Ngala Safari Lodge

Set within South Africa’s largest and most well-known game reserve in the world, Ngala Private Game Reserve offers not only one of the most incredible Big Five wildlife experiences in the world, but also offers an intimate one due to our exclusive traversing rights on 14,700 hectares (36,000 acre) of wilderness land.

Ngala Safari Lodge is situated in &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, 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.

Tucked under a canopy of mopane and tamboti trees, andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge boasts 21 classic thatched cottages, including a spacious family suite. Each ensuite cottage, with private veranda, exudes a romantic colonial ambiance with nostalgic safari memorabilia throughout. The gracious family suite accommodates four guests and includes a private swimming pool and the use of a private vehicle. The Lodge’s sparkling swimming pool and sundeck overlook a natural riverine woodland, ideal for avid birdwatchers. Hearty breakfasts and delicious lunches are served in the dappled shade of an enormous weeping boerbean 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. The Lodge’s spacious thatched bar, dining and sitting areas are open to the warm breezes of the inviting African bushveld.

Experience & Activities

The lodge’s swimming pool and sundeck overlook a natural riverine woodland, ideal for avid birdwatchers, while a tranquil massage sala and a well-equipped fitness room can be enjoyed in between game drives. Dinners are set in a candlelit courtyard or showcased as an African feast in the open-air boma.

Enjoy a variety of activities such as twice-daily game drives with intimate wildlife encounters, interpretive bush walks, a rhino notching conservation experience, or even a tailor-made private safari suited for your needs.

Accommodations

• Cottage: Ngala Safari Lodge boasts 20 classic thatched cottages, each exuding a romantic colonial ambience 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. Each cottage boasts a luxurious ensuite bathroom, complete with a bath chamber, double showers (indoor and outdoor) and twin hand basins. Comfortable lounge chairs on private verandas allow for gentle contemplation or even an afternoon siesta.
• Family Cottage: Ngala Safari Lodge boasts three family cottages, each consisting of two identical regular cottages that are conveniently interlinked via a door, behind the beds, for easy access. The cottages each have an ensuite bathroom, with a bath, indoor and additional alfresco shower. Beds are convertible to twin. The family cottages can accommodate a maximum of two adults and two children.
• Family Suite: Situated in the shade of a weeping boerbean tree on the banks of the seasonal Maponi River, the family suite at Ngala Safari Lodge consists of two ensuite bedrooms, as well as a cosy dining area to enjoy a private dining experience or a refreshing sundowner cocktail. The family suite also entitles the services of a dedicated butler, as well as a dedicated ranger and tracker team and a private safari vehicle.
• The Ngala Treehouse Experience: 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 WiFi 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.