Bongani the owner of Bongan Safaris.
Bongan Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $195 to $279 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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Email Angela | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An adventurous and memorable safari with comfortable village accommodation!
As a solo female travel, I felt extremely safe in the care of Bongan Safaris. From pick-up at my hotel accommodation to all activities and safaris, everything was well planned and I felt taken care of. Bongani is very accommodating and treats guest like family. My guide for the Panorama Route, Village Tour, and majority of my safari drives was Charlie. Charlie is extremely knowledgeable about the local landscape, animals, and village culture. He had an answer to every one of my questions. Within my first 24 with Bongan Safaris, I saw the Big 5! The guides at Bongan Safaris are experts in spotting these animals and getting you positioned for the best possible picture.
Overall, every aspect of the 5 day, 4 night experience was well thought out. Example of this include but aren’t limited to: blankets provided on early morning/evening drives, South African to European adapter provided in the room, organized bushwalk with national park rangers, well rounded meals that varied every night, etc.
Highly recommended Bongan Safaris to all travels. They are extremely accommodating and will ensure you’ll have the best safari experience!
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Email Colette | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Warm and welcoming!
I had a wonderful time in my 5 days here! The staff are all so kind. It's a family atmosphere that really made this female solo traveler feel very safe and comfortable. Mr. Bongani went out of his way to see that I was well cared for. He even sent someone to my airport hotel that escorted me (about a 5 minute walk) to the minibus that would take me to the lodge. They could have easily just given me directions on where to go to meet the bus, but it was early and dark and I was alone and jet lagged, so i really appreciated this touch. During my stay, Charlie was my guide during my game drives and he did an excellent job. He even saw rhinos at dusk that could have been easily missed. The panoramic drive, in which I saw Blyde Canyon among other great spots, was breathtaking. Charlie really knew his way around and gave me plenty of time to explore and take it all in. I never felt rushed.
The breakfast and the dinners were prepared by skilled cooks and it was all delicious. Eating dinner each night at a nicely set table beside a small campfire was delightful and memorable.
This lodge is a relatively short drive to both Kruger and Manyeleti Game Reserves, both of which you'll get plenty of time in and see a wonderful variety of animals (I got to see the Big 5, among many others). The lodge itself is in a village community, which I think adds a lot of value to the whole warm and welcoming experience. I'm so very glad I used Bongan Safaris and I hope very much to return someday.
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Email Dr. Pamela Roberts | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Everything anyone could want in a safari lodge.
For the second time, I returned to stay at the Bongan Safari Lodge for 3 nights and I’m sure I’ll be back for a third time whenever I return to South Africa. As before, my room was very spacious, well-kept and fulfilled every conceivable need a visitor could have. The food was delicious and plentiful and everyone was warm and welcoming. Having the lodge situated in Bongani’s village is an extra treat; I only wish I had had more time to walk around during this trip.
Bongani and I went on game drives for 2 days and we saw lions, herds of buffalo, giraffe, rhino and countless other animals, including too many elephants to count. Elephants are my favorite animal and when Bongani found over 50 bathing and playing at a water hole, I asked if we could stay there and watch them until the last elephant left. That’s what we did—we watched them for over 90 minutes and we were the only vehicle at the water hole. It was magical. Allowing me this experience is typical of Bongani and other drivers at his lodge; to the extent possible, they will personalize your experience to fulfill your dreams. I highly recommend the safaris, staff and accommodations at Bongan Safaris.
Email Anna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lovely lodges close to Kruger
A lovely place in close proximity to Kruger situated in a local village. Staying here was a highlight, as amazing experience as safaris themselves. It has allowed me a glimpse of a local life in the village, but most of all the warm-hearted sunny nature of everyone running this place will stay in my heart forever.
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Email Deasy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect..❤️
I stayed in Mr. Bongani's lodge with my family , 6 pax in total for 4 nights.
Mr. Bongani & his family make sure that everything was perfect for us.
Rooms are so clean,comfy& have everything we need, foods are delicious (especially the desserts), our safari guide Mr. Charlie has eagle eye & tried his best to show us animals, Mr. David our driver also explained everything along the way.
We felt like we were not just guests for them, but we've been treated like a family.
thank you so much Mr. Bongani& team for your hospitality, I wish we can meet again in the future, & once again enjoy your hospitality... 🙏🙏
Email Paul | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent, helpful and friendly
Fantastic food and accommodation, everyone is friendly and helpful. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience
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Email Shai | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bongan is really nice person. He really cares about us being comfortable and having fun.
Bongan lodge is sweet and comfy
Food is great and room facilities are excellent
Room size is big, bathroom is very good
There is hot water and it’s big
All the worker at the place are very kind
Jeeps are in good shape
The crew is very professional about finding the animals
Will definitely come again
Spotless and comfortable accommodation and helpful tour arrangements.
Bongani is a great host and a superior business owner. His lodge is very modern, spotlessly clean, roomy and comfortable. His attention and amenity to guests is top notch. Being in the village instead of an isolated lodge was by far the better choice.
He arranged four game drives and a panorama route tour for me in my 5 days with him.
The only area of improvement I found was that he could expand the choices for guests to include the boat tour available in Blyde River which I wasn't aware of and would've liked to do in exchange for or in addition to one of the shorter game drives even for an additional cost. He did try to get me on a morning bush walk, although it didn't work out, I appreciated the willingness and effort!
Overall, top service, top accommodation, great food and service, amazing experience!!
Email Kate | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional operation with special attention to guests in a unique setting.
Bongani is incredibly welcoming and experienced. His lodge, situated in his local village, is extremely comfortable and professional. The staff were very friendly and we were treated like kings! The tours that we did were superb and the guides experienced. We saw a lot of incredible animals and birds. Would highly recommend Bongan Safaris for anyone who wants a different, more personal safari experience!
Bongani, one of the big five!
Amazing experience! from the airport pick up to drop off, everything in order and comfortable. The home made food and bbq was delicious and the lodge spacious, and pretty with a pool to cool off in the afternoon. I did couple safaris with Charlie. He will go above and beyond to make sure you see hard to see animals. All in all an experience of a lifetime.