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Situated in the beautiful Timbavati Game Reserve within the well-known Kruger National Park in South Africa, is the gracious, colonial-style Ngala Safari Lodge, where a timeless, unhurried atmosphere, combined with the quaint traditions of a bygone era, create an ambience of romance and nostalgia. The lodge’s child-friendly activities and -services makes it popular among families in search of a luxurious African safari getaway.
This old-worldly haven in the heart of the African wilderness delights with its colonial antiques, silver cutlery and crystal glassware. It offers accommodation in 20 opulent thatched suites, and attention to detail and stellar service ensure a memorable luxury Kruger safari holiday for those in search of a comprehensive experience in the wilderness.
Cuisine
Lavish international dishes with subtle Pan-African influences are served in Ngala’s lantern-lit courtyard or around a log fire in the traditional African boma.
Expert chefs are masters at producing scrumptious cuisine with traditional African flavours that appeals to all palates.
Meals are also paired with the finest South African and international vintages, and the presentation of the dishes are unpretentious yet contemporary. Freshly home-baked delicacies ensure that there is always something scrumptious for the sweet tooth among us.
Whether served in the dining room or even in the heart of the bush, meals will delight and surprise.
The lodge caters to a wide variety of dietary preferences.
For the romantics, special moonlit bush dinners can be arranged upon request.
About the Timbavati Private Game Reserve Kruger
The pristine Timbavati Private Game reserve shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, allowing animals to roam freely in this wilderness. This affords visitors stellar opportunities to view the greatest diversity of wildlife that South Africa has to offer.
This is Big Five territory, and the area is home to more than 40 mammal species and over 350 bird species. The Timbavati is especially well known for its white lions. Guests can look forward to spotting lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard giraffe, zebra, various antelope species and smaller mammals like bushpig, to name but a few.
Timbavati is also renowned for its expert rangers and trackers, who are all extremely knowledgeable in the wealth of flora, fauna, birdlife and heritage of this region.
Ngala Safari Lodge boasts 20 opulent thatched suites, each emanating romantic colonial charm and luxurious comfort, with beautiful views of the Mopane riverbed.
Stylish decor comprising of earthy tones, nostalgic safari memorabilia, luxurious linen, and soft-tinted prints and etchings, fuse beautifully to create the magic which is Africa.
Each air-conditioned suite boasts an en-suite bathroom with bathtub, his-and-hers basins and shower, as well as a private veranda.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views of the natural surrounds.
The three family cottages each comprises two suites, conveniently interlinked via a door for easy access, accommodate two adults and two children.
The luxury family suite has an en-suite bathroom, private deck with full-size pool, and the exclusive use a safari vehicle.
Family Suite
Situated in the shade of a weeping boer-bean tree on the banks of the seasonal Mopane River, the family suite consists of two en-suite bedrooms, as well as a cosy dining area. The suite has its own ranger and tracker team, private swimming pool, as well as private safari vehicle and butler. Each room boasts its own private deck, overlooking the shaded riverbed. The family suite can accommodate a maximum of two adults and two children. The latter can enjoy the specially designed WILDchild programme, aimed at entertaining the young ones.
Family Cottage
The lodge boasts three family cottages, each consisting of two suites that are conveniently interlinked via a door for easy access. All the suites have spacious en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers. The cottages accommodate two adults and two children each.
Ngala Safari Lodge Suite Facilities
• Air conditioning
• Deck
• Dining area
• En-suite bathroom with tub and outdoor shower
• Dressing gowns
• Mosquito nets
• Hairdryer
• Fan
• Safe
• Minibar
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Tea /coffee-making facilities.
Main Lodge
Nestled under a canopy of ancient mopane and tamboti trees, the magnificent Ngala Safari Lodge Kruger comprises a set of intimate elegant spaces, sheltered in harmonious seclusion by thick vegetation.
Here, style and grace fuse beautifully into the natural setting, and its minimum-impact construction creates a real sense of adventure. Its colonial-inspired decor oozes old-worldly charm and creates a haven for utter relaxation and rejuvenation.
Facilities include a lounge and dining area, bar, expansive deck with rim-flow pool, boma, spa, library, gym and curio shop, as well as a conference facility for 24 delegates. Secret nooks and crannies furnished with plush sofas, create tranquil spaces for quiet contemplation and relaxation. And if complete rejuvenation of mind and body is what you are after, you can indulge in a range of pampering treatments in the spa. Those who do not want to let their exercise regime slide, can work up a sweat in the well-equipped gym.
A walled courtyard offers a sheltered haven in which to indulge in tasty cuisine, and the boma at night provides a dramatic setting for social gatherings. All the guest areas boast magnificent views of the busy waterhole and bushveld beyond.
At night lanterns and candles, set among the trees, create a magical word of romance and comfort.
Ngala Safari Lodge Facilities
• Lounge
• Dining area
• Deck with pool
• Bar
• Boma
• Courtyard
• Library
• Spa
• Gym
• Curio shop
• Conference facility
Ngala Safari Lodge Services
• Room service (24 hour)
• Butler service
• Meal on request
• Laundry service (complimentary)
• Internet access (complimentary)
• Babysitting service
• 24-Hour security.
• Shuttle service.
• Internet connectivity.
Game drives
Early morning and late-afternoon/early evening safaris offer the unique opportunity to venture into the wilderness for up-close encounter with a range of wildlife species.
Apart from the iconic Big Five quests can also expect to see wildebeest, zebra, impala hippo, giraffe and kudu, to name but a few.
The knowledgeable guides and trackers will share a wealth of information about the vegetation and animal behaviour, and divulge secrets of the bush which will delight and surprise
In the early morning and late afternoon, the animals are most active as temperatures are more moderate during these times. Your ranger will stop at scenic spots en-route for some refreshments.
Sipping a cocktail while watching a spectacular African sunset, is a truly memorable experience. The spotlight will also get the adrenalin pumping as you search for an elusive pair of eyes in the bush. This is the time when the nocturnal beast come out to play, and you might just catch sight of a leopard scouring the bush from high up in a tree. These safaris are perfect for working up an appetite.
Bushwalks
Exploring the wilderness on foot is a thrill a minute, as all your senses are on high alert. These educational walks, in the company of an armed ranger, reveal astonishing secrets about the bush. You might even assist in tracking a specific species, which is what a wilderness adventure is all about. Walks are conducted in the early morning before the onset of the day’s heat. Your experienced ranger will ensure your safety at all times. Nerves of steel and comfy walking shoes are required.
Birdwatching
Ngala is a birder’s haven, with more than 260 resident species. Expect to see the woodland kingfisher, the Marico sunbird and spotted-back weaver, to name but a few. Your knowledgeable ranger will reveal some surprising facts about our feathered friends. A world of magic awaits in your binocular lenses.
Private safari
Those in search of a more private and secluded bush experience can request a private safari, tailor-made to your needs. You will have your own dedicated ranger, tracker and safari vehicle and the duration of the safari is completely up to you. A picnic-style meal can be enjoyed en-route upon request. Additional costs apply.
Rhino-notching
The reserve is involved in rhino conservation efforts and guests can by arrangement be part of an extraordinary hands-on rhino tagging experience – involving the notching, DNA sampling and micro chipping of the rhino’s horns. Guests can work on the ground with the vet and ecologist, in close proximity to the sedated rhino, or take to the air in a helicopter during the rhino search. The rhino tagging conservation experience is charged as a separate cost and must be arranged a week in advance. Guests of all ages can participate, with a high level of parental monitoring required for younger children. The rhino tagging experience begins early morning, between 6:30 and 7:00am, and runs into the early afternoon. Lunch is taken to guests in the bush or a late lunch can be arranged on return to the lodge.
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.
*Available at an additional cost.
Children’s activities
Children are welcome at Ngala and can enjoy an individually designed kid’s programme – the WILDchild progamme.
This programme offers fun-filled interactive activities aimed and educating children on the environment, as well as about different cultures.
Upon arrival each child will receive a branded bag containing various items, such as a logbook, pencils and crayons. Kids under three also receives an African-themed soft toy.
This programme affords parents the opportunity to enjoy some downtime.
Wellness
Guests can choose from a wide range of rejuvenation treatments and massages at the luxurious on-site spa, where highly skilled therapists stand ready to spoil those in search of some extra pampering. You are also welcome to request a relaxing massage in the privacy of your suite.
Those who needs to work up a sweat can do so in the well-equipped gym.
Ngala Safari Lodge is set in the magnificent Timbavati Private Game Reserve on the edge of the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. It offers 15 000 hectares of the most amazing wildlife spotting opportunities in Africa.
Getting to Ngala involves either a light aircraft flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg directly to the Ngala Airstrip, or a scheduled SAA flight from Johannesburg to Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit, followed by a one-hour road transfer. It is a six-hour drive from Johannesburg on excellent roads in a two-wheel drive vehicle.
Copyright © MoAfrika Tours 2024
MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).