Greater Kruger Game Reserves Hotels & Resorts

A popular activity for guests at Garonga is to sleep out under the stars. Perfect for romantics, the lantern-lit sleep out deck is located a 20-minute drive from the camp. Guests are driven to the sleep out area and as the sun starts to set, a three-course meal is served.

Behind the scenes, it takes about two hours to set up everything for guests, preparing the table for the evening meal and getting the four-poster bed ready. The guest’s room at the camp is kept for them in case the weather should change. Guests are driven to the sleep out area before sun set for an orientation of their night’s setting. They are given a safety briefing and once they know how to contact the camp, the magical atmosphere starts to take over.

As the sun starts to set, enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal. A few glasses of your favourite tipple will calm any nerves. From its elevated position, the deck overlooks a busy waterhole so there is often plenty of animal activity throughout the night, such as elephants making a splash or a leopard coming in for a drink. As you sink into the comfort of your bed, the atmosphere can be quite magical listening to the sounds of nature as you fall asleep under a glittery African night sky. Safari dreaming at its best.

Awaken the next morning to the sounds of the dawn chorus and watch as the sun rises. The start of a new day on safari begins.

Jock Safari Lodge was the first private concession in Kruger National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives are in 4×4 Land Cruisers and there are 6,000 hectares of wilderness to explore. Guests often see the Big Five as well as giraffe, hyena and occasionally wild dog. Feel closer to nature on a walking safari and see the diversity of flora and fauna from tiny insects that are an integral part of the ecosystem to a towering jackalberry tree favoured by baboons.

Walks normally start after a hearty breakfast and no two walks are the same. Without the noise of a vehicle, it can also get quite exciting as you approach mammals on foot. The wildlife viewing sometimes continues back at the lodge as elephants and buffaloes are often seen in the lodge grounds. After lunch there is time for guests to relax. A visit to the private sala where there is a day bed is a great spot as it is so tranquil and the perfect place to absorb the sounds of nature. Continue to explore the concession on an afternoon game drive and as it starts to get dusk enjoy sundowners, the best time to reflect on what you have seen. As you  return to the lodge for dinner, you may be fortunate to see some of Jock’s nocturnal creatures such as owls and bush babies.

If you are staying at Tinga Lodge you can spend the night sleeping out under the stars at the luxurious Tinyeleti Treehouse. Tinyeleti means many stars and it’s a magical experience to fall asleep under the cosy blanket of the night sky, listening to the sounds of nature.

Treehouses have been an integral part of the history of Lion Sands Game Reserve. It began with the construction of Chalkley Treehouse located on the site where the owner’s ancestor, Guy Aubrey Chalkley, made a camp in a leadwood tree.

Behind the scene, it’s a team effort to get everything ready for your arrival. The maintenance department makes sure the guests have water, solar power and all lanterns are lit. The housekeepers are responsible for a clean and beautiful set up ensuring the pillows are plumped on the deluxe king-size bed and the gourmet picnic is ready. The set up takes about two to three hours.

One of the team will meet the guests on arrival at the treehouse and give them a brief orientation and show them where to find the rain shower and toilet. Guests are also shown how to operate the radio in case of an emergency. As added back up, you will be left with a mobile phone with contact details of the lodge and their guide. The treehouse experience is available year-round but if there is bad weather, or if you would like to come back early, your room back at the lodge is kept for you. The lodge is about a 10-minute drive from the treehouse.

Once settled into your new surroundings, you are left on your own to enjoy sundowners, dinner and a night under the stars. During the treehouse experience you are likely to have some amazing wildlife sightings including the Big Five. . Hippos are also regular visitors in the evenings. The next day, you have a choice of a sleep in or to join the morning game drive.

These sleep-outs are called a million-star experience so it’s no wonder the romantic treehouse setting has become a popular venue for marriage proposals.

As part of Garonga's safari for the soul experience, it’s important to be able to unwind and they have created the perfect way for guests to do this. Hidden within the grounds of the camp there are two open-air baths where guests can relax with a loved one under the stars of an African sky. Set up with romantic lanterns, fluffy towels and indulgent toiletries, it’s the ultimate pampering session.

The bush bath is completely open whilst the star bath is partly nestled under a grotto but still gives an incredible view of the night sky above. 

As you walk out to your free-standing bath, the adrenalin starts to pump as you tune in to the sounds of the night, an owl hoots and the rumble of a herd of elephants can be heard in the far distance. Whilst you are only a short distance from the lodge, the baths offer complete privacy due to their unique setting.

As you arrive at your outdoor bathroom setting, as comforting as the towels neatly folded for you, the romance of Africa wraps around you. The flickering light from the lanterns adds a warm glow to the atmosphere. Filled to the brim with bubbles, as soon as you sink into the warm water, you start to relax. A wonderful way to unwind with a glass of wine and reflect on your day’s safari experiences with your partner as you gaze up to the velvety black sky filled with twinkling stars.