&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
At a Glance
Fascinating history as the first private safari reserve to be incorporated into the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Enjoy a delicious sundowner from the outdoor lounge area, overlooking a picturesque watering hole often frequented by elephants and other animals.
Gorgeous thatched cottages, complete with private verandas, perfect for both couples and families alike.
Exhilarating Big Five wildlife encounters, with night drives and walking safaris.
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
There is no bad time to go on safari in the Kruger National Park. The experience does, however, change from month to month. In the summer months (October to March), it gets very hot. The verdant vistas are all the more spectacular because of the rains, but this means that the foliage is denser, water is more abundant and game is therefore trickier to see. There are lots of beautiful migratory birds during the summer months. While the daytime temperature in the winter months (May to September) is ideal, it does get a little chilly at night and in the early morning.
Insider's View
Have the full breakfast on return from your morning safari with bacon, eggs, pancakes, muffins, fresh pastries etc etc. It is an absolute feast and a real treat! You will need to go for a long bush walk afterwards!
The Lodge’s chefs love an impromptu baking class with children, just have a word after breakfast and they will organize one
To start planning your holiday to &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Description
Comprising 20 thatched cottages with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas, Ngala Safari Lodge is a great choice for families and couples alike. Couples will also enjoy the luxurious Safari Suite, overlooking the Mopane riverbed.
Meaning ‘lion’ in Shangaan, Ngala was the first private safari reserve to be incorporated into the world-famous Kruger National Park – the largest wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. The area is teeming with wildlife, providing outstanding game viewing potential.
Each en-suite thatched cottage is carefully and tastefully designed. Private verandas have wonderful views over the waterhole and the bush beyond. The Safari Suite has its own sitting room, swimming pool and safari vehicle.
The main thatched dining, bar and sitting areas are open to the African bushveld and the large swimming pool looks out over a busy waterhole where elephants are frequently sighted. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served in the candle and lantern-lit courtyard or in the dramatic boma (outdoor dining area).
In between game drives, you can explore the local bush terrain with an armed ranger who will educate you along the way about flora and fauna.
Ngala Safari Lodge is a fantastic choice for families.
Accommodation
The Ngala Safari Lodge offers 20 thatched cottages and one Safari Suite (with private vehicle). Each en-suite safari cottage is carefully and tastefully designed. Private verandas have wonderful views over the waterhole and the bush beyond. The Safari Suite has its own sitting room, swimming pool and safari vehicle.
Childcare
The Ngala Safari Lodge provides good facilities for children. A range of children's activities are offered at the lodge including special family game drives (at the discretion of the lodge manager), bush walks, Planet Manager Activity books, frog safaris, birding, and children's meals and menus.
Facilities
Facilities at the lodge include a swimming pool, viewing deck and a walled courtyard which provides a sheltered space to indulge in sumptuous cuisine, and a boma for fire-lit dinners. The lodge also offers in room massages.
Activities
Game drives and walking safaris are included at Ngala Safari Lodge but specialist safaris and learning how to track game are charged additionally. There are also interpretive bush walks with an experienced armed ranger to explore the local terrain and learn about the flora and fauna.
Reviews
Dominic Atterton (Staff)
Sister property to the excellent Ngala Tented Camp the Safari Lodge is the family lodge of choice and really does have a homely feel about it. A large central lawn is at the heart of the property which was filled with children chasing bush buck around during our stay. At the foot of the lawn is the main lodge and open air dining room and dotted throughout the surrounding gardens are the individual cottages.
The cottages themselves are stone built and have a traditional feel inside, very comfortable but not overly exciting. The newer two bedroom family suite is more modern in style and completely stunning. It features its own private terrace overlooking a river bed and watering hold beyond. The hotel has a great pool area surrounded by loungers as well as an indoor childrens club which would be a god send for those afternoon periods between game drives when parents want to unwind and rest whilst children watch a dvd or play board games.
Camilla Smith (Staff)
Ngala Safari Camp is a wonderful more affordable but luxurious safari option. The cottages are all dotted around the garden area with spacious bedrooms and bathroom areas, but it is the game in the area and the brilliantly attentive staff that really makes Ngala stand out from other camps.
Right in front of the cottages and main area is a watering hole where many animals often come to drink, and all around the camp animals are seen in great numbers. If you have not been on safari before you will be completely overwhelmed by the volume of animals, and in particular, the sightings of big cats which you can get very close to!
The lodge is run by the Africa reknown &Beyond company which deliver consistently in all camps an excellent standard of service, guiding and food. It is a great choice for couples and families.
Ms Penelope Candler (Guest)
The whole Ngala experience surpassed expectations. A very well organised, professional and very enjoyable wildlife experience. We were looked after by passionate and knowledgeable staff - our guide Dylan was superb. The food was absolutely delicious.
Experiences
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&Beyond Wild Child programme
Specially designed activities ensure your children get the most out of their safari experience, with activities such as tracking footprints and making traditional bows and arrows to add to game drives with their parents.
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4WD Game Drives
Go on private or shared game drives in the world famous Greater Kruger Area, South Africa to see the Big 5 - lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino - and a host of other animals. The Kruger is also a brilliant spot for birders so pack some binoculars.
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Activities at &Beyond Ngala
Enjoy a variety of game drives and bush walks at Ngala in the Timbavati. &beyond’s fabulous guides will teach you everything there is to know about the bush and there is even the chance to go on a night safari, a definite must.
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Search for leopard in the Sabi Sands
The Sabi Sands is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding regions for spotting leopard in Africa. With good populations and the ability to go on night game-drives which coincides when these big cats are most active, all you need is good timing!
Location & directions
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Ngala Safari Lodge lies on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park in the southern part of the Timbavati Game Reserve.
How to get there
Ngala Private Game Reserve is easily accessed from Johannesburg by air or by road. Flights are available from Johannesburg to Nelspruit or Hoedspruit with a comfortable 2 hour and 45 minute road transfer to Ngala. Air charters to Ngala can be arranged flying directly to Ngala. If flying doesn’t appeal to you a 6 hour road transfer can be arranged on tarred roads from Johannesburg.
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