Mongena Private Game Lodge

We were really torn with rating this out of 5. The lodge itself is amazing! Exactly as described, with Zebra and other animals roaming freely around between your rooms. We were fortunate enough to stay in the Honeymoon suite with an all inclusive package which was amazing. The room was huge with its own private balcony. The bar facilities and pool on the grounds were awesome and well kept. The kingfisher restaurant delivered amazing food and even provided us a romantic dining service on our private balcony one evening. We opted for several game drives, the sunset cruise and a bush walk during our stay. The game drives were so much fun we had an amazing ranger Kayleigh who did a superb job and we were fortunate to see so much wildlife on our drives. The sunset cruise was a nice evening however we were not lucky and didn’t see anything besides some birds on our cruise. Luke our Ranger still did his absolute best to ensure we all enjoyed it. The bush walk was where we had a disappointing and contentious time with our stay. We headed out for our bush walk with our ranger Dean and we’re fortunate to find some Rhino. However the weather turned and it started raining so Dean called an end to the bush walk after only 30mins of what is meant to be a 2.5hr activity. We were taken back to the lodge, when our group requested if we could continue as a game drive instead we were told by dean everyone out on game drives were heading back too. This was not the case and the groups on game drives continued for the whole duration. We raised this with staff who offered no compensation or attempt to rectify, just half hearted apologies that felt more of a pay off than sincere. Whilst we can appreciate weather is unpredictable and uncontrollable when paying so much for one of these activities the least that could be done is a partial refund, a drink/food voucher, something. We felt so sorry for the people who had day tripped from Joburg for the bush walk,just to sit in the lobby for 2hrs. Disappointing end to what was an amazing experience.

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.