andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge

•  High concentrations of lion
•  Vast open terrain enables wild dog to thrive
•  Family friendly lodge
•  Romantic lantern lit courtyard dinners
•  Large swimming pool and pool deck with frequent nearby elephant sightings
•  Luxurious Safari suite with own ranger and vehicle

Ngala Safari Lodge lies on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park in the southern part of the Timbavati Game Reserve. Meaning 'Lion' in the Shangaan language, Ngala game reserve is home to several prides of these majestic cats. Cheetah and wild dog also regularly move through the 14,700ha reserve and Ngala is also home to large herds of elephant. The reserve mainly comprises bush savanna with lush vegetation along the seasonal Timbavati river. Ngala Safari Lodge offers exhilarating twice-daily game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles and interpretive bush walks.

Accommodation

Beautiful mopane and tamboti trees shade the 20 classic thatched chalets. All chalets are decorated in a romantic colonial style with nostalgic safari memorabilia. Each is air-conditioned with a green slate en suite bathroom with bath and shower and a small private veranda. A decanter of sherry is also a welcoming touch. The thatched main lodge is one of Ngala's delights. A massive A-frame roof shelters the attractive open plan sitting area, dining area and lounge, all open to the warm summer breezes. Lunches and breakfasts are served on the deck in the dappled shade of an enormous weeping bluebean tree.

Mouth-watering dinners are also served under the boerbean tree, or in the romantic candlelit courtyard, while a large swimming pool lies on the edge of thick riverine woodland. This also serves as an ideal spot to hang out for keen bird-watchers.

Activities

Activities include game drives, guided walks and also a unique five day Ngala experience. The Ngala experience offers exhilarating game drives in your own private vehicle, accompanied by a specialist ranger and tracker. You will also track rhino on foot; enjoy interpretative bush walks and savour mouth-watering Pan African menus in a variety of intimate settings. The Ngala experience also offers an unforgettable helicopter adventure over the Blyde River Canyon as well as a sleep out option in the middle of the bush.

Children are very welcome at Ngala Safari Lodge which prides itself in not only being family-friendly but leaders in the field of family safaris. Children of over 6 years are welcome to join the adult game drives as well as participating in the after breakfast children's activities with younger siblings.

Family Safaris at Ngala Safari Lodge

Children are very welcome at Ngala and children of 6 upwards can join the game drives. On arrival, all children are presented with a special Eco-Guide for Planet-Managers containing a quiz, a learning guide and tips for spoor and animal identification. Rangers will help the kids complete their eco-guides, help them collect pods, feathers, bugs and leaves and teach them to identify different animal species. Rangers take younger kids on special walks on which they are taught to identify droppings and spoor. There are also fishing and frogging safaris (safety and weather permitting) and bark-rubbing expeditions. Then there are visits to the garage to oversee land rover repairs and lessons in making waxed spoor prints. If they aren't exhausted after all this, the chef welcomes children's assistance in the kitchen while baking cookies for afternoon tea.

One child (up to 16 years) can share with their parents. Or you can take a family cottage (two inter-leading rooms for up to 5) or opt for the Family Suite (see below). If you opt to take a private vehicle then younger kids can accompany their parents & siblings.

The gracious two-bedroom Family Suite is ideal for those wishing to treat themselves and comprises a spacious lounge, bedroom with en suite bathroom, outdoor shower, large private swimming pool as well as the sole use of a safari vehicle and butler service.