The magic and mystery of Africa come alive in the colonial ambiance of elegant Ngala Safari Lodge. Ngala Safari Lodges 21 classic safari cottages overlook a private waterhole frequented by wildlife.
The Lodges fun-filled childrens adventure programme makes it the ideal place for families.
A timeless, unhurried atmosphere, combined with the quaint traditions of a bygone era, creates an aura of romance and nostalgia. This old-world haven in the midst of the African bush charms with its colonial antiques, silver cutlery and crystal glassware.
Style and grace mingle faultlessly with the rugged natural beauty of the setting, as manicured lawns give way to dense mopane thickets and wild animals saunter down to drink at the waterhole.
Why visit Ngala Safari Lodge:
- Guest areas overlook private waterhole
- Family suite with private pool
- WILDchild childrens programme
- Big Five private game reserve that shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park
- Later afternoon / evening game drives that continue after nightfall
- Sensitive off-roading practices allow close-up game sightings
- Twice-daily game drives, bush walks and walking safaris
- The two-bedroom Family Suite, with its own swimming pool, as well as a dedicated vehicle and ranger / tracker team, offers an exclusive family getaway
- Perfect for families, groups, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, first-time and repeat travellers
Accommodation at Ngala Safari Lodge:
Ngala Safari Lodges 20 classic safari cottages overlook a private waterhole frequented by wildlife. The Lodges fun-filled childrens adventure programme makes it the ideal place for families.
A timeless, unhurried atmosphere, combined with the quaint traditions of a bygone era, creates an aura of romance and nostalgia. This old-world haven in the midst of the African bush charms with its colonial antiques, silver cutlery and crystal glassware.
Style and grace mingle faultlessly with the rugged natural beauty of the setting, as manicured lawns give way to dense mopane thickets and wild animals saunter down to drink at the waterhole.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: All year round; best game viewing from March to end of September.
RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN: Yes, this lodge is ideal for families. See our Family Travel page.
GUEST SAFETY: The lodge is not fenced off and we request guests be extremely vigilant at all times.
LODGE AMENITIES: Private 4x4 safari vehicle, butler, chef, and ranger and tracker team
WILDLIFE: Elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard.
Honeymoon Offer:
Save 50% on one partner’s accommodation when you book a minimum of 2 nights stay and travel within 6 months of date of marriage.
Wildlife at Ngala Private Game Reserve:
Ngala Private Game Reserve is home to all of the Big Five, but is particularly known for its elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as its packs of African wild dog. Leopard and cheetah are also often encountered. The largest of all land mammals, the African elephant, is most often spotted leisurely browsing on the vegetation. Elephant are completely dependent on water and will travel considerable distances to a watering hole, making this the perfect place to watch out for them. Elephant, as well as buffalo, are often encountered in the reed beds around the Timbavati River.
Although its numbers are not decreasing as steadily as before, the African wild dog is still highly endangered, with fewer than 3 000 remaining animals. Ngala is one of few reserves to offer regular opportunities to view this rare animal and its fascinating social structure.
Packs of African wild dogs operate along a strict hierarchy, with all members taking responsibility for the feeding of any pups. Although meat is obtained for the pups, the entire pack remains sedentary until they are old enough to join in the hunts.
The blue wildebeest, with their low hindquarter, handlebar horns and cantankerous nature live up to their reputation as the clowns of the bushveld, cavorting and engaging in head-butting contests. In contrast, the statuesque kudu enthral with their spectacular spiral horns, as well as their prodigious grace and jumping ability. Striking zebra with their vibrant stripes and intriguing social system are a common sight among the bushveld savanna. The typical raised tails of warthog act as a signal device for groups, allowing each warthog to follow the one ahead of it.”
Family travel at Ngala Safari Lodge:
The lodge boasts an exclusive two-bedroom Family Suite that accommodates two adults and up to three children. The exclusive use of a safari vehicle means that game drives can be tailored for the shorter attention span of younger children, leaving and coming back to the lodge at any time. A private swimming pool is available for families to enjoy.
The lodge is also able to accommodate a limited number of triple rooms for families not staying in the Family Suite.
This means that, should parents wish to share a room with younger children, an additional bed will be set up in the parents room for children 16 years or younger.
When not staying in the Family Suite, game drives are available to children aged twelve years and older. Children aged six to twelve are permitted on game drives at the lodge managers discretion. While children younger than six cannot participate in game drives, childminders can be arranged during game drives and meal times at an additional cost.
WILDchild Programme
Designed especially for children visiting &Beyonds lodges, WILDchild is a filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. On arrival at &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge, each child will receive a WILDchild branded bag containing a logbook, crayons, pencils and a pawprint tattoo. There is a personalised welcome note for every child, with those under three getting an African-themed soft toy as well.
From Johannesburg to Ngala Safari Lodge
- Take the N12/N4 through Witbank, then left on the R540 to Belfast.
- Turn right towards Dullstroom and Mashishing (Lydenburg).
- In Mashishing (Lydenburg) look out for the information boards directing you to the R36 to Ohrigstad. follow signs to R36 Ohrigstad and Tzaneen. Stay on the R36 (the signboards indicate Tzaneen). Once through the JG Strydom tunnel, follow signs to Hoedspruit.
- Once in Hoedspuit, drive straight through town, over the railway line bridge. Turn right at the stop street onto the R40 to Klaserie.
- After approximately 7km turn left at the Timbavati and East Gate signs. Continue for 31km.
- At the Klaserie river the tarred road ends, continue on the gravel road to the Timbavati Control Gate. Once inside, follow the signs to Ngala.
- At the Timbavati gate, sign the visitors book and pay R80* road levy per vehicle (plus R30* for a trailer). Please Note: an additional R100* conservation fee is now payable at the gate.
- Turn right at the Ngala sign 2km after the gate. After 6km turn left and continue for 7km. At the Ngala sign turn right for another 2km to the Lodge.