Ngalali Retreat

The Ngalali Retreat is located in a Private Reserve with all Big 5 abundant. Lorenza (the very alive Italian owner) and her partner Xander (extremely knowledgeable about animals and their behavior) were hosting beyond expectations. Both prepared a Valentines Dinner as surprise with Italian cheeses, pickles and a full braai cooked to perfection (South African traditional barbeque) including beef filet, game meat, amazingly spiced sausages, chicken and vegetables. The tables were beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and red chocolate hearts to match the occasion. Lorenza even invited for some special sparkling wine and Xander for the Grappa digestif. The game drives with Xander proved to be exciting and informative. He even finds the camouflaged and well hidden lioness resting deep in the bush. Our room was clean and above average size with ensuite bathroom. On the property is a large swimming pool with comfortable sun lounges. Pool towels are provided. A few meters away is a water hole which was frequented by lions, elephant herds, Egyptian geese, warthogs, antelopes and monkeys, diverse bird species and other wildlife. All animals can be watched safely from the patio of the lodge. We did enjoy the tranquil place very much and left our new friends Lorenza and Xander with a heavy heart. Ngalali Retreat is very special to us and we shall return.

N.A.

Xander and Lorenza are the nicest hosts you could ask for. The game drives with Xander were amazing, he is passionate about wildlife and can spot even little animals from a far distance. We had lots of beautiful animal encounters. Lorenza is really warm-hearted and welcoming. In the evening they served us amazing Italian food. We had the best experience at this lodge and will definitely come back.

Nothing.

Wow what a gem of a lodge, a home from home, a proper family run business with a passion for what they do. Xander was so knowledgeable and a fantastic host, he went out of his way to ensure our trip was amazing, which it was; the best big 5 experience we have had! The location is great, only a few guests so game drives are not crowded and lots of opportunity to ask questions about what we were seeing.

Nothing - just perfect.

Swimming pool lots of animals around decorations were beautiful, beds are comfortable

Nothing

This place is special. A home away from home. Xander and his team go out of their way in all areas to give you a wonderful experience., Xander’s knowledge of the land, the wildlife, the birds is incredible and he goes above and beyond to make your game drives exhilarating. We saw so much wildlife-,the big one’s and the small one’s. And Helen and her team of ladies look after you with their cooking… incredible! One of the best places I’ve stayed for an all round experience. Thank you

Pool needed cleaning but I think it was a temporary issue and Xander was aware of that

Very friendly staff. Hellen and her sous chef made delicious food. Very nice ambiance. Great view to the waterhole and nice morning drive. The guide Eugene told a lot about the animals during the morning drive. A lot initiative.

Nothing

The food and the hospitality is incredible. During the game drives Xander explained a lot and went the extra mile to ensure that we have a great time and see a lot of animals. It really felt like an amazing adventure. We did the hiking tour, game drives and the boat tour and I would recommend to do all those things.

Nothing to say. We had the best time here.

Friday night's dinner was delicious. The communal area was well equipped. Very Friendly Staff. Very private and intimate location.

We did not like the bath in the room. A bit risky to open and close windows because of the steps in the bathroom No more ice, for our drinks on Saturday, and it was very hot. We did not like the idea of dining together with the other guests on both Friday and Saturday night, so we requested a private dining in front of our room, on Saturday night, which was a bit awkward. We would have loved a private dining somewhere else on the premises.

an amazing property with amazing hosts. we received an excellent service immersed in beautiful surroundings with incredible wildlife sighting straight from there. Xander and Lorenza are attentive, passionate and incredibly knowledgeable about the greater kruger and it was an honor and a pleasure to stay with them

Great hosts - fabulous food - wish we had had bit more time