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 onVerified 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 onVerified 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 onVerified 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 onVerified 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 onVerified 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 onVerified 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
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 onTrustindex 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 onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted onTrustindex 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 onTrustindex 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 onTrustindex 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 onTrustindex 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 onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice placePosted onTrustindex 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
Hi Tim! Thank you and staff for an awesome weekend! – very much appreciated.
It was great to see the improvements that have been made. The staff went the extra mile to ensure that we were well catered for, and the game viewing was the best experience possible.
Kind regards,
Chris
Good afternoon guys,
I would like to express my gratitude to the team. You were so welcoming and friendly, I wished I could stay longer with you guys!
I even saw a cheetah for the first time in my life.
Till next time guys,
Kind regards,
Siboniso
I have absolutely loved the Makongo Experience! Such friendly people. Can’t do enough for you.
We were made to feel so special. This has been an awesome weekend. The staff here went above and beyond and we have had a marvellous stay. Thank you.
July, 2022
Very pleasant and helpful staff. Thank you so much
October, 2022
We loved our stay – super stunning view and staff with incredible knowledge. Only a star bed and boma in the bush will increase the experience. We will spread the word – very exciting!! Thank you for the gluten free food!!
October, 2022
Extra+ service. Reception with fresh warm towels when coming back from the drives and smiling, hospitable staff. Feeling part of the family.
October 2022
Thanks so much for the nice stay, game drives and amazing food. We felt so welcome again. We love it so much here and it is great to see the place changed already so much in these years. If I could, I would build my own rondavel here. That’s how much I like it here. Siyabonga
October 2022
I would recommend Makongo Hills to everybody without hesitation. As a real wildlife experience, its hard to beat.
November, 2022
Thank you for a wonderful stay at Makongo Hills. Memories made for ever!! The best ever!
November 2022
Thank you! We had a lovely stay.
November 2022
Some extra hooks or place to put things in the bathroom would be nice. We had a lovely stay in such beautiful surroundings.
November 2022
Thank you for your feedback and we will certainly look at improving on shelf space in the bathroom. We will make sure we are ready for you and look forward to your next visit Makongo Hills Team
We had a wonderful stay. Thank you for the special cake and well wishes
November 2022
Firstly, if I could tick more than ‘excellent’, I would. From the moment we arrived we’ve felt like we’ve been more than just guests, but family. The attention to detail is exquisite and yet you’re still so comfortable, as opposed to being just another number at a luxury resort. Thank you for going the extra mile for us.
December, 2022
What an experience. The detail and effort put into making it so comfortable is incredible. The food is super good and so ‘homely’. Felt like we were part of the family. Will be back for sure! (umbrellas at the pool/deck would be great).
December, 2022
Ilsa we hear you and the pool deck will have umbrellas and will be much more comfortable next time you visit. We are so happy you had a good time, the Makongo Hills Team
I don’t have a big enough vocabulary to say thank you, Brett and Kaylene. Thank you for making my child’s day so so special. I will never forget all the love and spoils. You ARE an amazing team. Thank you.
December 2022
Those are very kind words and we are delighted to have been part of the celebrations for the engagement couple. We wish them all the very best, the Makongo Hills Team
I have been to different Game Parks and Lodges and had good stays at them. This stay, however, was one of the most awesome stays ever. Thank you Brett and Kaylene. You made every second so so special and pleasant to stay. We will be back. Keep on doing what you are doing.
December, 2022
We had an amazing and unforgettable stay at Makongo Hills. The feeling that we were in family, plus the phenomenal service and the mesmerizing landscape made our stay truly unique. Vastly exceeding our best expectations. Wishing you the very best and hoping to be back soon!!
January 2023
We could not have hoped for a better review. Thank you for your kind words. The Makongo Hills Team
Thank you for giving me an unforgetable experience! I enjoyed every second.
Here is to a wonderful weekend away. Making epic memories with family and my soon to be wife!! You guys are amazing.
January, 2023
Thank you for making this weekend so very memorable for my grandchildren. We could not have wished for a better venue. Thank you for your love and kindness. You guys and your staff are amazing.
January, 2023
Amazing stay. Such a natural experience in the bush. Attention to detail was phenomenal, thank you so much.
March, 2023
Really awesome place to visit. As it is so unique to see, definitely worth the travel to get here. Hope to come back and stay soon.
March, 2023
Thank you for an amazing, relaxing experience. This has been one of the best game lodges we have ever been to. Excellent food, beautiful home base, and amazing hosts – very friendly and caring. Brett’s knowledge and passion when on the drives, shines through. Thank you
March, 2023
Excellent stay. Kaylene is the sweetest, most wonderful hostess. Brett is a fantastic guide/ranger. We loved safaris with him.
March 2023
excerpt from letter addressed to Makongo Hills:
‘The team really saw to our every need, from the welcoming party when we arrived to ensuring that everything was to our satisfaction. Brett’s knowledge of the fauna and flora which was exhibited on our game drives was an eye opener and, I might add, we have yet to encounter anyone in the same field who is as well-informed. Kaylene’s culinary skills are mouth watering. Thank you for such a magnificent and non-commercialised facility where one can “let your hair down” and really enjoy ones self, a home from home.’
April 2023
Brett and Kaylene thaks for the great stay at MH! Our lion encounters were unforgetable and so was our stay at the lodge!
May23
Short but very nice stay. Thank you
June 2023
Nature here, is: amazing; overwhelming; breath taking; peaceful; beautiful
Brett, Kaylene & Staff: super the best; so welcoming; so sweet; the food delicious
Thank you very much to be able to experience this
June 2023
Such an amazing few days. Brett is so knowledgeable and interesting. Wonderful stay!
June 2023
Incredible place! Amazing drives and people. Everything was wonderful. Brett is very knowledgeable, and with Kaylene, make excellent hosts. Thank you
June 2023
Thank you for a wonderful stay in everyway. We appreciated the concern while we drove here, the amazing game drives, friendliness of all staff, good food and very comfortable accommodation. Siyabonga.
June 2023
The service with everyone and everything made us and our honeymoon unforgettable! We absolutely loved our stay here and hopefully do yearly visits! Thank you for making our stay so special, wonderful and comfy!
May, 2024
An engaging, enjoyable and fun guide with Tim who has great knowledge of the bush and the history. We loved the surroundings and peacefulness of the lodge and Makongo Hills – 100% connected to and with respect for nature.
May, 2024
The highlight of our stay was the relaxed atmosphere. Hope you will stay small. Thank you for everything.
May, 2024
The entire stay from start to leaving was a highlight. Thanks to Tim, the best drives we ever had. Thanks to everybody, specially Megan
May, 2024
Wild camping at INKULULEKO Bush Camp; a Big5 reserve (no fences, no electricity, but they had water and bathrooms!) What an absolute treat! We stayed in the Makongo Hills Bush Camp which does not allow self drives so we went off with Trevor, our lovely ranger, every day! Not only did we see incredible birds (including a calling Marshal Eagle) but lions ever day and on Sunday we saw a pride of 13 track, stalk and kill 2 wildebeest – a sight I had never experienced. The cold mornings were worth every minute of being in this amazing Reserve!
July 2024