Ngala Tented Camp | Best South Africa Safari Lodges

The place

Ngala Tented Camp takes its name from a local word for lion, and given that the private game reserve it’s in shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, big cats are much in evidence. As we’re about to arrive at the camp, our tracker Dennis demonstrates his uncanny skills by pointing out lion spoor alongside the road – from early this morning, explains Grant, our guide. We’re still digesting this thrilling news when we hear the first warm calls of greeting from the assembled staff. The main area of the lodge gives us our first views of the Timbavati River, with the shape of the camp mirroring its serpentine curves. The lap pool shadows the river, in tune with the flow of wild energy. A row of white egg chairs beckons and right on cue, two spindly-legged storks step out from between the reeds as the breeze stirs the leaves above us.

Ngala Tented Camp takes its name from a local word for lion, and given that the private game reserve it’s in shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, big cats are much in evidence.

As we’re about to arrive at the camp, our tracker Dennis demonstrates his uncanny skills by pointing out lion spoor alongside the road – from early this morning, explains Grant, our guide. We’re still digesting this thrilling news when we hear the first warm calls of greeting from the assembled staff.

The main area of the lodge gives us our first views of the Timbavati River, with the shape of the camp mirroring its serpentine curves. The lap pool shadows the river, in tune with the flow of wild energy. A row of white egg chairs beckons and right on cue, two spindly-legged storks step out from between the reeds as the breeze stirs the leaves above us.

The room

As we step into our room, I’m reminded of an old quote: a designer knows he has achieved perfection… when there is nothing left to take away. We’re both struck by the elegant, pared-down simplicity of the room; it contains only what is necessary for our absolute comfort. This leaves plenty of space for cool currents of air to dance around us – the wraparound gauze panels giving us an unimpeded view of the river. Our butler, Stephen, told us that the name of the river meant ‘sacred’ in his father’s language, and we can see that spending time here could easily be a spiritual experience. Without the distractions of everyday life, we’re free to enjoy each other’s company, and to meet new friends – both human and animal. Sensing that we’d want to spend our first few moments at Ngala Tented Camp alone, Stephen had brought us lunch platters to enjoy on our viewing deck. I resist the tapas-style meal for a few more moments as I check out the outdoor shower and the smooth shape of the bathtub ensconced between rock walls. As we eat, a busy squirrel dashes across the deck; in contrast, our relaxation is total.

As we step into our room, I’m reminded of an old quote: a designer knows he has achieved perfection… when there is nothing left to take away. We’re both struck by the elegant, pared-down simplicity of the room; it contains only what is necessary for our absolute comfort. This leaves plenty of space for cool currents of air to dance around us – the wraparound gauze panels giving us an unimpeded view of the river.

Our butler, Stephen, told us that the name of the river meant ‘sacred’ in his father’s language, and we can see that spending time here could easily be a spiritual experience. Without the distractions of everyday life, we’re free to enjoy each other’s company, and to meet new friends – both human and animal.

Sensing that we’d want to spend our first few moments at Ngala Tented Camp alone, Stephen had brought us lunch platters to enjoy on our viewing deck. I resist the tapas-style meal for a few more moments as I check out the outdoor shower and the smooth shape of the bathtub ensconced between rock walls. As we eat, a busy squirrel dashes across the deck; in contrast, our relaxation is total.

What sets it apart

This South African safari lodge perfectly fuses the natural decadence of time in the wilderness with some very human comforts: great food and wine, contemporary design and attentive, discreet service. Sleeping under canvas gave us a thrilling sense of being explorers in Africa; hearing a lion roar from across the river as we drifted off to sleep hit exactly the right note between spine-tingling and deeply satisfying. Our romantic riverbed dinner will stay long in our memories, and we were equally struck by the respect our guide had for the wildlife he found for us, and their habitats. Our morning spent on an interpretive bush walk was fascinating, as was our time spent tracking with our incredibly knowledgeable tracker.

This South African safari lodge perfectly fuses the natural decadence of time in the wilderness with some very human comforts: great food and wine, contemporary design and attentive, discreet service. Sleeping under canvas gave us a thrilling sense of being explorers in Africa; hearing a lion roar from across the river as we drifted off to sleep hit exactly the right note between spine-tingling and deeply satisfying.

Our romantic riverbed dinner will stay long in our memories, and we were equally struck by the respect our guide had for the wildlife he found for us, and their habitats. Our morning spent on an interpretive bush walk was fascinating, as was our time spent tracking with our incredibly knowledgeable tracker.

At a glance

Luxury safari lodge with nine spacious air-conditioned tents under vast canvas roofs, nestled beneath a shady canopy of indigenous trees and overlooking the Timbavati River. A sinuous lap pool, shady viewing decks and a massage sala complete the camp.
Private reserve, butler service, private dining, private vehicles available (additional cost) and flexible schedules.
Game drive, night drives, interpretive bush walks, walking safaris, tracking (additional cost), photographic safaris (additional cost), rhino notching (additional cost) and swimming.
Children 12 and above are welcome (minimum age of 16 for walking safaris).

Luxury safari lodge with nine spacious air-conditioned tents under vast canvas roofs, nestled beneath a shady canopy of indigenous trees and overlooking the Timbavati River. A sinuous lap pool, shady viewing decks and a massage sala complete the camp.
Private reserve, butler service, private dining, private vehicles available (additional cost) and flexible schedules.
Game drive, night drives, interpretive bush walks, walking safaris, tracking (additional cost), photographic safaris (additional cost), rhino notching (additional cost) and swimming.
Children 12 and above are welcome (minimum age of 16 for walking safaris).

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.