&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp

Located in the Kruger Park, South Africa

Ngala Tented Camp overlooks the banks of the seasonal Timbavati River.

Sophisticated ‘camping’ at its best - each of the nine luxurious safari tents each offer simple elegance, sophistication and comfort under the romance of canvas.

While the camp never lets you forget that you are in the wild, there is nothing primitive about this chic and contemporary camp.

The romance of canvas, with big night sounds and flickering lanterns lighting the camp grounds, mingles with the simple sophistication of polished wooden decks, textured fabrics and clean lines.

Ngala is a true safari experience where guests go to bed to the sounds of lion calling, safely cosseted in modern tented suites and pampered with the warm hearted service that embodies the soul of Africa.

The sights and sounds provide a gentle backdrop, as the ancient patterns of African life carry on around you. Every step unveils a new surprise, whether it’s a dainty impala tripping down the Camp path or a smart detail in the clean lines and flamboyant styling of the guest areas.

Mounted on raised platforms, large gauze screen windows let the bushveld breeze into your tent, stirred and amplified by swirling overhead fans. Stone partitions and wooden sides carve cosy niches in the spacious suite. An oversized bathtub awaits on a wooden platform, where gauze screens open up to the outside and give the effect of bathing in a giant leafy chamber. An outside shower invites and entices from the embrace of a thick stone screen.

Set between riverine forest and the sandy bed of the Timbavati River, extensive decks give front row views of game wandering down to drink. A rim-flow pool mimics the contours of the riverbed, inviting you in for a refreshing dip, while a tranquil massage sala adds a touch of pure indulgence. At night, the stirring scents of Africa’s famous spices waft up from a meal shared in a spectacular setting.

A Day at &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp

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 prides of lion and occasional sightings of African 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 go on a short walk after breakfast, 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. During afternoon tea, your ranger will discuss what you can hope to see during the afternoon/evening game drive.

Evening Game Drive

This game drive 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 the Timbavati River 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 sets on the horizon.

Dinner

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

Wildlife at &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp

Abundant species diversity includes 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. &Beyond 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, as well as their 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 at Ngala Tented Camp

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

Children over the age of 12 are welcome at &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp, although the tents are unsuitable for triple occupation, meaning that younger children are unable to share a room with their parents. In the interest of safety, children younger than 16 are not permitted on walking safaris.

&Beyond's WILDchild Programme

Designed especially for children visiting &Beyond’s lodges, WILDchild is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. On arrival at &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp, each child (over 12) will receive a WILDchild branded bag containing a logbook, crayons, pencils and a pawprint tattoo.

Rates

Please contact us for our latest rates and availability.

Included

Accommodation
Three meals daily
Soft drinks
House wines
Local brand spirits and beers
Teas and coffees
Refreshments on game drives
Laundry
Safari activities
1-hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability)
Emergency medical evacuation insurance
VAT
Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip

Excluded

Telephone calls
Safari Shop purchases
Gratuities
All items of a personal nature
Champagne, cognacs, fine wines and premium brand spirits
Cigars
Government bed levy
Conservancy or park fees
Landing fees
Administration fee

Rate Conditions

All rates are inclusive of VAT and in South African Rand.
Accommodation rates are per person per night sharing.
Long-Stay Rates and Signature offers may be applied for.
A single supplement of 50% applies from the first single room, throughout the year.
Children under the age of 16 sharing with 1 or 2 adult are charged 50% of the adult rate. This is subject to the availability of triple rooms.
All pricing is indicative and subject change.
& Beyond Trading Terms apply.
Private 4x4 safari vehicles can be pre-booked at an additional cost and subject to availability.