BONGANI MOUNTAIN LODGE Classic safari chalets and family suites Extraordinary African wildlife Day and night safaris San (Bushman) rock art Endangered Wildlife Trust award Fantastic game-viewing and birdwatching Borders the Kruger National Park Conference centre for 60 guests

CC Africa’s Bongani Mountain Lodge is situated in the 8000-hectare (19 800-acre) Mthethomusha Game Reserve, bordering the world-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo walk ancient paths once used by the San (Bushman) people. Over 250 San rock art paintings, estimated to be 1 500-years-old, are found in the Reserve – the greatest concentration of rock art per square metre on earth.

Bongani is a low-risk malaria destination due to the altitude of the Lodge, which offers an unforgettable mountain safari with breathtaking views of the surrounding African bush. Experienced CC Africa rangers and Swazi trackers lead interpretive game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, and interpretive bush walks. Guests are also welcome to visit the local communities and view ongoing empowerment initiatives, in addition to meeting the local sangoma (medicine man).

ACCOMMODATION:

Elevated safari lodge: Bongani’s chalets and suites are a subtle blend of timber and thatch, spaciously spread out across an impressive mountain ridge, within easy walking distance from the guest areas perched above.

* 20 chalets and nine family suites
* All with two en suite bathrooms and private deck
* Game viewing deck
* Swimming pool
* Arts and African crafts shop
* Conference facilities

Bongani’s cosy bar/library, dining and sitting areas feature striking furniture with ethnic fabrics and generous decks with magnificent wraparound views. The entrance to the Lodge is spectacular, with gigantic rocks arching overhead. Ancient tribes once held their sacred ceremonies here and local legend holds that a nearby boulder will enhance your fertility.

From the moment you’re met for your scenic game-drive up the mountain, you will be delighted by the hospitality, care and personal attention that is the hallmark of Bongani. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is enjoyed in the fire-lit, traditional Swazi boma (outdoor dining area) or in the spacious dining area. Bongani is also renowned for exceptional bush banqueting in surprise settings.

Bongani offers complete privacy for groups, and its fully-equipped, air-conditioned conference centre accommodates up to 60 delegates. With panoramic views from the deck and many breakaway areas, this is an inspirational destination for productive conference sessions.

GAME VIEWING:

African wildlife: Against the backdrop of impressive scenery, four distinct habitats within Bongani’s magnificent 8000-hectare mountainous reserve at the southwestern tip of the Kruger National Park, support a diversity of wildlife:
* Big Five
* Excellent birdwatching, including several mountain species
* Endangered African wild dog move through the Reserve
* Impressive flowering trees during August and September
* Huge granite domes

Bongani Mountain Lodge Habitats:
Wooded hill slopes dominate the Reserve with combretum, sterculia, erythrina, kirkia and dombeya among the characteristic trees. In the dry winter months (July to September) the red flowered erythrinas put on a spectacular display. Acacia and schotia proliferate on valley bottoms. Tall riparian forest grows along the Nsikazi River providing habitat for shade-loving wildlife. Aloes and other succulent plants thrive on rocky outcrops where rock-splitting ficus also occur.

Mammals at Bongani Mountain Lodge:
Larger mammals are concentrated in valley bottoms, with buffalo, white rhino, impala, Burchell’s zebra and common waterbuck occurring in good numbers. Elephant range widely as do lion and leopard. Packs of nomadic African wild dog move in and out of the reserve from the adjacent Kruger National Park. Dainty klipspringer and diminutive rock elephant-shrew dwell among boulder outcrops. The rare Meller’s mongoose is occasionally seen on night game-drives, as are the more common large-spotted genet and white-tailed mongoose.

Birds at Bongani Mountain Lodge:
Birdwatchers can see up to 269 species. Jackal buzzard, striped pipit, red-winged starling and mocking cliff-chat are frequently seen close to the Lodge. Impressive African crowned eagles soar over the reserve from breeding sites in the nearby Crocodile River gorge. Purple-crested turaco, African green pigeon, black-collared barbet and violet-backed starling are abundant fruit-eaters. The rare half-collared kingfisher is occasionally seen on small streams.

More African wildlife:
Brilliantly-coloured common flat-lizard and rainbow skink favour exposed rocks and are often seen around the Lodge. Nile crocodile and water monitor occur on the banks of the Nsikazi River. Butterflies recorded include pearl charaxes, green-banded swallowtail and yellow pansy. A variety of beetles, dragonflies, mud-wasps and crickets may also be seen.

ACTIVITIES:

Exhilarating safari activities: Bongani’s mountainous terrain and location next to the famous Kruger National Park, where Bongani has limited traversing rights, offers unique game viewing opportunities.

Interpretive game-drives (included in rate):
Professional and skilled CC Africa rangers will lead you on an interpretive morning or evening game-drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles through the Reserve and into the adjoining game-rich Kruger National Park. Spotlit night game-drives reveal the wonders of the nocturnal world, and you may see the elusive leopard, civet and genet. (One game-drive per day is included in the tariff and further game-drives are offered at an additional cost.)

Swazi cultural experience (optional extra):
Bongani has a strong cultural tourism programme and, at a minimal cost, guests are welcome to visit the local communities and view ongoing empowerment initiatives, in addition to interacting with the villagers and the local sangoma (medicine man).

Interpretive bush walks (optional extra):
Experience the Reserve on exciting wilderness walks led by an experienced CC Africa ranger. Learn more about the area’s intriguing fauna and flora on these guided bush walks, bringing you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best. There is little to match the wonder of standing on a rocky outcrop, San paintings all around, while viewing animals in the valley below.

Guided San rock art walks (optional extra):
Explore Bongani’s wealth of ancient San (Bushman) rock art sites – estimated to be 1 500-years-old – on guided bush walks led by skilled CC Africa rangers. With over 250 sites, Bongani is renowned for sheltering one of the world’s richest sources of San rock art – the greatest concentration per square metre on earth.