&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge

Ngala Safari Lodge is situated in &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, a stunning sector of the Timbavati, which shares an unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary and one of the biggest game reserves in the world. A spectacular diversity of wildlife moves through this immense wilderness, including breeding herds of elephant, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, large buffalo herds and white rhino. With its name meaning lion in Shangaan, the local language, Ngala lives up to its promise, supporting several large prides of these powerful cats. African wild dog can also be spotted moving through the reserve.

&Beyond Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights over 15,000-hectares of game-rich wilderness. The reserve offers an intimate African wildlife experience, with game drives led by expert ranger and tracker teams. Sensitive off-roading practices allow close-up game sightings, while walking safaris and bush walks are also offered.

In one of Africa’s most innovative conservation partnership agreements, the annual lease, traversing fees and a percentage of Ngala’s profits are paid to the National Parks Trust to further conservation projects throughout South Africa.

Tucked under a canopy of mopane and tamboti trees, Ngala Safari Lodge boasts 20 classic thatched cottages, including three family cottages with interleading rooms, and the spacious Family Suite. Each spacious en-suite cottage exudes a romantic colonial ambiance with nostalgic safari memorabilia throughout. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows make the most of sunny safari days and a private veranda offers the perfect setting for private dinners. The gracious Family Suite accommodates four guests and includes a private swimming pool and the use of a private vehicle.

The lodge’s beautiful pool area beckons to those seeking refreshment and relaxation. A sparkling swimming pool and sundeck overlook a natural riverine woodland, ideal for avid birdwatchers, while a tranquil spa and a well-equipped fitness Sala can be enjoyed in between game viewing adventures. Hearty breakfasts and delicious lunches are served in the dappled shade of an enormous weeping Boer Bean tree. Upon their return from exhilarating evening drives, guests are welcomed by Ngala’s warm, hospitable staff and a banquet set in the elegant candlelit courtyard or an African feast in the open-air traditional boma.

Ngala Treehouse

Experience the romance of Africa under a blanket of stars in the luxurious Ngala Treehouse, a remote, yet safe retreat in the middle of the reserve, far from Wi-Fi and artificial light. The treehouse features two sleep levels including a covered and weatherproof space with a king-size bed, hot running shower and flushing toilets.

An elevated sleep-out platform allows you to slumber al fresco under a retractable screen. Enjoy sundowner drinks and snacks on the upper deck, a picnic and midnight treats. Completely off the grid, this treehouse promises luxury and comfort while offering the most exclusive wilderness experience.

About Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Timbavati Nature Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allowing animals free range and ensuring guests to the area the opportunity to view the greatest diversity of wildlife that Africa has to offer. View the big game from open vehicles, on foot or from the comfort of your room as you experience timeless Africa.

Escape from the grind of daily life and succumb to the tranquil wilderness of the Timbavati Nature Reserve in the South African Lowveld. Here you can view the Big Five and other endangered species such as the Wild Dog and Cheetah in their natural environment.

All the big game is here including rhino, elephants, buffalo, zebras, antelopes, as well as leopard, lion, hyena. Bird watching is good particularly during the rainy season.