Has anyone stayed at Bongoni Mountain Lodge (So. border of Kruger)recently? I am thinking this might be a good central area to stay for a night to explore the Panoramic route (Escarpment).

I stayed there for 3 nights this past April. Game veiwing was very good, but no Cats. We saw lots of buffalo and rhino's. Accomodations are individual cottages, nicely outfited. They are all set on mountain terrain, so lots of climbing and walking to get to the lodge.
A ton of food, 4 meals a day, way too much! Very scenic area.
I am not sure if I would stay for only 1 night, 2 nights would be much better. If they pick you up at the parking/staging area at noon (it is about 45 minutes drive up to the lodge), you can have an afternoon game drive and dinner. The next morning you could have the early morning game drive, but if you stayed for just one night, you would probably depart after the late breakfast. If you can, better to stay 2 nights and be able to go on 4 game drives. It is a very pretty area and the lodge is a very good value.

Thanks Betsy. I am looking for a place to stay for one night while doing the Panorama route on the way to Mala Mala. Sorry I didn't make that clear in my OP.

Bongani is beautiful, but I think it would be a pain to get to for just one night. You park at the bottom of the mountain, and then they drive you up in a land rover. I don't think I'd use it just as a base for exploring the area.

I guess I was not too clear, I agree with honeyseeker. It is beautiful, but a fairly long schlep for 1 night. It is not easily/quickly accessible from the highway. Not sure it is the best choice for a single night, passing thru stay. It is lovely though!