Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve
Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve
Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve
4
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
144 within 5 kms
Attractions
22 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
89 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
28
Average
18
Poor
4
Terrible
3
callkm
Narre Warren, Australia110 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
We arrived in East London on a cruise ship in port only 7hrs when we did this day tour. I pre- arranged transport through a taxi (Kevin Agram email: kevin.agram@gmail.com) to pick us up from the port, take to and tour the game reserve and return to the ship - highly recommended also.
We arrived in port at 12 noon and was taken straight to the Mpongo Game Reserve. On arrival they gave us a booklet with a list of all the animals (with pictures) so we could tick off the animals as we saw them. It cost only R50 per person entrance fee to self drive around the reserve, well worth the price. The roads inside the game reserve are only narrow dirt tracks, we were in a minivan which managed them well but slightly tough in a couple of places so l think a 4WD would be better suited - especially in the wet season. The game reserve also does tours in their own vehicles for extra cost, you would have to check fees for this with the reserve. There is an abundance of animals to see there although it covers only 3500ha - a perfect size if limited on time to spend there. We saw lions and a cub (all in cages/runs), the rest of the animals were in the wild though - giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, monkeys, warthog, hippos, hyena, ostrich and lots more. They also have elephants there but we weren't lucky enough to see any although we saw evidence they had been around. We didn't have time to transit the whole reserve, I estimate we rode the tracks of only about half the reserve in around 3hrs then we checked out the animals at the petting area and caged lions, etc (yes all the lions we saw were caged, l guess that's why there are still so many animals in the reserve and they haven't been eaten). We would have loved to have stayed longer but ran out of time. They have a restaurant that overlooks a waterhole where the hippos were swimming, we didn't eat there but it looked very clean. For those who are interested, I read they also have accommodation. All the amenities were spotlessly clean and the garden areas well kept. They also have a touch area and playground for the children. The staff we met were all friendly also.
I recommend this place for anyone who wants to see some animals in the wild and isn't going to Kruger for a few days - families, singles, solo, couples, groups, cruise ship passengers. It was not too far distance to travel from the ship terminal in East London and wonderful experience for us, highly recommended. Opening hours are Summer - 06.30am-6pm and Winter - 07.30am-5pm
We arrived in port at 12 noon and was taken straight to the Mpongo Game Reserve. On arrival they gave us a booklet with a list of all the animals (with pictures) so we could tick off the animals as we saw them. It cost only R50 per person entrance fee to self drive around the reserve, well worth the price. The roads inside the game reserve are only narrow dirt tracks, we were in a minivan which managed them well but slightly tough in a couple of places so l think a 4WD would be better suited - especially in the wet season. The game reserve also does tours in their own vehicles for extra cost, you would have to check fees for this with the reserve. There is an abundance of animals to see there although it covers only 3500ha - a perfect size if limited on time to spend there. We saw lions and a cub (all in cages/runs), the rest of the animals were in the wild though - giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, monkeys, warthog, hippos, hyena, ostrich and lots more. They also have elephants there but we weren't lucky enough to see any although we saw evidence they had been around. We didn't have time to transit the whole reserve, I estimate we rode the tracks of only about half the reserve in around 3hrs then we checked out the animals at the petting area and caged lions, etc (yes all the lions we saw were caged, l guess that's why there are still so many animals in the reserve and they haven't been eaten). We would have loved to have stayed longer but ran out of time. They have a restaurant that overlooks a waterhole where the hippos were swimming, we didn't eat there but it looked very clean. For those who are interested, I read they also have accommodation. All the amenities were spotlessly clean and the garden areas well kept. They also have a touch area and playground for the children. The staff we met were all friendly also.
I recommend this place for anyone who wants to see some animals in the wild and isn't going to Kruger for a few days - families, singles, solo, couples, groups, cruise ship passengers. It was not too far distance to travel from the ship terminal in East London and wonderful experience for us, highly recommended. Opening hours are Summer - 06.30am-6pm and Winter - 07.30am-5pm
Written 16 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Job V
15 contributions
Sept 2015
We drove the self-drive at low speed and took the time to watch the animals. You easily drive for about 3-5 hours depending on your route. There is a good map provided with a animal checklist you can spot. Also the routes are very easy to find yourself.
We saw a lot and very different species.
Take a binoculars with you to spot a lot more then with the naked eye.
A normal car is possible (we used a Ford Fiesta) but make sure your an experienced driver.
There is a fine restaurant at the beginning of the park, so take water and lunch with you on the long drive! There are toilets at some points.
We had a lot of fun and recommended this park for a nice day for entrance of ZAR 70 per adult.
We saw a lot and very different species.
Take a binoculars with you to spot a lot more then with the naked eye.
A normal car is possible (we used a Ford Fiesta) but make sure your an experienced driver.
There is a fine restaurant at the beginning of the park, so take water and lunch with you on the long drive! There are toilets at some points.
We had a lot of fun and recommended this park for a nice day for entrance of ZAR 70 per adult.
Written 26 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham W
East London, South Africa21 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
The reserve is conveniently situated within a relatively short distance from East London. It is huge, covering a couple of thousand hectares.
The guided game drive is a must. Professional game guides accompany each party in open safari game viewing vehicles. What a great experience!
The guides were very knowledgable and made the bush and it's animals come alive. Nothing was too much trouble for the guide, who was very patient and informative when answering any questions.
There is an abundance of animals in the reserve. A huge variety of antelope including giraffes and elephants were to be seen.
A true african safari experience was had by all !
The guided game drive is a must. Professional game guides accompany each party in open safari game viewing vehicles. What a great experience!
The guides were very knowledgable and made the bush and it's animals come alive. Nothing was too much trouble for the guide, who was very patient and informative when answering any questions.
There is an abundance of animals in the reserve. A huge variety of antelope including giraffes and elephants were to be seen.
A true african safari experience was had by all !
Written 26 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T S
7 contributions
Aug 2021
Went for the two-hour "safari car" tour. The Land Cruiser in which we toured had a loud motor and transmission, and squealing brakes which made me wonder whether it was truly roadworthy.
With the exception of two elephant which were only partially visible, there was nothing here which we had not already seen just driving around other properties. The reserve is apparently under new ownership, and there were no lion, hippo, or rhino in the park. We were told that there was a plan to add these back "sometime in the future." We did see cape buffalo dung, but no cape buffalo. Species actually observed included impala, one glance at a bushbok, a herd of zebra, and a single, solitary giraffe. There was a PH in the vehicle with his clients who was more knowledgeable and spotted animals sooner than the tour guide. At least the staff was polite and pleasant.
As far as I'm concerned, it was a waste of time and money (R 425 apiece for admission) and I would not do it again even if they paid me.
With the exception of two elephant which were only partially visible, there was nothing here which we had not already seen just driving around other properties. The reserve is apparently under new ownership, and there were no lion, hippo, or rhino in the park. We were told that there was a plan to add these back "sometime in the future." We did see cape buffalo dung, but no cape buffalo. Species actually observed included impala, one glance at a bushbok, a herd of zebra, and a single, solitary giraffe. There was a PH in the vehicle with his clients who was more knowledgeable and spotted animals sooner than the tour guide. At least the staff was polite and pleasant.
As far as I'm concerned, it was a waste of time and money (R 425 apiece for admission) and I would not do it again even if they paid me.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shirley M
Atlanta, GA9 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
We contracted with Tours by Terence for a tour of Mpongo from a cruise ship docked at East London. The guide arrived 15 minutes late and the driver with the van was even later. Once we got to Mpongo, all of the safari vehicles were already spoken for, so we had to travel through the park in the van. This allowed much less picture taking. The Game Reserve was wonderful (though we arrived late enough that we saw no cats), the tour operator and arrangements were not. The guide complained the entire day about driving from Port Elizabeth to meet us and how sleepy he was!I would think twice before doing other tours with Terence Zweni.
Written 19 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
antonio b
Firenze39 contributions
Dec 2013 • Business
If you have never visited a game reserve in South Africa, it may be worth going there. Otherwise avoid it. For me, the visit to this park was very disappointing. The guided tour through the park lasted 50 minutes. We saw very few animals and the guide did not provide any information. It seemed dumb. However, at dinner in the restaurant of the park was pleasant.
Written 21 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lara V
Wilderness, Western Cape, South Africa149 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
This should be the number one place to visit in East London. Having visited the Kruger recently this reserve can't really compare, but saying this however the self drives are beautiful! We didn't see any elephants but had to leave early due to rain. The reserve is so pretty and the petting area is amazing! It is so well run, the animals are all hopping around and they have the cutest little lion cub at the moment who was rejected by his mother but has survived thanks to the staff. They have a lot of lions in different enclosures which are great to look at as well. They are reasonably priced at R70pp for the game drive and no extra costs for the petting area. We really enjoyed it and even went back for a second visit.
Written 18 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
giada k
Umdloti, South Africa40 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
great place kids hat a awesome time was great to go with kids we hat a great guide they are really friendly a good place
Written 16 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adrian t t
East London, South Africa53 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Self game drive
Good restaurant for Sunday lunch
good accommodation
close to EL 20 min drive
lots of game including hipo , rhino , giraffe , zebra , elefant etc.
touch farm
lion in captivity
Good restaurant for Sunday lunch
good accommodation
close to EL 20 min drive
lots of game including hipo , rhino , giraffe , zebra , elefant etc.
touch farm
lion in captivity
Written 18 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlisonPuchert
Cape Town108 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
A serene game park to visit where you can have a leisurely game drive through the park. The game farm is not huge so we got to see many animals and beautiful terrain. Had lunch at the restaurant where we wtch the hippos frolicking in the sun and water, it was amazing. I recommend this Game Park as it portrays a lovely outing for all.
Written 30 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can non-resident children attend the kids bush buddies activity ?
Written 25 December 2019
How much is the game drive for two people, i want to book for 12 October 2019 from 11:00
Written 19 September 2019
Khunjie
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
hi do you do offer trips even if guest are not staying at your lodge
Written 7 May 2017
Hi there,
Can you please enquire directly from Mpongo Park I do not know I was just a guest. Their number is 043-7429000 or 043-742 9002.
Thank you
Written 8 May 2017
ALLappies
East London, South Africa
Hi, what will it cost to go on the self-drive game drive for a day visitor? Are there any entrance fees into the reserve itself?
Written 6 April 2017
Hi Callkm, Thank you for your posting. We have eight of us from cruise ship will stop over at East London this December, do you suggest we hire a private tour company for this game reserve or hire a car. We like a guild for the game drive and love to ride on a 4x4 if possible.
Thank you.
Written 8 September 2015
I would also like to add that if you have already been to a big game reserve you might be a little disappointed.. This is a private game reserve so much smaller. This was our first game drive and we did see most of the animals. I think the smaller size was better for the time we had as a larger reserve means the animals are spread further and we may not have had the time to find them all. We weren't rushed at all- well not until we had to leave and that was only to make sure we got back to the ship on time.. I google that it was only about 40km away from the port but if l remember rightly travel time one way was over an hour.
Written 12 September 2015
Do you know who you used for a guide and what the cost was? Thanks
Written 25 February 2015
Hi, hope this reply isn't too late. Cost for the day for 6 of us for minibus, driver and guide and park entrance fees for 8 as we had to pay for driver and guide as well was around about US$150 per couple. No food or drink included. I think tips were extra too. Payment had to be in local currency as well, not in US$.
Written 12 September 2015
Is it possible to visit for a one day safari. We will only be there for a few hours arriving by cruise ship. Thanks
Written 25 February 2015
We found we had enough time, we arranged for pickup from the ship at 1230 and drop off at the ship 6pm. I always arrange to be back in plenty of time when arranging private tours coz the ship won't wait. Would have loved longer time though to spend at the reserve. When we docked our driver was waiting at the gate for us as we had already called from the ship.
Written 12 September 2015
Showing results 1-8 of 8
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing