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Meaning lion in Shangaan, Ngala was the first private safari reserve to be incorporated in the world-famous Kruger National Park the largest wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

With exclusive traversing rights over 14 700 hectares (36 323 acres) of Kruger`s game-rich wilderness, Ngala offers an extraordinary African wildlife safari experience.

Guests may enjoy exhilarating Walking Safaris tracking rhino, elephant bulls and buffalo herds on foot during exciting morning walks and viewing nocturnal predators on informative night game-drives. Led by specialist rangers, safety is the highest priority.

As a reliable ecotourism destination, Ngala makes a significant contribution to ongoing community empowerment operations and conservation development.

Secluded in leafy woodlands, Ngalas guest areas include a spacious thatched sitting, bar and dining area with impressive open fireplaces, shaded swimming pool and sundecks overlooking a busy waterhole.

Dinner is served either in the traditional African boma (reeded enclosure) or in the romantic lantern-lit courtyard. The lodge has a well-stocked Safari Shop.

Accommodation in Ngala Private Game Reserve
Ngala Private Game Reserve is host to an exclusive Ngala Safari Lodge, luxurious Ngala Tented Camp and wilderness Walking Safari Camp, all offering world-class sophistication and style in the African bush.

Comprising 20 thatched cottages with ensuite bathrooms and private verandas and the luxurious Safari Suite overlooking the Mapone riverbed, Ngala Game Lodge exudes a romantic colonial ambience. The large sparkling swimming pool overlooks a natural riverine system.

Set on the banks of the great seasonal Timbavati River, six luxurious tented suites feature en suite bathrooms with spacious baths and outdoor showers. A lap pool merges with the contours of the riverbank great for laid-back game viewing.

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.


Safaris available at Ngala Private Game Reserve
The excellent game viewing experience is complemented by other activities such as stargazing, birdwatching and moonlit riverbed dinners and bush sundowners (weather permitting).

Ngala offers exceptional African wildlife:
- Big Five
- Superlative lion and leopard viewing
- Buffalo herds of over 300 individuals
- Huge elephant herds
- Endangered African wild dog regularly den in the Reserve
- Superb birdwatching, includes abundance of raptors, owls and savanna birds
- Diversity of habitats

Twice-daily game drives
Enjoy Big Five game viewing encounters on interpretive game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles led by expert rangers and Shangaan trackers.

Ngala offers both off-road and night game drives affording excellent sightings and photographic opportunities. Discover a host of interesting nocturnal animals on exhilarating, spotlit night game drives.

Interpretive bush walks
Explore Ngalas intriguing fauna and flora on interactive bush walks led by an experienced ranger or expert Shangaan tracker. Guided bush walks bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best, allowing fascinating insights into the landscape, animal tracks and a host of interesting birds, reptiles, insects and tiny mammals.

Regretfully, children 16 years and younger cannot participate in bush walks.

Additional activities:
Ngala offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, stargazing and spectacular bush banqueting.

Unique childrens activities are offered at Ngala Game Lodge, including special family game-drives (at the discretion of the lodge manager), bush walks, Planet Manager activity books, frog safaris, birding, and childrens meals and menus.

Clothing and Accessories:

Health and Climate:

Weather: Hot, wet summers, cool to dry winters.
Rainfall: September to April (568mm) late afternoon & evening thundershowers.
Temperature: Summer: 18° to 36°C/64°to 96°F. Winter: 2° to 16°C/ 36° to 61°F
Best time to travel: Game viewing excellent year round
Altitude: 418m above sea level
Malaria: Ngala is in a malaria area and necessary precautions should be taken.

Rooms and Units Available:

Ngala Safari Lodge - Classic Thatched Cottages
Amount of similar units: 20
Sleeps 2 Adults

Ngala Tented Camp - Luxury Canvas Tents
Amount of similar units: 9
Sleeps 2 Adults

Facilities & Services available:

Self-Braai / Barbecue
Bar on the Premises
Dining room
Restaurant
Fireplace on the Premises
Garden
Parking (off-street - covered)
English
Other Language
Swimming Pool

Cancellation Policy:

At confirmation: 10% of total reservation value
Less than 45 days prior to arrival: 100% of total reservation value.

Directions:

By air:
Daily flights from Johannesburg

By road:
From Johannesburg / Pretoria follow the freeway to Witbank, Middelburg and turn left off the N4 at Belfast and follow the Lydenburg, Orighstad, Hoedspruit directions.

In Hoedspruit, turn right onto the R40. About 8km from Hoedspruit, turn left at the Timbavati sign and proceed to the Timbavati control gate - about 30km.
Follow for about 2km to the turn-off to Ngala.


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Bookings / Enquiries
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  • Accommodation Type: Game Lodge
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
    Check-out: 10:00 AM