The Karongwe Private Game Reserve covers an area of 90 km2 (22239 acre) and is situated between Makutsi and Malalali reserves, in the Central Lowveld region of Limpopo Province. In the late 1990s internal fences between farms were dropped and the Karongwe Private Game Reserve was established.
- It is a 45 minutes drive from the famous Kruger National Park.
- The vegetation of the reserve falls within the savannah biome of southern Africa, with distinct vegetation zones being represented – mixed Lowveld and Mopane bushveld along with grass savannah, riverine vegetation and rocky outcrops.
- It is home to the Big 5 but guests may also see cheetah, spotted and brown hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, impala and bushbuck to name a few of the many other 40 wildlife species to be found here.
Hippo and crocodiles are often spotted along the river banks. There are also over 365 different bird species - They offer morning and afternoon game drives with experienced rangers and trackers take guests on a voyage of discovery.
- The guests can stay in 4* or 5* lodges or experience an authentic African safari under canvas. Inbetween game drives and bush walks, all the lodges have a pool where guests can relax around and soak up the African sun.
JUNE 2017
Three of the staff gave us a warm welcome when we arrived in the afternoon.
Then they helped us with the luggage and showed us our accommodation for the next two days – Karongwe River Lodge. It was a spacious family suite with one double bed and three single beds and a big bath room.
Soon after arriving in the afternoon we were ready for our first afternoon safari. A 9-seated safari car, a guide and a tracker awaited us.
First we saw some elephants, one of them came pretty close to the safari car..
Sundowner at sunset 
Suddenly we spotted three cheetahs – young males – they were walking on the road in front of us. Now and then one of them marked a three along the road.
Before returning to the lodge we were lucky to see some lions as well! They were lying by a try riverbed. Females with young ones!
Next day – morning game drive – 06:00
Leopard!
They had seen a leopard in a special area lately, and we were lucky to see it as well! It was walking through some bushes before lying down a bit, so we could have a good look at it. Beautiful!
A morning coffee break
At this time of year – June -when it is winter in South Africa, it is more common to see both hippos and crocs out of water.
After the morning drive – we had a tasty breakfast at the lodge. And then a relaxing time in one of the lounges – with view to the river
Nice relaxing areas
After nice time in one of the lodge many lounges -and a refreshing swim in the pool – it was lunch time – and soon time for the afternoon safari.
The tracker looked specially for rhinos this afternoon. We had several stops – looking for rhino tracks in the sandy roads – and we found two at last. Very good work!
Wildlife officials had removed some of the horns as a protective measure against poachers.
A bit tired – but ready for our last safari at Karongwe.
Today is was LION DAY.
Both the other guests and ourselves – wanted to see lions, and the ranger and the tracker wanted to fulfill that wish! They had heard that there were lions far south in the reserve, and they decided to go there .
We were driving for almost an hour to get there, but it was worth it,
our tracker found the lions! Two female lions with cubs!
One of the female lion and the cubs were eating on a prey. After a while the female lion left the rest to the cubs and joined the other female lion resting nearby.
This was an unforgettable visit to the KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE!
All the BIG5 and more..! Great accommodation and lovely food. I will definitely recommend a stay here.
