Makongo Hills  Verified Listing

Beautiful scenery, birders' paradise, outstanding hospitality and value for money! Makongo Hills surpassed all our expectations with Megan being the most amazing guide and hostess, seeing to all our needs and more. The game drives and bush walk allowed us to explore the various habitats of the reserve and Megan's knowledgeable input on the various fauna and flora was enlightening.The delicious home-style meals and comfortable accommodation further added to our wonderful stay. Makongo receives our highest praise and we hope to return soon!

What a special place Makongo Hills is! The lodge is very relaxed and homely which made for a very chilled and peaceful stay for us. Trainee intern Megan went out of her way to accommodate us in her friendly and easy way and gave us a good taste of what this lovely new reserve has to offer. Makongo Hills has the most spectacular scenery and vista's one could hope for with miles of thick forested gorges and deep valleys but unfortunately, as it was a cattle farm till 2 years ago, the bush is very thick making game viewing tough but this is a project they are working hard on with plenty of bush clearing going on and new roads going in. The birding is excellent and being able to go on unguided runs or walks in this beautiful place makes it a very special and unique bush experience for everyone, specially for those of us who are not after ticking off animals (or birds) on a list but are happy to just enjoy the peace and tranquility of this spectacular place.The historical aspect to this reserve adds a great dimension too. A great place for relaxing and refuelling, thank you Megan and reserve manager Grant.

Such a wonderful family holiday spent at Makongo Hills. The accommodation is ideal for a group of family and friends with comfi sleeping and great together spaces.
Megan was the perfect guide and host. The daily game drives and walks were a real treat and the food was great. We hope to be back soon - if only it was on our doorstep.

Fantastic place, a must if you want to experience the real game experience in SA with Megan in command of the entire experience

It was difficult to reconcile the serenity of Makongo Hills with the one of the Zulu wars, where Mpande kaSenzangakhona defeated his half-brother, Dingane, for his nation's throne. Yet there we were, waking to magnificent views of the bush, grassland and hills of his remote part of KwaZulu-Natal, gazing at history: Makongo Hills, where the siblings clashed at the Battle of Maqongqo 180 years before.
This is where history meets nature. What a treat for urban folk to start their days in exquisite bush, to nature's choir, a delightful variety of bird call. Then, amid sips of the first coffee on the wooden deck of one's comfortable room, one reaches for binoculars to study grazing creatures of the wild.
After breakfast, take a game drive to find more. Or a drive with obliging marketing person Megan Archer, and a bush walk, to find the most spectacular Tree Aloes. They are breathtaking, giants worth the outing -- and good exercise in the light of the excellent fare served at the homestead.
Then, under the stars and in the light of logs in the fire pit, there is further conversation with Megan and amiable reserve manager Grant Norval, and discovery beyond the brochure.
It was an enchanting stay where requests of the staff were met with smiles and action. Just three days there made for a welcome, dramatic break from the hurly-burly of life in South Africa.

With significant variation in topography, the reserve incorporates three different biomes. There is open montane grasslands at higher altitudes, teeming with wildebeest, zebra, and giraffe. As one drops from the plateau, you encounter savanna thornveld, hiding elusive kudu, nyala and waterbuck. Descending further into the shaded gorges, you have riverine forests and a paradise of running water, enormous trees, and abundant birdlife. For history buffs, the Maqongqo Hills are located on the property, site of a battle that changed the Zulu monarchy and ultimately the history of South Africa.
The accommodation is extremely comfortable and not meant to be five-star luxury – but is more authentic and better for it. I cannot say too much about the hospitability we were treated to; Grant and Megan were amazing hosts and their staff efficient and friendly. What makes Ven different is that it is an evolving project with great ideas and ambitions. Surrounded by Big 5 reserves, I relished the opportunity to walk freely and do some superb mountain biking (as in an absolute hidden gem!), especially those who relish a bit of technical riding. I often think visitors forget how much of the bush experience one foregoes when you are limited to a game vehicle.

My husband and I spent two nights at Makongo Hills three weeks ago.
We really enjoyed it.
Megan went out of her way to make our time most enjoyable.
Alice cooked delicious meals and Kholiwe served us with her shy smile.
Megan catered for my special dietary needs.
We loved the game drive Megan took us on and she treated us to an amazing sunset drive.
Megan's optimism and enthusiasm to everything that is happening on the reserve and future plans is infectious.
We are looking forward to our next visit.

Massive recommendation: Last week we had the most incredible holiday at Makongo Hills https://makongohills.com/
There is prolific bird life, fantastic game viewing and so many beautiful vistas to enjoy sunsets on. We loved the walking and mountain biking and were treated to a daily game drive in the game viewing vehicle which was super. It was safe to walk as there are no dangerous lions, elephants, Buffalo or rhino. Megan was such a super host and treated us to sun downers and snacks every afternoon. She even surprised my son with a birthday cake as it was his birthday the day after we left! The food was great and Alice accommodated our dairy free needs with no problem. I can highly recommend this as a seriously good value for money getaway

My wife and I were indeed fortunate to spend 5 days at Makongo Hills just prior to the countries ‘lock- down’ in March. Amazing game viewing and great hospitality by staff ensured that we will definitely be returning to this ‘Zululand gem‘ in the near future – well done, and thanks to all persons involved with Makongo Hills!

Vast views, big skies and rest. This is Makongo Hills, the wonderful place to breathe. Breathe in the fresh air and exhale the madness that is our lives at the moment. Our rondavel was perfectly situated for the view and for birdwatching from the deck. We were well fed and cared for by the friendly and capable team. The walks were spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset.
The wildlife provides a fabulous backdrop to the landscape. Well worth a visit for couples, families or groups. You will return home refreshed and revived.