The old family favourite &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge, which sits on a big five private game reserve that shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park in South Africa, has re-opened following a US$2 million rebuild and refurbishment.

The brilliant transformation and elegant new look has kept Ngala’s genteel and romantic safari feel but enhanced the guest offering.

Each of the lodge’s 20 thatched cottages have been extended to offer a more spacious room layout while the ensuite bathrooms have been enlarged to offer al fresco showers and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the natural light.

Discrete walls of natural stone and carefully contoured pathways between the rooms ensure plenty of privacy.

The private verandas of each cottage have also been extended to ensure plenty of space for private dining.

In keeping with Ngala’s reputation as a family favourite, three family cottages have been created.

These back-to-back cottages are connected by an inter-leading door and can be sold as a family unit or as two separate rooms.

In addition to the family cottages, the popular Family Suite remains open and comes complete with its own full-size swimming pool and dedicated safari vehicle. 

The lodge’s guest areas have also received a makeover, with the popular watering hole deepened and opened up as a focal point.

A new rim flow swimming pool has been installed which offers magnificent views of the wildlife coming down to the watering hole.

For the more active guests, a well-equipped gym now offers the opportunity to work out while gazing out at ever-changing bush scenes through the panoramic windows and there is a fitness sala offering a range of relaxing and rejuvenating massage options for after the workout.