AndBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge

AndBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge is situated in the Timbavati Game Reserve and was the first private safari reserve to be incorporated in the world-famous Kruger National Park. With exclusive traversing rights over 14,700 hectares of Kruger's game-rich wilderness, a stay here offers an extraordinary African wildlife safari experience, in an area renowned for its exceptional Big 5 game viewing. A spectacular diversity of wildlife moves through this immense area, including breeding herds of elephant, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, large buffalo herds and white rhino. With its name meaning 'lion' in the local Shangaan language, you may also encounter several large prides of these powerful cats on your drives. African wild dog can also be spotted moving through the reserve. Sensitive off-roading practices allow close-up game sightings, while walking safaris and bush walks are also offered.

The main thatched dining, bar and sitting areas are open to the African bushveld, and the large swimming pool and game viewing sun deck looks out over a busy waterhole where elephants are frequently sighted. There is also a fitness sala/gym for guests use.

Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served in the candle-and-lantern lit courtyard or in the dramatic boma, and exceptional bush banqueting is enjoyed in spectacular settings in the African wilderness.

This gracious, classic safari lodge is renowned for its superb accommodation. The 20 thatched chalets each have en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning, and a private veranda.

The lodge also has 3 family cottages, each consisting of two suites that are conveniently interlinked via a door for easy access. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows make the most of sunny safari days and a private veranda offers the perfect setting for private dinners. Guests can also take advantage of spacious ensuite bathrooms as well as inviting al fresco showers. The cottages can accommodate two adults and two children.

The Family Suite has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a pool and a lounge area.  Guests staying in the Family Suite also have their own private vehicle and ranger for the duration of their safari.

For anyone wishing to experience the romance of Africa, why not spend the night 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. This treehouse experience promises both luxury and comfort whilst offering the most exclusive wilderness experience (please note that this activity is additional cost).

Rates Include

All meals; tea/coffee; the Timbavati Conservation Levy; 2 daily scheduled shared game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced ranger and tracker; interactive bush walks (one hour); house wines, local brand spirits and beers, soft drinks and bottled water; and a laundry service are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance fee of R190 per vehicle (subject to change), which is payable at the Timbavati Gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only).

A private safari vehicle is also included in the rate when booking a Family Suite.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 6 are not allowed on game drives, but shortened game drives (FOC) may be arranged with the lodge subject to availability of Land Rovers and rangers. Children aged 6 to 11 are allowed on game drives at the Lodge Manager's discretion. Children under 16 are not allowed on walking safaris. Babysitting services are available.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris. The final decision on whether a guest can join a walking safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Ngala Safari Lodge will welcome your family with open arms. You will be shown to your family's accommodation, and you can get settled into your room.

From then on, Ngala Safari Lodge offers a host of fascinating and entertaining activities for children, bringing alive the magic of a safari. Every minute is supervised by rangers and camp staff, who provide hours of amusement and invaluable information to the children in their care.

Your children will each receive a Planet Manager backpack, filled with surprises and containing an Eco-guide - a fantastic interactive booklet that encourages the conservation of the planet's precious natural resources. Throughout your stay at the lodge, your ranger will help the children to complete their guides, taking them out into the bush to collect feathers, pods, insects and leaves. At the end of your stay, the children will each receive a certificate declaring them official Planet Managers.

Children will witness the regions's rich wildlife, including the famous Big 5 (from a distance, not close to) and the not-so-famous Little 5, and they will try their luck at spotting the lodges's 10 'Star birds'. The children will also learn why elephants have long noses, and why giraffes have long necks !

After lunch, the children will be invited to the kitchen to help cookies for afternoon tea, and the chef will encourage them to get stuck in, be creative and have fun. In the meantime, parents can indulge in an afternoon siesta !

Dinners are a true highlight, with an abundance of flavours and textures on offer. Early meals can be arranged, with a specialised children's menu - chicken skewers, sausage and mash, homemade pasta with fresh tomato sauce, and ice cream with hot toffee sauce. Delicious Pan African dinner platters are served in the dining area or perhaps in an outdoor boma under starry African skies. A special children's table is set aside in the boma, where children can share their own campfire complete with marshmallows for roasting - always under the ranger's watchful eye.

The children will be enchanted by an abundance of adventures suited to their unique likes and dislikes. The ranger can take them on fishing or frogging safaris to explore some of the small wonders of the bush, or they can go on a bark-rubbing expedition and a bug hunt. They can visit the workshop to oversee maintenance to the safari vehicles, or they can learn how to make recycled paper, or spend time in the sun painting. Or perhaps they would enjoy a guided 'Pooh' walk to indentify animal droppings, spoor, animal species, trees and vegetation. Or go on a special children's picnic.

The options really are endless !

Guest Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 based on 13 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie. Once past Klaserie, continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate.

From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn left and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.

Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the left for Eastgate Airport. Turn left here and follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.

ONCE AT THE TIMBAVATI CONTROL GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance cash fee of R190 per vehicle payable at the gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only and subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

Also, we would advise that you do NOT use a GPS once in the Timbavati, as it is likely to give you incorrect directions!

General Information For Guests

All rooms are en-suite with both indoor/outdoor showers and baths. They also have air conditioning, a hair dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar, tea.coffee making facilities, an in-room safe, and overhead fan.

Each family cottage consists of two suites that are interlinked via a door for easy access. Each suite has its own bathroom.

The family suite consists of two en-suite bedrooms, as well as a dining area. The suite also entitles guests to the services of a dedicated butler, as well as a ranger and tracker team and a private safari vehicle.

The lodge consists of the dining area, bar, lounge, safari/curio shop, swimming pool, spa, fitness sala, library, boma and an elegant courtyard. The lodge pool overlooks the waterhole.

The Ngala Treehouse features 2 sleep levels including a covered and weatherproof space with a kingsize bed and an en-suite bathroom with a hot running shower and flushing toilet. An elevated sleep-out platform allows you to slumber al fresco under a retractable screen. Please note that this activity is an additional cost and prebooking is advised.

The lodge is not fenced and guests are asked to be extremely vigilant at all times. Security guards will accompany guests at all times while walking around the camp at night.

A 'gym in a basket' is available on request.

In-room massages can be arranged.

Visa, Diners, American Express and MasterCard are accepted.

A complimentary laundry service is offered.

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) is not permitted in any of the conservation areas managed by AndBeyond, until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed.

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the lodge is a 5 minute drive away from the airstrip.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris. The final decision on whether a guest can join a walking safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Popular Alternatives to AndBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at AndBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that AndBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.