TINGA NARINA SAFARI LODGE
Kruger Park, South Africa

Kruger Safaris

Experience luxury accommodation at Tinga Private Game Lodge, which has two lodges, Legends, and Narina, set on private land in the Kruger National Park, where two mighty African rivers meet.

Although similar to Legends, Narina has a distinctly more African feel. The main deck is on stilts overlooking the Sabie River, and the suites are connected by an elevated wooden walkway, creating a distinctly African ambiance.

Camp Description

Tinga has two luxury lodges, Narina and Legends, both of which have been developed to the same standard and have similar features and facilities.

Built on stilts and nestled between the trees on the banks of the Sabie River, the private wood and thatch suites make Narina a romantic hideaway. Narina comprises of nine luxury suites.

Each suite has an en-suite bathroom, mini bar, safe, air-conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge area, direct dial telephones and satellite television with DVD players. The suites are all equipped with international adaptors, as well as hairdryers and insect repellent spray.

Bathrooms are equipped with double basins, a large free- standinf bath with spectacular views of the Sabie River, a double shower, a separate toilet and bidet, and an adventurous outdoor shower.

Each suite also has a private game viewing deck and plunge pool with magnificent views of the African bush and the Sabie River. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal, drink or snack while observing the dynamics of surrounding Africa. The well-stocked wine cellar includes a vast selection of local and international wines, as well as sparkling wine and champagne. There is a library, as well as the boma, which is a popular outdoor eating and socialising area. You can relax in the lounge, bar or swimming pool. The boutique is stocked with a range of fashionable bush wear, luggage and African artefacts.

Game Viewing

Game sightings are exceptional at Narina. In winter, elephant and buffalo are seen daily, with large herds making their way down to the river in a cloud of dust. Lion prides are frequently seen, lazing in the shade of large figs and leopards make an occasional appearance.

Resident wildlife includes bushbuck, nyala, kudu, warthog, baboons and vervet monkeys. Hippos and crocodiles are present in the river, and are often seen on the sandbanks. The large sycamore fig tree in front of the main deck attracts a myriad of birds, including broadbilled rollers, green pigeons, trumpeter hornbills and lilac-breasted rollers. Wood owls are often heard calling at night.

The Tinga concession has 5000 hectares of exclusive traversing. This includes 35 km of river frontage along the Sabie and Sand rivers. In addition to this, Tinga vehicles are permitted to traverse the entire Kruger network. To ensure the guest comfort, there are only six guests allocated to a vehicle.

Safari drives are conducted in open vehicles, in the early morning and late afternoon. Drives are usually 3 - 4 hours in duration depending on game viewing, weather conditions etc. The vehicles have a cover to provide some protection from the elements. The raised seats ensure excellent game viewing. Off-road driving is permitted on the Tinga concession, ensuring some close encounters with Africa's big five.

Early morning drives usually stop for refreshments in the middle of the drive. Afternoon drives usually stop for sundowners at a scenic spot (where possible) before proceeding with a night drive. Drives are conducted with guides and trackers.

Although the safari drives have a strong focus on finding the larger game, and at least 85% of all guests do see the big five,attention is also given to the smaller animals, birdlife, vegetation. As an ecotourism destination, it is important to ensure that guests are given a total bush experience.

In addition to game drives, Tinga's qualified guides will gladly take guests on guided safari walks where the focus is providing an informative and interesting look at those aspects of the bushveld not seen from the safari vehicles. Reading the "signs of the wild", tracking, listening to the bushveld sounds, feeling the different textures of leaves...walks at Tinga encourage the use of all the senses.

Given the location where walks are conducted, guest safety and respect for the wildlife is of paramount importance. One of the highlights of a Tinga walk is a visit to the hippo pools on the Sabie River. Once again, this is always done at the guide's discretion.

Read more about:

The Kruger National Park & Private Game Reserves