Tucked under a canopy of mopane and tamboti trees, in the spectacular Ngala Private Game Reserve, which shares an unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge is the ideal safari escape for families and groups.

Travelling in Africa as a family is exceptionally rewarding and Ngala Safari Lodge offers a two-bedroom Private Family Suite and three Family Cottages.  For kiddies, the Lodge offers the specially designed WILDchild programme.

Situated in the shade of a weeping boerbean tree on the banks of the seasonal Maponi River, the Private Family Suite consists of two en-suite bedrooms, as well as a cosy dining area where guests can choose to enjoy a private dining experience or a refreshing sundowner cocktail. The suite also entitles guests to the services of a dedicated butler, as well as a ranger and tracker team and a private safari vehicle.

The only guest suite at the lodge with views of the river, each room boasts its own private deck overlooking the shaded riverbed and even the bathrooms look out onto the dense riverside thickets. The addition of a fully sized private swimming pool ensures that both children and adults have a secluded place to cool off from the African sun.

The Family Suite can accommodate a maximum of two adults and two children.

The lodge also boasts three Family Cottages, each consisting of two suites that are conveniently interlinked via a door for easy access. The Cottages exude a romantic colonial ambiance with nostalgic safari memorabilia throughout. Floor-to- ceiling glass windows make the most of sunny safari days and a private veranda offers the perfect setting for private dinners. Guests can also take advantage of spacious en-suite bathrooms as well as inviting al fresco showers. The Cottages can accommodate two adults and two children.

Ngala Safari Lodge is situated in &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, a stunning sector of the Timbavati, which shares an unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary and 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 Shangaan, the local language, Ngala lives up to its promise, supporting several large prides of these powerful cats. African wild dog can also be spotted moving through the reserve.

&Beyond Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights over 15,000-hectares of game-rich wilderness. The reserve offers

an intimate African wildlife experience, with game drives led by expert ranger and tracker teams. Sensitive off-roading practices allow close-up game sightings, while walking safaris and bush walks are also offered.

In one of Africa’s most innovative conservation partnership agreements, the annual lease, traversing fees and a percentage of Ngala’s profits are paid to the National Parks Trust to further conservation projects throughout South Africa.

The lodge’s beautiful pool area beckons to those seeking refreshment and relaxation. A sparkling swimming pool and sundeck overlook a natural riverine woodland, ideal for avid birdwatchers, while a tranquil spa and a well-equipped fitness Sala can be enjoyed in between game viewing adventures. Hearty breakfasts and delicious lunches are served in the dappled shade of an enormous weeping Boer Bean tree. Upon their return from exhilarating evening drives, guests are welcomed by Ngala’s warm, hospitable staff and a banquet set in the elegant candlelit courtyard or an African feast in the open-air traditional boma.