Mongena Private Game Lodge

Absolutely incredible place to stay. The staff were very helpful and the facilities were fantastic. Nature freely walked around the hotel with zebras sometimes being just outside our door. Will definitely recommend this place to a friend.

A lovely few days here. Great game drives and accommodating staff when we wanted to change to a sunrise boat safari. Comfy bed. Fridge in room with water supplied. Even saw a cheetah and her cubs!

A Safari weekend filled with pleasant surprises. From arrival to departure we felt well looked after. Being a senior couple, we don't like uncomfortable changes nor unexpected surprises, but rather stability. We experienced a well-run all inclusive event in all aspects. The food at Kingfisher restaurant was excellent. All staff very welcoming. We left with a great feeling of satisfaction.

We loved our stay at Mongena. Our 4 year old daughter loved having zebras and impalas walking around the lodge. The game drives were amazing, the guides were knowledgeable and very friendly.

I was expecting guests from overseas and was looking for a two day getaway not far from Johannesburg, Mongena Private Game Lodge was recommended to us by Jesse Lemmer of Jayule Safaris. When Jesse told me the lodge was a mere hour and a bit drive from Johannesburg and offered 4* accommodation, including all meals, games drives and a sunset cruise I became very interested. When he mentioned that the lodge was home to the Big 5 I was convinced and made a booking immediately. The route to the Lodge was via the N1 highway and once we took the turn off to Mongena I was delighted to see that the road to the reserve was also tarred and the gravel road into the lodge was only about 350m. The lodge itself is amazing. The accommodation was fabulous. Spotless , roomy, air -conditioned, with great wi-fi throughout the camp, and Nyala and Springbok roam around the camp freely. The Kingfisher restaurant serves a light lunch and is well presented. The dinner and breakfast are also served at Kingfisher and are really of high standard. The restaurant is situated overlooking a small dam, and the only downside is that it is not particularly accessible to those who have difficulty in climbing the steps to reach it. That being said, the staff are so helpful and friendly, and we saw the waiters jumping to assist a guest in making his way up and down the steps. The cruise is a must. The Ranger had timed it for us to witness the sunset over the dam as we enjoyed the drinks and snacks provided on the boat. The game drives (we went on two) were not a disappointment and we were able to see, apart from others, lion, elephant, and rhino... Three of the Big Five on one drive! Thank you, Chris our ranger, for such a treat. Mongena Private Lodge is a must for anyone who wants a relaxing, close to home, reasonably priced 5* Bush Experience. I highly recommend it and thank Jayule Safaris for their recommendation.

Booked through a fantastic company called 'Hiking Africa Tours' - what an amazing 2 day trip to Mongena Game Lodge. A lovely warm welcome, hard working & friendly staff, fantastic food, fabulous grounds & a comfy lodge, made it a memorable & brilliant trip! Nothing to fault, great value for money & would definitely stay there again. A big thank you to our Game Driver Erin, who made every game drive special. Knowledgeable & warm & insightful, she made you feel as passionate about the bush & wildlife as she was. We stayed at the Lodge (rather than at the Tented section) in Cabin 10, overlooking the pool. Rooms were large & clean, adequate AC, with TV, tea/coffee station, fridge, well placed plug sockets, comfy bed & pillows, mirror & desk. An outside terrace with table & chairs was also a great added touch & we enjoyed sitting out & watching the birds, monkey & deer roaming the grounds. Evenings were tranquil & quiet. Food at Kingfisher restaurant was amazing, & with breakfast, lunch & dinner included in our package, we certainly never went hungry. Had no expectations on our game drives, but we always came away completely happy & satisfied (saw everything from Elephants, wildebeest, jackals, giraffe, zebra, warthogs, crocs, lions). All just an hour & a half from J'burg - amazing! Coming from the UK, I always considered safari's unattainable & expensive, however in reality, every budget is catered for & its not just for the rich. If you're considering it, please please don't hesitate.....& if you do take the plunge, don't hesitate using Hiking Africa Tours & staying at Mongena Game Lodge.