After a six-month closure for an extensive refurbishment, andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp is now welcoming guests back to its iconic location on the banks of the Timbavati River.
During the closure, the camp's design has been reimagined to provide even more creature comforts, while still retaining its classical tented feel and aura of bush romance.
A new layout and an extended outdoor deck ensure that guest tents are even more spacious and luxurious, with the addition of secluded outdoor spaces to while away the afternoon. Redesigned bathrooms feature both an indoor and outdoor shower, in addition to an al fresco bathtub. Discrete butler hatches, outdoor screens and redirected pathways add an extra element of tranquillity and privacy.
Similarly, the guest area has undergone an extensive transformation to make the most of its spectacular setting above the riverbed, which remains dry through much of the year. Expanded decks with reticulated awnings now provide ample choice for dining options, while the lounge offers the ideal vantage point for guests wishing to spend some leisure time gazing out onto the shaded riverbed.
Much loved by both guests and thirsty wildlife visitors, the camp's swimming pool, as well as the surrounding deck, have been expanded. Shady guest salas provide an ideal space for sunbathing or informal poolside dining. The camp's existing spa has been expanded, and a well-equipped gym has been built to round off the fitness offering.
Retaining the camp's elegant balance between traditional and contemporary, the new interiors combine local Shangaan-inspired mid-century silhouettes with regional embroidered designs and textiles, all against the backdrop of its signature granite stone and canvas.
Chic and contemporary, Ngala Tented Camp comprises just nine intimate and luxurious tented suites, making it a perfect exclusive-use option for a small family or group of friends. The tents are set on raised platforms and cleverly designed to blend into the riverside trees, minimising the impact on the environment. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom, swirling overhead fan, air conditioning, outdoor bathtubs and showers, snug electric blankets for winter and private expansive wooden decks.
Known and loved for its ample wildlife experiences, which include rarities such as the African wild dog and the area's famous white lions, the camp is situated in andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.
Safaris are led by expert andBeyond-trained ranger and tracker teams, that ensure sensitive off-roading practices to allow close-up game sightings of elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, African wild dog (painted dog) and more.
The Timbavati is known for its populations of iconic white lions. While some white lions are bred in captivity and semi-captivity both in Africa and abroad, and sporadic sightings are reported in Kruger National Park, the Timbavati region remains the only known place in the world where wild white lions occur regularly and naturally.
Tranquil and gracious, Ngala Tented Camp will continue to welcome children over the age of twelve, providing a romantic and private alternative to the more family-oriented Ngala Safari Lodge, situated in the north of the reserve.
andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp officially reopened for guests in October.
About andBeyond
Established in 1991, andBeyond is a bespoke tour operator for sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, South America and Antarctica. It strives to deliver extraordinary travel experiences while caring for the land, wildlife and people where it operates. andBeyond also owns and manages 29 lodges and camps across three continents, as well as a luxury expedition yacht.
Together with its long-standing community and conservation development partner, Wild Impact (previously known as Africa Foundation), andBeyond claims to positively impact 75 communities and directly conserve its footprint covering one million acres. Its 2030 vision includes a commitment to upscale its impact, together with partners, to support the conservation of an associated 40 million acres of key biospheres. It also aims to double its 2020 impact investment, while continuing to offer travellers rare and authentic experiences of the natural world.
Photos: andBeyond