Located on the boundary of the world renowned Kruger National Park in northern South Africa, Ngala Private Game Reserve is well known for its high densities of elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as for its African wild dogs.

Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights on almost 15 000 hectares (37 100 acres) of one of the richest wildlife regions on the African continent. A spectacular diversity of wildlife moves through this immense wilderness, including elephant, spotted hyena, giraffe, buffalo and white rhino. Ngala means �lion� in Shangaan and the Reserve lives up to its name, supporting several prides of these powerful cats. However, it is even better known for excellent viewing of a more elusive cat, offering regular sightings of leopard, particularly females with their young.

Ngala's vast, untouched wilderness is home to just two luxuriously romantic lodges, both members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Overlooking a busy waterhole, Ngala Safari Lodge exudes safari charm, with its elegant antiques and quiet corners. Ngala Tented Camp is a sophisticated, intimate camp overlooking the seasonal Timbavati riverbed. Accommodation is all-inclusive.

Ngala Private Game Reserve is located within the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga province. It is possible to get to the area from Johannesburg by road or by air, covering a distance of 500km.

Ngala Safari Lodge

The romance and mystery of Africa come alive in 20 thatched cottages tucked under a dense canopy of tamboti trees at Ngala Safari Lodge. Exuding classical safari charm, the spacious veranda, with its wonderfully comfortable armchairs, looks out onto a popular waterhole.

Ngala Safari Lodge includes the option of an exclusive Safari Suite, with private swimming pool and private 4x4 safari vehicle.

Ngala Tented Camp

At Ngala Tented Camp, the romance of canvas, with big night sounds and flickering lanterns lighting the Camp grounds, flawlessly combines simple elegance with sophistication. Six luxurious tented suites with humorous touches perch on raised platforms.

All meals and beverages are included during your stay at Ngala.

Ngala Safari Lodge

Nature is never far at Ngala, with breakfast and lunch served in the shade of an enormous weeping boerebean tree. A walled courtyard provides a sheltered space to indulge in sumptuous cuisine, while the boma creates a dramatic setting for fire-lit dinners.

Ngala Tented Camp

At night, when tales of the day�s adventure are shared and compared, a roaring fireplace springs to life. The stirring scents of Africa�s famous spices waft up from a meal shared in a spectacular setting - among islands or reeds in the dry Timbavati riverbed, beneath the canopy of massive trees or on our expansive deck.

There are two distinct seasons at Ngala, and game viewing is equally rewarding during both. Rainfall occurs during the summer months (October to March), often with spectacular late afternoon thundershowers. Daytime temperatures in summer are high and can soar to 40�C. In the winter season (April to August), the animals concentrate at the perennial water sources and the grass is low, making game viewing easier. Winter days are usually warm, with chilly nights and early mornings. Ngala is blessed with an extreme diversity of wildlife - from the Big Five to a high concentration of elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, and African wild dog.

The Timbavati River, which flows through Ngala, is a seasonal watercourse and generally only flows after the summer rains. However, even when not flowing, the river forms a picturesque scene, with broad stretches of white sand with evergreen forest along its banks. Water is often found as close as 1 m beneath the grounds and elephant will often dig water holes in the river bed if no other water source is available. The reed beds along the river banks are ideal spots for buffalo and elephant. Leopard enjoy the heavy cover of the evergreen thicket and bushbuck are attracted to the sweet grasses that grow on its edge.

A particular delicacy for Ngala's elephant is the marula tree, well known for its distinctive mottled grey bark and its abundant summer crop of juicy fruit. When ripe, this fruit is greatly sought after not only by elephant, but also troops of baboon. Not content with the succulent morsels of fruit, the elephant may seek out the moist root system of the marula tree, pushing the plant over in the process. Another elephant favourite is the mopane, which is widespread in the northern part of Ngala. This tree�s distinctive leaves, which resemble the wings of a butterfly in shape, are considered a delicacy by the large animals.

Twice daily game drives: Early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle traverse an area of 14 700 hectares (36 300 acres), which shares an unfenced boundary with the world-famous Kruger National Park. Track the Big Five, as well as a rich variety of other game, in the company of an armed ranger and tracker. Night game drives provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the predators, particularly the leopard for which Ngala is renowned.

Interpretive bush walks: In between game drives, take a leisurely walk within easy reach of your lodge and experience the sights, smells and sounds of the African bush. An armed ranger will accompany you and will share his vast knowledge of the local fauna and flora. Take in the intimate details of your surroundings, from the intricate patterns of a spider's web to the bright plumage of the local birds and the sharp alarms calls of a dozen small creatures.

Rates are fully inclusive and include:

• Accommodation
• Three meals daily
• Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers
• Teas and coffees
• Refreshments on game drives
• Laundry
• Scheduled safari activities
• Nature walks (1 hour) accompanied by experienced armed trackers, subject to availability
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance
• VAT
• Transfers to and from the airstrip.

PLEASE NOTE:

• No single supplement is charged for the first two single rooms of a booking. Any additional rooms will be levied with a 50% supplement.
• Conservancy & park entrance fees are not included in the above mentioned rates where applicable - these are charged per 24-hour period.
• Please enquire about frequent special offers.