NGALA TENTED CAMP
Timbavati, Kruger Park, South Africa

Lodge In Ngala Game Reserve

Meaning ‘lion’ in Shangaan, Ngala was the first private safari reserve to be incorporated in the world-famous Kruger National Park – the largest wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. With exclusive traversing rights over 14 700 hectares (36 323 acres) of Kruger's game-rich wilderness, Ngala offers an extraordinary African wildlife safari experience.

Guests may enjoy exhilarating four-day, three-night Walking Safaris tracking rhino, elephant bulls and buffalo herds on foot during exciting morning walks and viewing nocturnal predators on informative night game-drives. Led by specialist rangers, safety is the highest priority. Accommodation is in four spacious safari tents with en suite facilities.

Camp Description

Exclusive tented safari suites – Situated only three kilometres (1.9 miles) from Orpen Gate – one of the major gateways into the world-famous Kruger National Park – this elegant safari camp is known internationally for sophisticated tented accommodation in tranquil African bush surrounds. Just six luxurious tented suites which have en suite bathrooms and outdoor showers overhead fans. Enjoy intimate game viewing wooden decks and a contoured lap pool.

Set on the banks of the great seasonal Timbavati River, Ngala Tented Safari Camp was built with a light footprint to minimise impact on the environment. Rated in numerous prestigious listings such as the US Conde Nast Traveler’s “Hot List”, it is a gracious camp with a contemporary feel and flamboyant styling. Guest areas feature retro pieces from the 50s, 60s and 70s and beautiful timber decks which overlook the seasonal riverbed. Private lunch platters of delicious Pan-African cuisine can be enjoyed on the viewing decks or at the poolside. Exciting bush banquets in spectacular wilderness settings and theatrical alfresco dinners in the dry riverbed are an unforgettable experience.

Game Viewing

Enjoy Big Five game viewing encounters on interpretive game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles led by expert rangers and Shangaan trackers. Ngala offers both off-road and night game drives affording excellent sightings and photographic opportunities. Discover a host of interesting nocturnal animals on exhilarating, spotlit night game drives.

Mammals at Ngala Private Game Reserve:
Ngala offers unsurpassed game viewing opportunities of territorial, individually recognisable lion and leopard which are tracked on a daily basis. Cheetah tend to be nomadic but are regularly encountered. Packs of endangered African wild dog hunt on Ngala, occasionally denning to raise pups (typically May to June). Huge herds of buffalo and elephant are frequently seen quenching their thirst at waterholes which also attract white rhino and are favoured by hippo. Impala are the most abundant antelope, with resident wildebeest, greater kudu and steenbok among other common species. The rare Sharpe’s grysbok occurs in mopane woodland. Lone elephant bulls and breeding herds are regularly encountered. Honey badger, African civet and small-spotted genet are among the smaller carnivores regularly seen on night game drives. Packs of dwarf mongoose live in large termite mounds.

Birds at Ngala Private Game Reserve: :
With 279 species recorded, Ngala ensures excellent birdwatching opportunities. Birds of prey are particularly conspicuous with bateleur, tawny eagle and white-backed vulture among species whose nest sites are monitored. After dark, Verreaux's eagle-owl, African scops-owl and barred owlet emerge to hunt. Wahlberg’s eagle, woodland kingfisher and Diederik cuckoo are abundant intra-African migrants (October to April). Lilac-breasted roller, grey go-away bird, red-billed hornbill and magpie shrike are conspicuous in savanna. Dense growth along the Timbavati River is favoured by Burchell’s coucal, Retz’s helmet-shrike and black-backed puff back. Hamerkop, Egyptian goose and red-billed teal visit waterholes. Tens of thousands of nomadic red-billed quelea may nest gregariously in acacia savanna during the wet season (December to February).

Other African Wildlife: :
Chains of processionary caterpillars are conspicuous as they cross sand tracks at the end of summer (April to May). Great numbers of mopane caterpillars feed on fresh mopane leaves. There are 75 species of butterfly recorded with guineafowl butterfly, spotted joker and African monarch among the more commonly encountered. Tree monitor and water monitor are frequently observed in savanna and riverside habitats respectively. Nile crocodile, large leopard tortoise and flap-necked chameleon are other interesting reptiles. The conspicuous meringue-like nests of foam-nest frogs hang above waterholes after summer rains and 18 species of frog may breed in seasonal waterbodies

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

Suggested Daily Activity Schedule

All times are a guide only. Times can and do change depending on local conditions.
summer/winter
05h00/06h00 - Wake up call. Light continental breakfast consisting of cereals, tea/coffee/juices and pastries to be served in the dining area.
05h30/06h30 - Depart on morning activity, returning to camp at approximately 10h00.
10h00/11h00 - Brunch wil be served, this will consist of a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes. From now until afternoon tea, guests are at leisure.
16h00/15h00 - Afternoon tea is served - this consists of a selection of sweet and savoury snacks.
16h30/15h30 - Depart on afternoon game viewing activity - drinks and snacks will be served for sundowners during the course of the activity.
19h30/19h00 - Return to camp after dark so guests have a night drive (but could be later if there are good game sitings).
20h00/19h30 - Pre-dinner drinks and snacks are served at the pub.
20h30/20h00 - Three course dinner - generally speaking the starter and desert is served, whilst the main course is buffet style.
21h30/21h00 - Coffee and liqueurs will be served at the camp fire.

How to get there

Closest airports are Hoedspruit and then road transfer. Alternatively you can fly direct to the camps airstrip. Sun Safaris can arrange all transfers. Self drive to the lodge is also possible.

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The Kruger National Park & Private Game Reserves

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