWildlife
Our guests recently had a surprise encounter — the first snake sighting of the season, and what a beauty it was!
This striking Vine snake made its graceful appearance, reminding us that with the warmer weather, our slithering friends are starting to emerge.
Spotted in the game viewer with Ranger Tim .
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Kzn #Zululand #Bush #Bushlover #BushLife #Wildlife #Safari #SafariSeason #SnakeAlert #SnakeSighting #VineSnake #WildlifeEncounters #BushDiaries #RangerLife #RespectTheWild #ZululandWildlife
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Every game drive is a journey into the unknown - You never know what’s around the next bend ...
Your senses heighten. Every sound, every track, every flicker in the grass could be a moment you’ll never forget.
It’s raw, real, and endlessly thrilling — this is the bush, and anything can happen.
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #Kzn #KZNWildlife #WildlifeEncounters #WildlifeAdventure #ExploreZululand #BushExperience #ExploreTheBush #NatureExploration #SafariStyle #SafariLife #SafariMoments #SafariFun #ZululandSafari #GameDrive #SouthAfricaTravel
Every game drive is a journey into the unknown - You never know what’s around the next bend ...
Your senses heighten. Every sound, every track, every flicker in the grass could be a moment you’ll never forget.
It’s raw, real, and endlessly thrilling — this is the bush, and anything can happen.
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Zululand #Kzn #KZNWildlife #WildlifeEncounters #WildlifeAdventure #ExploreZululand #BushExperience #ExploreTheBush #NatureExploration #SafariStyle #SafariLife #SafariMoments #SafariFun #ZululandSafari #GameDrive #SouthAfricaTravel
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Lunch is served - Bunny chow, Bush style!
Kholiwe’s on hand to bring you this spicy local favourite — perfect for refueling after a morning in the bush.
Good food, great vibes, and a little taste of Zululand magic!
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Kzn #Zululand #Lodge #LodgeMoments #LodgeExperience #BushStyleLunch #BunnyChow #LunchInTheBush #TasteOfZululand #SafariEats #SafariDining #SouthAfricanCuisine #ZululandMagic
Lunch is served - Bunny chow, Bush style!
Kholiwe’s on hand to bring you this spicy local favourite — perfect for refueling after a morning in the bush.
Good food, great vibes, and a little taste of Zululand magic!
#MakongoHills #MkuzeValleyWilderness #Kzn #Zululand #Lodge #LodgeMoments #LodgeExperience #BushStyleLunch #BunnyChow #LunchInTheBush #TasteOfZululand #SafariEats #SafariDining #SouthAfricanCuisine #ZululandMagic
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