&Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve

&Beyond Ngala provides excellent game-viewing in the Timbavati Reserve which is part of the world-famous Greater Kruger National Park.

The reserve is unfenced, allowing for the free movement of game, but Ngala has exclusive traversing rights over nearly 15,000 hectares of the legendary Kruger Park.

This is 'Big Five' country, with both black and white rhino, breeding herds of elephant and buffalo and frequent sightings of leopard. You will find a variety of ungulates, and wild dog are present. Ngala provides prime sightings of nocturnal creatures, including the pangolin and the African wildcat. Birders will be rewarded with around 260 species including Scops Owl, Woodland Kingfisher, White-throated Robin, Crested Barbet, Marico Sunbird, and Spotted-backed Weaver. Among the raptors are White-backed and Lappet-faced Vulture. Eagles include the Martial, African Hawk and Bateleur.

Ngala has 2 lodges here, the family orientated &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge in the northern regions with their 20 cottages and then the romantic and intimate &Beyond Ngala Tented camp, with their 6 luxury canvas tents over looking the Timbavati River.

Ngala Safari Lodge is a classic safari lodge in South Africa’s legendary Kruger National Park. It provides the luxurious accommodation and fine food you expect from &Beyond and is a particularly good choice for a family safari holiday and specialist safaris. Ngala Lodge is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Set on the banks of the Mapone River in the north of the reserve. Shaded by Mopane trees, the twenty luxury thatched cottages are furnished with antiques and have an elegant cream décor. Each has air conditioning, a private verandah and green slate bath and shower. The safari suite has a large living room, a spacious private deck and swimming pool, and provides butler service and exclusive use of a Landrover.

Ngala Tented Camp is a romantic intimate camp, perfect for honeymoons and couples. The canvas tents are set on raised wooden decks linked to the main guest areas by wooden walk ways. Rooms have ceiling fans and en-suite bathrooms and zip open to a deck with spectacular views of the riverbed. Children under 12 are not permitted.

Facilities
Both lodges have swimming pools and sundecks with loungers that overlook the African Bush, to relax, sunbathe or simply continue your game viewing. The thatched dining area, bar and sitting area are open to the bush.

Activities
Ngala offers twice-daily game drives in open Landrover. &Beyond rangers and Shangaan trackers will take you off-road, to get the best sighting, and on spot lit night drives to see the nocturnal species. You can explore the bushveld on an escorted bush walk, and there are excellent bird-watching and star-gazing opportunities.

Walking Safari and Specialist Photographic Safaris
Ngala offer the opportunity for travelers to go on a tailor made specialist walking safari with your own guide and vehicle. This safari operates on a maximum of 6 guests and offers an option of camping out in the wilderness. On a 5 day experience, you will track Rhino on foot with a specialist ranger and private vehicle, experience a helicopter adventure in addition to the game drives and walks.

Private specialist photographic safari guides are also available to assist with photography in the bush, making the most of your SLR, ask for details

Food
&Beyond deserves its reputation for excellent and imaginative food. Afternoon tea and breakfast are served on an open deck area. Lavish dinners are served under the trees in the lantern-lit courtyard, or under the stars in the boma.

Community
&Beyond makes an important contribution both to the National Parks Trust and to the Welverdiend community. It is actively involved in improvements to the primary school, has financed a media centre and a community computer centre and works in HIV/AIDS awareness and education.

Children on safari
Special activities are available for children at Ngala Safari Lodge, these can vary from bug collecting, frog safaris to identifying spoor and animal tracks. Children are actively involved in baking in the kitchen, decorating cookies and making pizza in the boma. Not only will they have fun but it is a very educational experience for them too!  The lodge also offers children’s meal times and menus.