Ngala Tented Camp, part of &Beyond’s portfolio, is a luxurious retreat located in the Timbavati Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Known for its sophisticated yet natural ambiance, the camp offers an exclusive safari experience. Smaller and more boutique compared to its sister property, Ngala Safari Lodge, Ngala Tented Camp caters more to adults, with a minimum age requirement of 12 years. This makes it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway amidst the African wilderness.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Nestled along the banks of the Timbavati River, Ngala Tented Camp benefits from a prime location renowned for excellent game viewing. The camp’s proximity to the Kruger National Park allows for a seamless wildlife experience, with animals moving freely across the unfenced boundaries. The camp is accessible via a short drive from Hoedspruit Airport, making it a convenient yet remote destination. The Southern Timbavati region, where the camp is situated, features a mix of open plains and riverine thickets, ideal for spotting big cats, including the rare white lions of Timbavati.
Rooms
Ngala Tented Camp comprises nine luxurious tented suites, each elevated on raised platforms to offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The tents are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring canvas walls, large glass panels, and private wooden decks. Inside, guests can enjoy the comforts of air conditioning, overhead fans, electric blankets, and en-suite bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. The décor combines earthy tones with contemporary touches, creating a chic and comfortable retreat. Notable tents like numbers 7, 8, and 9 provide unobstructed views of the Timbavati River, enhancing the immersive nature experience.
Communal Areas
The communal areas at Ngala Tented Camp are designed to enhance the natural beauty of the setting while providing luxurious comfort. The main lodge features open-plan spaces with polished wooden decks, textured fabrics, and elegant furnishings. Guests can relax by the lap pool, which merges with the riverbank, or enjoy a spa treatment for added tranquility. Dining at the camp is a memorable experience, with al fresco dinners set in the dry riverbed, illuminated by lanterns and the night sky. The camp also includes a bar and lounge area, where guests can unwind with a drink while listening to the sounds of the African bush.
Activities
Ngala Tented Camp offers a variety of activities that showcase the rich wildlife and unique landscapes of the Timbavati Reserve. Guests can embark on game drives led by expert guides, with opportunities to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other wildlife. The camp’s location is particularly advantageous for big cat sightings. For a more intimate encounter with nature, guided bush walks provide insights into the smaller aspects of the ecosystem. Additionally, the camp offers the unique Ngala Treehouse experience, where guests can spend a night under the stars on a luxurious, two-storeyed platform deep within the reserve. This sleep-out option is a highlight, offering a blend of adventure and comfort without Wi-Fi or artificial lights.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.