Mongena Private Game Lodge

Guests praise the renovated, spotless rooms and friendly, knowledgeable staff. The well-equipped facilities, including WiFi, enhance the overall experience.

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.

Kingfisher Resturant stunning food. But the service is slow and has been on all the occasions I have been ( 3 times) Game drives - 100% worth the money. Rangers are helpful, insightful know their "stuff" Its calm and not over crowded. Closest I have been to game Clean and spotless. Beautiful rooms. Rooms are large- bathrooms are more than enough. Staff - arrogant and unwelcoming. It says on the website day visitors but there are limited facilities to have a sandwich while you wait for your drive. Some staff are helpful . Others are not. Staff have different ideas about the " rules" This is a missed opportunity in my mind as the day visit is a treat - if you could have a snack and drink while you waited. The Resturant service is too slow. Boba dinner is limited, not every night and there is no coffee station. If you are staying over there is only the restaurant and no take out service or menu. Limited menu times, what can be made when .... means you cannot have a snack. I would say try - I think it has the potential to be outstanding. Just a pity about the attitudes but if you can overcome arrogance and it's this way only - or you are wrong. It's worth the night and the day visit.