Mpongo Private Game Reserve, only 35km from East London via the N6 and 48km from King William's Town via the N2 and R102, offers visitors a fantastic game viewing and nature experience, wrapped in true South African hospitality.
Mpongo derived its name from the Umpongo River, which features prominently in Xhosa history. Nonkosi, one of the instigators of the widespread Xhosa suicide attempt, lived near the river according to legend. It is also said that some of the relics from her kraal can be found at the Reserve.
Home to elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, numerous antelope and bird species, Mpongo Private Game Reserve offers a unique blend of luxury and gaming experiences on more than 3,500 ha of conservation land.
Enjoy a day, weekend or a whole week at this magnificent reserve in the heart of the Eastern Cape. With its rolling hills, river valleys and luscious surroundings, it caters to the heart of even the keenest eco-tourist.
If you have ever ridden horse-back in the bush you will have experienced the feeling of freedom
and connection with nature that the opportunity allows.
Now, horse-riding and wildlife enthusiasts can consider the Eastern Cape’s valley bushveld for
their next canter in the untamed as Mpongo Private Game Reserve introduces its new wilderness horse-back trails which will take riders deep into the heart of the legendary reserve.
Mpongo is also a birder’s paradise and, in association with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, has
re-introduced the endangered Red-Billed Ox-Pecker, a bird species regionally extinct in this
part of the Eastern Cape since the early 1900s.
Location
Nestled in the Malaria-free Eastern Cape, 35km from East London’s city centre and 40 km from
the airport, Mpongo holds a treasure chest of beauty, rugged terrain and untouched land.
Accommodation
Mpongo’s River Lodge and Chalets provide game lodge accommodation in the heart of the
reserve. The lodge offers 11 luxurious bedrooms and the three chalets each have 2 bedrooms
with spectacular views of the Umpongo river. Mpongo’s Huberta Lodge is located at the
day centre and offers true Eastern Cape hospitality in its six African-colonial styled en-suite
bedrooms.
Services and Facilities
Mpongo Private Game Reserve offers several services to ensure a truly remarkable
and comfortable stay.
On-site parking R swimming pool
Transport & shuttle services R restaurant
Concierge facilities R cocktail / ladies bar
Room service R game drives
Bird watching
Mpongo is known for its rich bird life, boasting more than 250 bird species. The reserve has
been awarded birder friendly status by SA Birdlife and has recently re-introduced the Oxpecker to the area.
Game drives
Few reserves offer the variety of African game that can be viewed from open vehicles as at Mpongo Private Game Reserve. Come close to wild through a two to three hour open vehicle drive under the guidance of an experienced game guide. Another option is our self drive game viewing option where you can view the game from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Other activities
Horseback riding
Safari walks
Fishing
Mountain bike trails
Touch farm
For a conference with a difference, Mpongo offers tranquil surroundings, intimate venues and tailor-made packages to suit your specific requirements.
For more information, download the Mpongo Park Brochure here.
