Plan Your Trip

Before you embark on your exciting adventure, we would like to inform you of the following to make sure that all your health and travel requirements are taken care of.

C H E C K - I N

2pm - 3pm

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Check Out

10am - 11am

Terms & Conditions

These general terms and conditions apply to all bookings made with Karongwe. By confirming a reservation, the guest and/or booking agent agrees to the following terms:

GENERAL TERMS
  • A 50% single supplement applies for all single travellers, calculated on the per-person sharing rate.
  • Rates are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR), inclusive of VAT, and are subject to change without prior notice.
  • All activities, services, and offers are subject to availability and weather conditions.
  • Karongwe reserves the right to amend terms, conditions, and inclusions without prior notice.
  • Provisional bookings can only be held for 14 days unless otherwise agreed in writing.

HEALTH & TRAVEL

MALARIA AREA

Karongwe is located in a low-risk malaria area. As a result, you are advised to take anti-malaria medication. Please consult your doctor regarding recommended medication, and on your return, remember to inform your doctor that you have been in a malaria area. Please note that insect repellant and mosquito nets are provided for guests in their rooms.

Health & Emergencies

Karongwe is located within reach of medical facilities, and in the unlikely event of an emergency the closest hospital is Tzaneen Mediclinic which is approximately an hour away by road. Hoedspruit also has a private medical centre that can assist with primary care. Emergency evacuation services can be arranged if required. Please note that basic first aid is available at lodge reception. 

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all guests. This should include cover for medical emergencies and trip cancellations or delays.

Passport and Entry

Visitors to South Africa must hold a valid passport that extends at least six months beyond their departure date, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Most nationalities do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but always confirm current requirements before travel.

LODGE INFORMATION

PAYMENT

All major credit cards are accepted, as well as foreign currency, although foreign coins are not accepted. Please note that change for cash purchases with foreign currency will be provided in Rands (ZAR). Personal cheques are accepted only by prior arrangement. All extras such as bar purchases and curio shop items are to be settled before departure. 

WiFi & Cell phone coverage

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge and there is limited cell phone reception.

SHOP

While Kuname does not have a curio shop on site, guests are welcome to visit the well-stocked curio shop at Shiduli Safari Lodge. You’ll find postcards, hats, sunscreen, emergency toiletries, safari clothing, t-shirts, curios, and safari memorabilia — the perfect mementos of your stay.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Should you have any dietary requirements or allergies we need to know about, please advise prior to travel or with your Ranger or Duty Manager while visiting us. A chef is available at all meals, should you wish to discuss this with them. 

ELECTRICITY

The electricity supply in South Africa runs on 220 to 230 volts AC, 50 Hz. Guests are encouraged to travel with the correct adapters for their devices, however adaptors are available at the lodge reception. Please check the voltage requirements of your equipment before use. All Karongwe Lodges are equipped with standby generators to ensure continued comfort in the event of a power outage.

LAUNDRY SERVICE

A same-day laundry service is available at an additional cost, weather permitting. We do not offer dry cleaning. 

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WEATHER

SUMMER (November – March)

Hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often reaching 30–38°C (86–100°F). This is the rainy season, with short, afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the bush.
Wildlife is lush and active.

Autumn (April – May)

Warm days  with temperatures reaching 25–30°C (77–86°F) and cooler nights. Rainfall eases off, and the bush starts to dry out. Ideal for photography and game viewing as visibility improves.

Winter (June – August)

Dry season. Cool mornings and evenings, but clear, sunny days. Temperatures range from 10–25°C (50–77°F). Prime safari season: animals gather at waterholes and grasses are shorter, making sightings easier.

Spring (September – October)

Warming up again, with daytime highs between 28–35°C (82–95°F). Bush is still dry before the summer rains begin, offering excellent game viewing. Occasional early rain showers may start in late October.

We look forward to welcoming you...

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FAQs

Where is Karongwe located?

Karongwe Private Game Reserve is in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, just outside the town of Hoedspruit. The reserve also forms part of the UNESCO-recognised Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, a vast conservation area that links Kruger National Park with the Blyde River Canyon. Guests enjoy easy access from Johannesburg or Cape Town via nearby Hoedspruit Airport.

WHAT TO PACK

Seasons at Karongwe

October to April: Expect warm to hot days with cooler mornings and evenings. Light summer clothing works best — shorts, cotton shirts and sandals — with a light sweater or jacket for early drives and dinners under the stars.

May to September: These are the cooler months in Limpopo. Days are mild and sunny, but mornings and nights can be very cold. Pack layers, including a very warm jacket, hat and gloves for dawn drives, along with lighter clothing for midday.

Packing Guide

Please note South African Airline luggage guidelines: maximum 20kg checked luggage and 5kg hand luggage.

 

  • Neutral-coloured clothing for drives and bush walks. Avoid white, which stands out, and dark colours, which can attract insects.

  • Comfortable closed shoes for walks and sandals for around the lodge.

  • A swimming costume, sunblock, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent (we provide repellent, but bring your preferred brand if you would prefer).

  • Camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and chargers.

  • Prescription medication, spare contact lenses or glasses — the lodge is remote, so it’s best to carry more than you think you’ll need.

CELEBRATIONS

If you are marking a milestone such as a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday or any personal celebration, please let us know before your arrival. Our team is happy to create thoughtful touches such as private dining settings or personalised surprises so that your stay feels as meaningful as the occasion itself.

GETTING HERE

BY AIR

Daily scheduled flights connect Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) and Cape Town International Airport with Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS). The airport is approximately 45 minutes from Karongwe by road. Transfers can be arranged in advance with our reservations team.

GETTING HERE

BY ROAD

FROM JOHANNESBURG
Take the N4 motorway towards Mbombela (Nelspruit), passing eMalahleni (Witbank) and Middleburg. Turn left into eMakhazeni (Belfast) Once in eMakhazeni, follow the signs and turn right towards Dullstroom, passing through Mashishing (Lydenburg) Continue on the R36 to Ohrigstad and the JG Stry dom Tunnel Approximately 10km after the tunnel, turn left onto the R36 towards Tzaneen.

Karongwe is situated on your right, with the lodges located as follows:

Becks Safari Lodge - 27km
Chisomo Safari Camp - 27km
Kuname Safari Lodge - 24km
River Safari Lodge - 27km
Shiduli Safari Lodge - 22km
Noka House - 24km

FROM HOEDSPRUIT
Head south on Argyle Road (650m)
Then turn left toward R527 (100m)
Turn right toward R527 (140m)
Turn right onto R527 (31,1km)
Tum right onto R36 (23,l km)

GPS CO-ORDINATES -24.1907883,30.5232424