Ngala Tented Camp

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Hidden on the banks of the seasonal Timbavati River, the romantic Ngala Tented Camp combines elegant sophistication with colonial simplicity.

Accommodations consist of nine tented suites on raised wooden platforms. Privacy is at a premium in each hideaway, which exudes safari ambiance with wooden sides, textured fabrics, clean lines, stone partitions, cozy niches, and gauze screens. An en-suite bathroom includes an oversized bathtub on a rough-hewn wooden base and a romantic outdoor shower. A private veranda blends into the riverside trees and provides the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauties of the bush. Other amenities include overhead fans, air-conditioning, electric blankets for chilly winter nights, complementary Wi-FI, in-room safe, hair dryer, and bathrobes.

The lodge is located within the 36,000-acre Ngala Private Game Reserve, known for being the first private game reserve to be incorporated into world-famous Kruger National Park. Because Ngala shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, animals are able to roam freely, allowing a great diversity of wildlife viewing. With almost 150 species of large mammals, there are certainly sightings of the “big five”: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. In addition to supporting the packs of endangered African wild dog, the area is home to zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, impalas, and spotted hyenas. Over 500 bird species flourish in the region, and indigenous reptiles include the black mamba and crocodile.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives of the Reserve. For a more intimate look at the flora and fauna of the bush, armed guides lead informative nature walks. There are also tracking adventures for those wishing to learn how to use every sense to track wildlife. For an additional fee, the Cascades and Canyon helicopter tour soars over cascading waterfalls and along the escarpment to God’s Window, and on to the Blyde River Canyon. A photographic safari lets guests capture the perfect shot. Rhino notching is a once in a lifetime experience watching wildlife vets tranquilize and then tag wild rhinos to help track and save these endangered creatures.

Extensive, polished decks in the central area provide panoramic views of the riverine forest down to the sandy bed of the Timbavati River. The camp’s lap pool follows the contours of the riverbank and provides the best spot for watching afternoon game viewing without leaving the grounds. The camp’s massage sala lets guests indulge in a pampering session. Special attention is provided to the quality of the meals here. In the afternoon, private lunch platters are savored on the viewing decks, at the poolside, or on the lush lawn. At night, al fresco dinners in the dry riverbed are both delicious and scenic.