Set within South Africa’s largest and most well-known game reserve in the world, Ngala Private Game Reserve offers not only one of the most incredible Big Five wildlife experiences in the world, but also offers an intimate one due to our exclusive traversing rights on 14,700 hectares (36,000 acre) of wilderness land. Safaris are led by expert &BEYOND-trained ranger and tracker teams, that ensure sensitive off-roading practices to allow close-up game sightings of elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe and more.
Chic and contemporary, Ngala Tented Camp comprises just nine intimate and luxurious tents, making it a perfect exclusive-use option for a small group of family or friends. The tented suites are set on raised platforms and cleverly designed to blend into the riverside trees, minimising the impact on the environment. Each tented suite has an ensuite bathroom, swirling overhead fan, air conditioning, outdoor showers, snug electric blankets for winter and private wooden decks.
The elegant guest areas overlook the seasonal Timbavati River, and are the ideal tranquil location to enjoy a quiet book or a refreshing drink with your complimentary Swarovski binoculars in hand, just in case a herd of elephants or another animal saunters by. The camp’s lap pool, which follows the contours of the Timbavati riverbank is perfect for afternoon game viewing, while a nearby massage sala overlooking the magnificent view is the ideal spot to unwind between safaris. Private lunch platters are savoured on the viewing decks, at the poolside or on the lush lawn, while private dinners are serves wither on the starlit deck or, if the weather permits, in the dry riverbed.
Enjoy a variety of activities such as twice-daily game drives with intimate wildlife encounters, interpretive bush walks, a rhino notching conservation experience, or even a tailor-made private safari suited for your needs. While staying with us, why not spoil yourself and your partner with a magical night in our dreamy sleepout under the stars, in the Ngala Treehouse Experience.
&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp comprises nine luxurious tented suites set on raised platforms, each with a lovely ensuite bathroom and alfresco shower. Suites are equipped with overhead fans, air conditioning, and electric blankets for winter. Private wooden decks offer quiet spots for contemplation or a spot to read a book. The overall essence of each suite is African, with warm, earthy tones used throughout. Built on platforms, each tented suite is cleverly designed to blend into the riverside trees, minimising impact on the environment.
Experience the romance of Africa 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. The treehouse features two sleep levels including a covered and weatherproof space with a king-size bed, hot running shower and flushing toilets. An elevated sleep-out platform allows you to slumber al fresco under a retractable screen. Enjoy sundowner drinks and snacks on the upper deck, a picnic and midnight treats. Completely off the grid, this treehouse promises luxury and comfort while offering the most exclusive wilderness experience.
Think safari and you’re likely to conjure up adventure-filled fantasies of game drives through pristine African wilderness, encountering magnificent wildlife such as elephant, lion or buffalo along the way. South Africa plays host to an amazing array of wildlife sanctuaries; however, the iconic destination of the Kruger National Park takes pride of place as one of the world’s most renowned safari havens. A game drive here promises an exceptional experience.
&Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve shares an unfenced boundary with the world-renowned wildlife sanctuary, which also happens to be one of the biggest game reserves in the world. A spectacular diversity of wildlife moves through this immense wilderness, including breeding herds of elephant, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, large buffalo herds and white rhino. With its name meaning lion in the local language Shangaan, the Ngala experience lives up to its promise, supporting several large prides of these powerful cats. African wild dog can also be spotted moving through the reserve.
Designed for photography enthusiasts, our expert guides will use their extensive experience in wildlife, birding and landscape photography to help you get the shot of a lifetime by providing advice on shutter speed, lenses, filters, angles, lighting and so much more. Combining their understanding of animal behaviour with their photography skills, they will help you plan every step of your safari.
For those looking for an active thrill beyond the excitement of Big Five sightings on a game drive vehicle, a guided bush walk offers an opportunity to connect with the African bush, learning about its fascinating fauna and flora of Ngala Private Game Reserve.
Embark on an adventure where your feet tread in the tracks of Africa’s wild inhabitants, your nostrils fill with the scent of crushed wild grasses as you push through the bush and all six senses reawaken as Africa touches you and you touch Africa. At one with nature, discover a range of natural wonders in the company of your experienced, walking safari guide. Learn how to track, seeing how close you can come to smaller game like impala or nyala antelope without them being aware of your presence. Smell and taste wild herbs, learning their traditional uses, and explore the smaller marvels of the bush, from the magnificent tapestry of a spider’s web to the microscopic world of the dung beetle.
Undoubtedly a highlight on any tour to South Africa, a community trip offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with the enchanting communities surrounding &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve. Hosted by Africa Foundation, &Beyond’s community development partner, who has been active within these rural communities for 25 years, you will gain first-hand knowledge of the foundation’s various projects to improve education, healthcare and water access as well as the development of local businesses in the area.
You will have the opportunity to visit projects in the communities of Welverdiend or Hlabekisa. These tours offer insight into the everyday lives of community members as well as the difficulties they may face. For instance, in the Welverdiend community, the Nhlalala Crèche was operating out of temporary shelters before Africa Foundation came to its aid, building two classrooms, a waterless sanitation block, and assisting with a kitchen, borehole, vegetable garden and playground equipment. Mtembeni Primary School is one of three primary schools in the Welverdiend community. The school has an enrolment of approximately 500 learners, Africa Foundation has worked with the school to develop its infrastructure, including the construction of a kitchen and EnviroLoos.
