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Tala Private Game Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary spanning over 3000 hectares and incorporating many diverse natural environments, the reserve features over 380 bird species, with big game that includes kudu, hippo, giraffe and eland.

We have a number of superb venues and a service team committed to providing you with a unique experience. Tala is ideally located for conferences, weddings, celebrations or simply a couple of nights getaway to rejuvenate and relax. Tala allows you to get closer to nature, to really interact with the environment and animals, and to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the African bush.

Accommodation at Tala Private Game Reserve:
LEADWOOD LODGE - 6 Luxury cottages
Built by a team of artisans with locally sourced shale, Leadwood Lodge combines exceptional architecture, towering thatch and resplendent finishes against a backdrop of breath taking natural beauty. The dcor is an eclectic merging of antique and organic Africa with one- of-a-kind artistic elements. The lodge was designed on an ethic of nothing straight, nothing painted and the final results are a masterpiece of earth, water, glass and hardwoods. Leadwood Lodge is a place of relaxation and tranquillity. Leadwood Lodge is only available for groups of 6 to 12 people. Food and Beverage Services and Game Drives are available at Aloe Lodge.

ALOE LODGE - 10 comfortable rooms
- Main restaurant area
- Curio shop
- Boma
- Conference room

Aloe Lodge is the main hub of Tala, with all the activities on your doorstep. The Tala Restaurant, The Tala Boma and iDube Conference Room are all located here making it the ideal venue for day conferences, special occasions and tour groups. Aloe Lodge enjoys an elevated view of the reserve that spans out over the grasslands, a favourite grazing area of the reserves antelope, giraffe and hippo. Ten comfortable furnished rooms with bathroom en-suite are positioned around the lodges natural gardens which are kept trim by the resident family of warthogs. All meals are served at the Tala Restaurant, if you would like to join us for dinner please can you book in advance, all meals and drinks are to be settled at the reception at the end for your stay.

PAPERBARK LODGE - 12 Delux rooms
- Rock-Pool
- Conference Centre

Paperbark Lodge centres on the Old Farm Barn with the original door still in place. Beautifully restored, with a large fireplace, polished floors and fold back windows that allow for natural light and ventilation, this is the venue for all the lodges meals. The rooms dcor is simple, yet dramatic, including wildlife paintings, shale walls and the clever use of wood. The lodge surrounds an open grass area with spectacular views to the west of the open plains of the reserve. The rock pool is within easy walking distance for a refreshing dip on a hot summers day. The Mahogany Spa, next to the rock pool, is also conveniently located. The sumptuous premier suite features a spacious bathroom with ball-and-claw tub and four poster bed. All meals are served at the Tala Restaurant, if you would like to join us for dinner please can you book in advance, all meals and drinks are to be settled at the reception at the end for your stay.

MAHOGANY HOUSE - 6 rooms
- Communal lounge area
- Mahogany Rondavel
- 1 standalone room on the communal pool area.

Mahogany House is situated adjacent to Paperbark Lodge. The original old farmhouse has been carefully restored to maintain the essence of a bygone era. Six bedrooms with bathrooms en-suite lead on to a central lounge area and out onto a typical farmhouse veranda which looks onto the surrounding garden. The Rock Pool is just a step away and the Paperbark Restaurant is conveniently located around the corner. All meals are served at the Tala Restaurant, if you would like to join us for dinner please can you book in advance, all meals and drinks are to be settled at the reception at the end for your stay.

Game Viewing
Spanning nearly 3000 hectares and incorporating a many diverse natural environments, the reserve features well over 300 bird species, with big game that includes buffalo, rhino, kudu, hippo, giraffe and the rare sable antelope.

Several distinctive and remarkable plant species are found on Tala. The fiery aloe in full bloom, the imposing euphorbia and the smell of the fragrant wild sage on a dewy morning make every stay at the reserve unique and memorable.

There are a number of ways to experience the outdoors at Tala. Game drives are held throughout the day with an experienced guide and tracker. Guided horseback rides along the waters edge gives a close proximity to the creatures, and walks along the many trails are an exciting way to explore the reserve.

Restaurant:
To add warmth to the room we have a magnificently crafted rock fireplace which is complimented by the grand marble and thatch bar. The views from the two verandas on either side of the restaurant overlook the bush and resident game, which often saunter up to graze right on your doorstep.

The menu has been specially designed by our executive chef to create a delicately balanced fusion of flavours.

All meals are served at the Tala Restaurant, if you would like to join us for dinner please can you book in advance, all meals and drinks are to be settled at the reception at the end for your stay.

Options for groups of over 10 guest may be accommodated for lunch or dinner by prior arrangement at any of our selected venues including:
- The Acacia Room
- The Figtree Barn
- Aloe Boma
- Paperbark Farmhouse

Rooms and Units Available:

Fisherman's Cottage 1 & 2
Located in the centre of the reserve. This unit is a one bedroom open plan unit with a bathroom and kitchenette. Each unit has its own braai facilities.
Sleeps 2 Adults

Figtree Lodge
Sleeps 2 Adults

Leadwood Lodge
Sleeps 2 Adults

Paperbark Lodge
Sleeps 2 Adults

Facilities & Services available:

Babies
Children under 12
Elderly
Honeymoon Couples
Babysitting Service
Laundry Service
Conference facilities
Wedding facilities
Team Building
Self-Braai / Barbecue
Bar on the Premises
Dining room
Restaurant
Cots available
Curio Shop
Fireplace on the Premises
Garden
Library
Internet Access
Parking (off-street - open)
Parking (off-street - covered)
Wi-Fi
Afrikaans
English
Xhosa / Zulu
Other Language
Communal Television
Communal Satellite TV
Hiking / Walking Trails
Playground
Swimming Pool
No Pets Allowed
Nature
4x4 Routes
Fishing
Mountain Biking
Birdwatching
Safaries

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations 30 – 15 days before arrival 50% cancellation fee will apply
Cancellations 14 – 0 days before arrival 100% cancellation fee will apply

Directions:

From Durban:
* N3 to Pietermaritzburg
* take the Camperdown/Umbumbulu turnoff
* 3kms further at T-junction turn left towards Umbumbulu on the R603
* after 10kms you cross the Mlazi River bridge, ignore the Tala Valley sign and continue 3kms until you see the Tala Private Game Reserve
* sign and thatched entrance on the left.


Map Place holder
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Children Policy


Child friendly

Bookings / Enquiries
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  • Guests Rating: (1)
  • Accommodation Type: Bed & Breakfast, Game Lodge, Guest Farm and Self-Catering
  • Sleeps: 8
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
    Check-out: 10:00 AM