Make lifelong memories with a magical bush break

Mongena Private Game Reserve

Mongena Private Game Reserve is nestled within the malaria-free northern region of the 18,000-hectare Dinokeng Game Reserve, a mere 40-minute drive from Pretoria and a 60-minute drive by tar road from OR Tambo Airport in the province of Gauteng, South Africa.

All members of the Big Five (elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, lion) roam free across the reserve.
Mongena’s private concession of 8,000 hectares offers an authentic exclusive safari experience where only registered safari vehicles are allowed with no access by the public.

Our private landing strip means we welcome local and international visitors to our array of safari lodges with ease.

The reserve’s name, Mongena, is derived from the Boekenhout or Transvaal beech tree (Faurea saligna), which is indigenous to the Dinokeng area. The Mongena private game lodge has resident zebra, nyala and springbuck who contribute to the reserve’s charm and have become its trademark. At Mongena Private Game Reserve, we are dedicated to providing our guests with a unique and unforgettable experience immersed in the beauty of South Africa’s natural environment.

Mongena private game lodge - elephants drinking at watering hole

40-minute drive from Pretoria &
60-minute drive from OR Tambo Airport

Mongena Private Game Reserve Accommodation

Mongena Private Game Reserve can sleep up to 92 guests across four accommodation options.

Mongena entrance deck area

Mongena Main Lodge

Positioned on rolling lawns close to restaurants, conferencing facilities, chapel & the pool.

  • Full board stays within a safe fenced perimeter
  • 24 en-suite chalets with air conditioning
  • Surrounded by beautiful indigenous gardens 
Little Mongena Tent Camp at night with stars in the sky

Little Mongena Tent Camp

Home to pristine bushveld,
free-roaming Big Five, and
abundant birdlife.

  • Luxury catered tents
  • 10 en-suite glamping tents
    with aircon
  • Overlooking the Mongena Dam
Exterior of the barnhouse accomodation

The Barnhouse

A private, unfenced holiday home where close animal encounters occur often.

  • Self-catering accommodation
  • Two en-suite bedrooms
  • 6km from Mongena Main Lodge
Tandala Trail Camp tent

Tandala Trails Camp

Unfenced and unspoilt; exhilarating bush experiences wait for you at Tandala Trails Camp.

  • Catered or self-catering
  • Four 2-man tents with communal amenities
  • On the banks of the Pienaars River

Christmas Buffet at Mongena Main Lodge

Spend Christmas Day (25 December) lunch in the African bush with the Mongena team at Mongena Main Lodge. A delectable XMAS lunch buffet feast is proudly prepared by the Mongena chefs in the Tshukudu lapa. Enjoy watching Father Christmas handing out complimentary sweets to our young guests!
Time: 12h00-15h00. Booking and pre-payment are essential.

Experiences at Mongena

Guests rarely leave Mongena private game lodge without smiles on their faces, as they recall their recent memorable Mongena experiences. There truly is something fun for everyone at Mongena! Day visitors are welcome to partake in our experiences. Pre-booking is essential

Facilities

From world-class conferencing facilities to exquisite cuisine served fresh seven days a week, we’ve ensured that our facilities cater to any and all of your leisure and event hosting requirements with stand-by generators at all venues to ensure smooth execution of any event.

Bush Weddings at Mongena

Create magical moments for you & your guests with an unforgettable bush wedding in the malaria-free Mongena private game lodge, 1.5 hrs from Johannesburg, South Africa.

Conferencing and team building

The ultimate destination for your out-of-the-box conference and team building is a mere 1.5 hrs from Johannesburg. You are spoilt with three traditional air-conditioned venues and exciting break-away options and an amazing outdoor team-building event like the eco-safari challenge, not to be forgotten!

Special Offers at Mongena

Explore our Bush Breaks page for a range of great special offers tailored to enhance your getaway. From festive indulgence with a Christmas Day buffet luncheon at Main Lodge to exclusive SADC Resident Accommodation Packages, we provide diverse opportunities for a memorable escape. 

How to find us

Mongena Private Game Lodge is situated only 35km from Pretoria and 70km from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa in the greater Big 5 Dinokeng Game Reserve. Guests can also fly in using our private landing strip or find us by navigating by tar road to Mongena Game Lodge near Hammanskraal in the province of Gauteng, South Africa.