&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge

Located in the Greater Kruger Park, South Africa

The magic of Africa comes alive in the colonial ambiance of the elegant &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge which overlook a private waterhole frequented by wildlife.

The lodge offers a fun-filled children's 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.

Protected by a living canopy of immense mopane and tamboti trees, Ngala Safari Lodge carves out a set of intimate, elegant spaces sheltered in harmonious seclusion by the thick vegetation.

Twenty thatched cottages with shaded verandas nestle among the trees. The two-bedroom Family Suite, with its own swimming pool, as well as dedicated vehicle and ranger, makes for an exclusive family getaway.

Nature is never far at &Beyond Ngala, with breakfast and lunch served in the shade of an enormous weeping boere bean tree. A walled courtyard provides a sheltered space to indulge in sumptuous cuisine, while the boma creates a dramatic setting for fire-lit dinners. An afternoon by the poolside rewards you with a refreshing dip as well as blissful relaxation time. Secret nooks and crannies with cushy sofas are ideal for quiet hours of contemplation in the leafy shade.

Creamy soft linen on curtained beds, soft tinted prints and etchings combine with the evocative smell of thatch to carry the classic safari atmosphere into your private cottage. At night, a myriad lanterns and candles peep out between the boughs of trees, shining out a promise of warmth and comfort.

A Day at Ngala Safari Lodge

Morning Game Drive

As dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your ranger will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve is home to all of the Big Five, but is particularly well known for its large prides of lion and occasional sightings of wild dog, as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo. Venture out in search of leopard or lion sleeping off the exertion of the hunt from the night before.

Breakfast

Return to your lodge for a delicious breakfast, with platters of fruit and cheese followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes. Choose from eggs, oats, waffles or a number of other options.

Lunch

If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast on a short walk near your lodge, accompanied by your ranger, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area, before returning in time for lunch.

Afternoon Tea

Cool off with a refreshing dip in the sparkling swimming pool, indulge in an afternoon siesta or simply watch the wildlife from your private veranda. Over a late afternoon tea, your ranger will discuss what you hope to see during the afternoon game drive.

Evening Game Drive

This game begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. Drive down to one of the reserve's dams to watch the animals drink and bathe or watch out for predators getting ready for the hunt. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon.

Dinner

Return to your lodge for a mouthwatering dinner beneath the magnificent African sky.

Wildlife at Ngala Safari Lodge

Abundant species diversity includes lion, elephant, spotted hyena, leopard, large buffalo herds, rhino, hippo and the rare pangolin

&Beyond 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.

Activities

Cascades and Canyon Spectacular

This spectacular helicopter flight takes off from Hazyview, near the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Soar over cascading waterfalls and along the escarpment to God's Window, with its panoramic views, and on to the Blyde River Canyon. Land at a magnificent viewpoint to enjoy a delicious picnic. After your flight, you will be taken back to your game lodge.

Children

The lodge offers 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 also has 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 manager’s 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.

&Beyond's WILDchild Programme

Designed especially for children visiting &Beyond’s 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.

Rates

Please contact us for our latest rates and availability.

Rate Conditions

All rates are inclusive of VAT and in South African Rand.
Chalet rates are per person per night sharing.
Long-Stay Rates and Signature offers may be applied for.
Children under the age of 16 sharing with 1 or 2 adults in a chalet are charged 50% of the adult rate. This is subject to the availability of triple rooms.
Private 4x4 safari vehicles can be pre-booked at an additional cost and subject to availability
All pricing is indicative and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
&Beyond Trading Terms apply.