Ngalali Retreat

The nature reserve in which the property is located is in an amazing spot. There were lions’ sightings almost everyday in that reserve. We spotted lionesses and cubs and so many other animals around the property. Elephants were coming to drink water from the water hole just in front of the property, and we kept hearing Lions roaring in night which was something else. The property is quite big and the room was very comfy. Xander and Lorenza are an amazing host and they have a great great staff. Helen, the chef, prepared delicious meals every night for us. Getting top-notch Italian food in the bush is a luxury and I don’t think that you can get that kind of food in any of the big lodges in Kruger. We did a few game drives with Xander during our stay. He is so knowledgeable that he can give you so much detail about animals, birds, wildlife. We were in awe to see his passion about what he is doing and thoroughly enjoyed both morning and evening drives with him. Apart from the game drives with Xander, we did a full day Kruger national park drive as well which Xander and Lorenza helped us to organise. We did a couple of other activities - Boat tour and Panorama route For Boat tour, Xander took us through three different reserves (again fantastic and different drives) and the boat tour on Olephants river was quite a different experience with sightings of birds, elephants, and big crocodiles in the river. The Panorama route was something different and gave us a break from the bush. Xander took us to some of the beautiful spots. Blyd canyon was the highlight of that route and Xander helped us to know everything about those sites. We got engaged during our Panorama trip, and Xander made sure that we had the best spot for it and he helped us in capturing those amazing moments. Overall, we had a very personalised experience from Xander and Lorenza which is so hard to find these days; it felt like home, and I am sure we will come back again.

Loved the location and the game viewing of the waterhole while sitting on the veranda. Breakfast was bountiful and delicious. Game drive was classy and attentive. Rooms were lovely. highly recommended

Would like to have been greeted by owners or managers with a welcome drink. It like I was intruding and ignored without the respective welcome.

we saw a lot of lions. young ones. the pool is nice. the dogs are lovley. the communication with other lodges about sightings is quite good. i would say its a nice place to see animals, but i would compare it to other lodges and check airport transfer prices, game drive prices and so on. you can also check transfer services for the area and there is also a bus which can bring you to the gate. just look it up. you can also leave your room unlocked here, no one will take anything, they are all quite honest. in some other lodges in the area sadly things and money "disappear" out of your room when you don t lock your door. its safe here. rooms are also very clean and cozy. staff is kind of friendly.

i did stay here the 2nd time because when i did stay there the 1st time i did like it a lot and i thought i found my happy place to relax and to be in nature. i did like the people a lot who run the lodge. but no. - they raised the price for an airport transfer to Hoedspruit from 800 rand to 1500 rand. so, i can tell you, thats the most expensive so far in the whole area. usually its around 500 - 800. - on game drives, it was not much information about the area or the animals this time, it was more about gossiping about other lodges, the staff and people in the reserve. if you have an issue with someone, you talk it out in person. bringing it up to guests will not clear the situation between you and other lodges or people. you talk directly, which i also tried here. - people come for the animals. lodges know that. they usually offer you a game drive and ask you if you want to do some and on which date. as a guide, its on you to offer game drives to the customer and not expect that the customer runs after you for a game drive every day. if you dont want to do a game drive, get a 3rd party in. - food is quite expensive for what you get. comparing to many other places now. - game drive times are quite late in the afternoon. many other places go at 3 pm, this one goes at 4 pm. with other lodges, we found lots of lions moving around in the afternoon around 3 pm in the reserve right next to Grietjie reserve, Maseke. game drive times at other lodges are also more flexible. when i did ask for going a bit earlier than 3 pm, i got called "difficult". look, its just a question. there is no reason to be rude. if you go earlier,you have more fun,more animals, more daylight. also you come back earlier. so, i dont know why being more flexible is an issue. but it seems to be one. - i got told in the face that south african food is "not for me". look,let european people try it. - he did complain that i also stay with other places and not just with them.

Everything. Genuinely one of the best stays we’ve ever had. We were there for 4 nights and had the best time. Xander was unbelievable, so helpful, knowledgeable, took us everywhere and was great company to be around. The itinerary made for our 3/4 days was so so good and covered everything. Was a bonus to see lions within the first couple of hours within arriving. Helens food is amazing, can’t put into words how good it was!!! 3 course meal every night and tasted amazing. Location was perfect too! In summary couldn't recommend it enough!

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The area is peaceful. Easy access to the Kruger National park. Lovely host and staff. Beautiful pool. Peaceful lodge. Clean. Very homely. Adorable dogs.

The prices charged for food are exorbitant, given I don't get to choose what I want to eat. The cook is a good cook, not a chef. Paid R1200 per night on dinner only, for family of 4. This price is quite steep for the type of meals served. The boat cruise was literally doubled, plus a separate charge to transport us to the river excursion. I understand a small service charge, but double the fee is exorbitant. Overall, not good value for money. You can get much more from other establishments, at a lower price. But the stay was lovely, just not worth the prices charged for basic things. They need to reconsider their charges if they are to attract more south african tourists.

We arrived at the Ngalali Retreat after a long drive and Xander and staff helped us feel at home immediately. After a hearty lunch Xander introduced us to our first safari experience of the African bush. Xander is a true naturalist who, over the course of the next few days, generously shared his knowledge, passion and experience of the land and wildlife that surrounded us. At the end of each day Xander joined us for exceptional Italian cuisine and helped us to process the days adventures with interesting anecdotes of his own. Our day in the actual Kruger Park paled in comparison. The Ngalali Retreat accommodations were very comfortable with all the comforts of home. What can I say - we slept well each night and arose rested, with fresh anticipation. The whole experience more than exceeded our expectation.

nothing

It is all perfect! Highlight: The food!

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The lodge is in a beautiful private game reserve in Greater Kruger. The wild animals are right next to the vence. The rooms were clean, cosy, spacious and just what you need after a safari day. Xander is extremely hospitable and Helen cooks the best breakfast, lunch and diner for you (Italian style). We recommend doing the activities with Xander in Grietjie instead of doing it yourself in Kruger, as he knows everything about the nature and the animals.