Ngala Private Game Reserve - Main Camp - South Africa
Ngala, meaning "lion" in Shangaan, is the only private safari reserve in the world-famous Kruger National Park. Ngala Private Game Reserve is host to two exclusive properties - classic Ngala Game Lodge in the north and contemporary Ngala Tented Safari Camp in the south. Ngala has exclusive traversing rights over 14 780 hectares (36 506 acres) of Kruger's two million hectares (4 940 000 acres), one of the richest and most strategically important wildlife areas on the continent.
When you enter Ngala Game Lodge, you encounter a world capturing the romance and elegant traditions of a bygone time, the era of classic safari. The lodge is set on the banks of the Mapone riverbed and features antique-filled interiors and a timeless, unhurried atmosphere. Ngala Tented Safari Camp, is set on the banks of the great Timbavati river. This absolutely luxurious and lavish new camp acts as a satellite camp to Ngala Game Lodge, about a 45 minute drive away.
Ngala has even more to offer. It is the scene of one of Africa's most innovative conservation partnership agreements. CC Africa has joined forces with the natinonal park authorities (Kruger National Park) and the non-governmental South African Nature Trust Foundation. Under this partnership, a percentage of all profits from Ngala flow into the National Parks Trust to promote conservation projects.
NGALA GAME LODGE has 20 luxury thatched cottages with verandahs and elegant cream décor. The Safari Suite is the height of luxury with a butler service, large deck and private swimming pool. The impressive guest areas overlook a busy waterhole. The 20 thatched cottages are shaded by Mopane Trees, providing a gracious retreat. All feature air conditioning, intimate verandah and green slate en suite bath and shower. The focal point of each room is the inviting bed.
During winter nights, the air conditioner becomes a heater, turning the cottages into cosy retreats. Bed heaters add a warm feeling of luxury. A decanter of sherry in the room is also a welcome touch. The Safari Suite is truly luxurious. This superb suite boasts a spacious mahogany lounge, en suite bathroom, outdoor shower, large deck and private swimming pool. You also have sole use of a Land Rover as well as a butler service.
The expansive sundeck of this superior suite overlooks the Mapone riverbed, where private meals are served at the guest's request. This suite is ideal for honeymooners. Care has been taken to ensure that the lodge design is in harmony with nature. As a result, there is a multitude of birds and small animals in and around the camp.
The main spacious, thatched lounge, bar and dining area offer guests an unashamedly old-world, elegant and luxurious haven in the midst of the African bush. A portion of the thatched lounge forms an open deck area, where afternoon tea and breakfast are served. Ngala even inspired a guest to write a tribute. There are impressive open fireplaces. Ngala's main guest areas are secluded in leafy woodlands.
The shaded swimming pool and sundeck overlook a busy waterhole near the Mopane woodlands. The pool is a good size and is surrounded by sunloungers. Large herds of elephants are frequently sighted at the waterhole. The curio shop and gallery are filled with African treasures. The shop has a good range of African artefacts, basketware, jewellery, paintings, pottery and safari clothing, as well as some necessities like toiletries, film, postcards, stamps, sunblock and hats. If you would like any of your treasures to be shipped, feel free to ask and this can easily be arranged.
Lavish meals with Pan-African influences are served in a romantic, lantern lit courtyard or around the traditional African boma (reeded enclosed area) fire. Old-world interiors, an unhurried atmosphere and sumptuous cuisine are the order of the day. Romantic candle-lit dinners around outdoor fires recreate the timeless feeling of life on safari.
The courtyard at Ngala is an unusual, perhaps even unique, feature for a safari lodge. You walk through large wooden doors to an open-air courtyard, warmly lit by large freestanding candelabras and crackling fires. The atmosphere is one of casual elegance, with tables beautifully set up under the trees. A three-course dinner is carried to your table, mingling the early evening air with the food's mouth-watering aromas. Towards the end of the evening, staff entertain you with traditional song and dance or a stirring guitar solo.
ACTIVITIES
You can enjoy excellent game viewing encounters on the twice daily game drives in open Land Rovers. Ngala offers both off-road and night game drives. Ngala offers prime sightings of big five game as well as numerous other species. On exciting night drives you will see nocturnal animals, adding a dramatic dimension to your safari.
The knowledgeable guides and trackers will lead you on guided nature walks through the heart of the bush, revealing some of nature's most closely guarded secrets. You will have a chance to experience the African bushveld close-up as you tread past intriguing plants and spy more elusive, smaller creatures such as birds, reptiles, insects and tiny mammals.
It is possible to fill every minute of your safari with a range of exciting activities including stargazing, stunning bird-watching opportunities, swimming in the sparkling pools, fairytale-like moonlit bush dinners and spectacular bush sundowners. Ngala Game Lodge offers unique activities for children.
At Ngala Tented Safari Camp, mouth-watering al fresco dinners are served on the impressive Timbavati riverbed, which is dry for most of the year. Enchanting islands of reeds are a bird-watcher's paradise. All activities are at no extra charge to guests.
To further your interest in the African wilderness, Ngala has an extensive collection of wildlife books, magazines and videos.
