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 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.

This lodge is pretty but the front desk ladies are terrible. We dealt with a lady “Asa” that kept telling us what was discussed at check in, when she was not even present. As a travel agent I travel a lot, and I know how things should work and do not complain unnecessarily. ASA was unfriendly and unhelpful. The manager on duty knowing there was a problem with our bill, walked past us instead of checking in and resolving things. I will most definitely not recommend my clients here.

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.

I will begin with my only negative comment about this otherwise amazing experience. The lodge is listed as wheelchair accessible. However, the only restaurant is up a flight of stairs. Restrooms are not easily accessible around the property and when it rained, it was difficult to balance an umbrella while navigating pathways not always level. This lodge is beautiful, with wonderful staff. We loved the game drive and highly recommend our guide, Christopher. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and found both a female and male lion, in different areas. We were able to get amazing photos!