Makongo Hills
Mkuze 3170 South Africa
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Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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About
#1 of 1 limited service property in Mkuze
Location
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Makongo Hills is 1 of only 2 lodges in the 15 thousand hectare Mkuze Valley Wilderness Reserve. Here you’ll find a malaria-free, secluded, biodiverse area, home to the Big 5 and a large variety of other animals and birds. We are inspired to share this pristine Zululand wilderness with you. Makongo Hills is a home away from home, offering affordable accommodation and BIG5 activities suited to the South African bush-lover. Meals are prepared with a proudly local flavour. Everyone, from our cooks to our rangers, work hard at tailoring an experience that will allow you to find your piece of wild-heaven. Makongo Hills invites you to script your own story, connect with and explore this pristine environment on your own terms.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Babysitting
Books, DVDs, music for children
BBQ facilities
Mosquito net
Parking
Wifi
Pool with view
Plunge pool
Rooftop bar
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Additional bathroom
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Seating area
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Coffee / tea maker
Walk-in shower
Hair dryer
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
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Room types
Landmark view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Zulu
Location
36Reviews0Q+A10Room tips
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We stayed for 4 nights in this wonderfull location and we feel we are at home. Kaylene and Brett are so kindly, friendly and competent. We have seen so much animals, nearly by the lodge also, the girafs and elephants are coming just to our room. If we come back to South Africa, we will Star in Makongo again.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Service
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.
Helpful
My son and I had the most special time at Makongo Hills. We had amazing animal sightings - including cheetah, lion and leopard. Brett is incredibly knowledgeable about the bush and great company on the drives. Kaylene and staff were so hospitable and the food was delicious. The scenery is out of this world. We will definitely go again.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Helpful
Response from Makongo Hills, Marketing at Makongo Hills
Responded 16 Oct 2023
So glad you could make memories. We look forward to seeing you again. The Makongo Hills Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The bed was ultra comfortable and the space was clean and comfortable. Shower is hot and pressure consistent. The evenings are beautiful with a homely vibe and a fire that gets lit at the boma every night. The pool is lovely and fresh, with plenty of shade and sun beds to go around. The game drive was amazing - we saw giraffe on our way in and plenty later on, the highlight was spotting a cheetah which lay and watched us for a short while before darting off. The food was heavenly and plentiful with an awesome layout of rusks, banana bread, and coffee as an “in betweener”. The hosts were friendly and full of knowledge. Definitely a professional but relaxed experience. Highly recommended
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: High clearance vehicle needed
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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.
Helpful
Response from Makongo Hills, Marketing at Makongo Hills
Responded 16 Oct 2023
Thank you so much for taking time to write the review - it helps others to find us. We are so happy you had a good time and hope to see you again, the Makongo Hills Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
This was one of the best family safaris and trips we ever experienced. I’ve been to many of the top lodges in South Africa - think sabi sands - and this was by far and away the most enthralling and authentic experience of the bush we ever had. From lunch surrounded by giraffes, to leopard and lion sightings each day and not to mention the wonderful fire fly party at night, our guide Brett had a deep passion for the bush, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and the simple home cooked meals were absolutely outstanding. Value for money is off the charts and I can’t recommend this experience enough
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
Response from Makongo Hills, Marketing at Makongo Hills
Responded 16 Oct 2023
We are so happy you had a good stay. An authentic bush experience is exactly what we aspire to share. We look forward to seeing you again, the Makongo Hills Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Makongo has become our home away from home. For an authentic African experience, away from the commercial safari lodges, Makongo is a must visit. The accommodation is homely and the game drives are phenomenal. Brett is one of the best guides we have had in our extensive game lodge visits and his wife Kaylene ensures that every other aspect of the lodge runs smoothly. Great drives, great food and great memories Are what you will find at Makongo. Already planning our next visit and we have already been there three times this year.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
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.
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Response from Makongo Hills, Marketing at Makongo Hills
Responded 16 Oct 2023
We look forward to your return to create even more memories, the Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sally_Lightfoot74 wrote a review Sept 2023
Lelystad, The Netherlands127 contributions38 helpful votes
Makongo Hills has everything you need: beautiful environment, great wildlife and amazing hosts. We spent three nights at the old rondavel and had a brilliant time. We saw elephants,buffaloes, lions and 2 leopards. We only missed the rhino to claim the Big 5 at one location. The lions were so special, since we saw a lot of interaction between 4 cubs and their parents. Amazing!! We also spotted the other spots: we saw two cheetahs. But the best of the lodge is all the TLC that Brett and Kaylene give to their lodge and their guests. Simple but marvelous meals and a lot of niceness, care and love. Thanks for ging out with a bang!!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Helpful
Response from Makongo Hills, Marketing at Makongo Hills
Responded 19 Sept 2023
Thank you for this lovely review. We do appreciate it and are so glad you had an amazing experience with us at Makongo Hills in Zululand, KZN. We look forward to seeing you again, The Makongo Hills Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kaylene, Brett and their team were wonderful. Scrumptious meals, beautiful big luxury rooms, huge very comfortable beds, with stunning views of the Makongo Hills. Many Incredible Big 5 sightings with Brett, who is so enthusiastic. Learnt so much in 3 days about animals, plants, trees, birds etc. Excellent tracking skills too, which is rare these days!!! The Mkuze Valley is breathtakingly beautiful. Highly recommend this lodge. A real gem.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
Response from Makongo Hills, Marketing at Makongo Hills
Responded 19 Sept 2023
Thank you for joining us Cathrin and we are so happy it turned out to be so enjoyable for you and your family. Thank you for such a lovely review, the Makongo Hills Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paradise in the Provence of KwaZulu Natal- Makongo is run by Brett and Kaylene Drew and is a hidden Gem- you can see all the Big5 and enjoy the majestic gentle Rolling hills that were the battle of Rival Zulu people years ago. Makongo is part of the Greater Mkhuze Valley conservancy Project.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: The New Rondavel with the View of the 3 hills
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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.
Helpful
Even before we arrived we received excellent care from Kaylene who followed our trip to make sure we reach the Game Reserve safely. Our bungalow had everything we needed and beautiful views. The food was homely and delicious. We loved that they are making a concerted effort to be environmentally friendly. I do not have enough words to explain how much we enjoyed our game drives with Brett. He is very knowledgeable and was happy to stay at particular sightings as long as we wanted. We spent many hours watching a lioness and her 3 month old cubs and also a young male lion. We had many really special sightings. I wish Kaylene and Brett every success with the plans for the game reserve and hope to be back again
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
Every element of our stay was excellent. The focus is on providing an authentic bush experience. The lodge has 4 rooms, with a 5th (3rd rondavel) approaching completion, so it is a very personal experience. The game drives were excellent, Brett is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate, and was happy to tailor each drive on the fly. Try to stay for at least three nights.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
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PRICE RANGE
US$274 - US$282 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalMkuze
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Frequently Asked Questions about Makongo Hills
What are some of the property amenities at Makongo Hills?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a rooftop bar, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Makongo Hills?
Top room amenities include an additional bathroom, a view of a nearby landmark, and a mosquito net.
What food & drink options are available at Makongo Hills?
Guests can enjoy a rooftop bar, free breakfast, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Makongo Hills?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Makongo Hills?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.