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Ngalali Retreat

Farm 76 Grietjie Private Nature Reserve, 1390 Grietjie Nature Reserve, South Africa – Excellent location - show map

<p><b>Excellent</b> location — rated 9.7/10! <small>(score from <b>163</b> reviews)</small></p> <p>Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions</p>
Gallery image of Ngalali Retreat in Grietjie Nature Reserve
Gallery image of Ngalali Retreat in Grietjie Nature Reserve
a small house with a tree in front of it at Ngalali Retreat in Grietjie Nature Reserve
+38 photos

Ngalali Retreat

Lock in a great price for Ngalali Retreat - rated 9.8 by recent guests.

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Lock in a great price for Ngalali Retreat - rated 9.8 by recent guests. to get started.
Scored 9.8
9.8
Rated exceptional
Exceptional
163 reviews

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Genius discounts at this property are subject to book dates, stay dates and other available deals.

Situated in Grietjie Nature Reserve, 26 km from the Phalaborwa Gate to Kruger National Park, Ngalali Retreat features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Boasting room service, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a desk and free WiFi. The rooms at the guest house are fitted with a seating area. Rooms come with a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. All rooms have a wardrobe. Ngalali Retreat offers a continental or à la carte breakfast. The nearest airport is Phalaborwa, 29 km from Ngalali Retreat, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Restaurant
  • Room service
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar
  • Breakfast

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.7)

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

Free private parking available on-site

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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

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Room type
Number of guests
 
2 single beds
1 single bed
and
1 large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
9.6
Cleanliness
9.8
Comfort
9.7
Value for money
9.6
Location
9.7
Free WiFi
8.8
High score for Grietjie Nature Reserve
Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Bart
    Belgium Belgium
    “Great location inside the Grietjie reserve, and wel accesible on the route to Krugerpark or the panorama route. Helpfull staff, great activities ( sunset drive,...) and great breakfast and dinner with possibility to spot wildlife from the terrace...”
  • Tessa
    Netherlands Netherlands
    “Very beautiful and lovely place in the middle of the nature. We stayed in the Lions Cottage and it was great! The staff is great. Xander took us on a extra game drive to see the rhinos! Helen is an amazing cook. We did a evening game drive, boat...”
  • Franzi
    Germany Germany
    “Beautiful place in the „wildness“. Very lovely rooms with a lot of decoration. Amazing breakfast and dinner! The owners are really nice and there are just 4 rooms so it’s very personal. We did a safari with the owner - it was really good. Lots of...”
  • Tamara
    Austria Austria
    “Beautiful resort in the middle of nature with very friendly, helpful and welcoming staff and hosts :) The rooms are super clean, comfy, well equipped with nice furniture and decoration. As there are just a few rooms on the property it’s very...”
  • Mthethwa
    South Africa South Africa
    “Wow what an amazing time we had, thank you the owner's for being so welcoming, the overall experience was amazing the food was delicious especially the breakfast all the staff were so amazing”
  • Oscar
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Amazing stay, Xander was a great host. I went with my mate for a few days and the location was exceptional. Being in a private reserve, on arrival at night in our rental car we saw elephants on the first night! The food,staff and trips were all...”
  • Deniz
    Germany Germany
    “The location is in the greater Kruger area and the animals can freely roam between Kruger and Grietjie Nature Reserve. The room was very comfortable and entails everything you need. There are four cute dogs, we were immediately best friends with...”
  • June
    Netherlands Netherlands
    “We enjoyed everything about our stay at Ngalali, the lodge itself was beautiful and the area amazing for safari’s and spotting animals. The owners and other staff members are incredibly welcoming and kind, the home cooked meals were delicious and...”
  • Adrien
    France France
    “Everything! Xander and Lorenza made everything to ensure we get an amazing time at their retreat. The food is really worthwhile as well !!”
  • Sophia
    Netherlands Netherlands
    “We had a very special and beautiful stay at Ngalali Retreat. Xander and Lorenza are very friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed the lovely and tasty diners and good conversations with them. We also did the afternoon drive and half-day drive in the...”

Quality rating

Booking.com rated the quality of this property as 4 out of 5 based on factors such as facilities, size, location and services provided.

Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property
The property usually replies within a few days

  • Price of game drives please?

    GAME DRIVES cost - R 500 x adult - R 250 x child 6 - 12 years - over 12 years , full adult rate. CHILDREN below 6 years are not admitted for safety r..
    Answered on 28 December 2019

  • Do you have a facility for us to have a barbeque ? will we be able to get cutlery from you if you do have the facility ?

    We do have a BBQ but regrettably we don't allow self-catering, so guests in general are not allowed to cook their own meals by themselves. We do cat..
    Answered on 10 February 2020

  • Would you be able to organise a game drive in Kruger?

    Hello! yes we can organize Kruger tours, full day or half day, but only for our guests at the lodge. Thank you for your interest!
    Answered on 9 September 2023

  • i want to book a room with you, but i want to know how much the airport pickup costs. Is their an option to book the big five game drive?

    Hi thank you for your enquiry. The cost of the airport transfer to our lodge is variable depending on what airport you are arriving at. So in this ca..
    Answered on 25 January 2020

  • Hello, do you have game drives at your own reserve/ private game reserves in the Greater Kruger or only in the Kruger park? Thank you!

    Hello! Yes, we organize morning game drive and afternoon game drive (about 3 hours) inside our private game reserve for our guests at the lodge. We of..
    Answered on 23 June 2023

  • Good day do you have shuttle for collecting at airport

    We arrange transfers from Hoedspruit airport and O.R.Tambo at extra cost.
    Answered on 6 October 2021
  • Still looking?

Managed by Lorenza & Xander Hill

Company review score: 9.9Based on 162 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

Dear Guest, Welcome to Ngalali Retreat! My husband and I are living on site, I'm Italian and he's South African and we will be pleased to welcome and assist you upon arrival and during your stay at Ngalali Retreat. Our friendly hospitality will enhance your stay at the lodge, providing you delicious homemade Italian inspired meals along with South African wines tasting. We are certified nature/safari guides so you will have the opportunity to book with us guided game drives in our reserve, tours and activities around the surrounding areas of interest like the well renowned Kruger National Park or the Blyde River Canyon. Whatever we do, we do it with passion and love! Looking forward to hearing from you soon, Cheers!

Property information

Ngalali Retreat is a small lodge immersed in the African bush inside the Big 5 Grietjie Private Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger Conservation area. It is conveniently located 26 km away from the Kruger National Park Phalaborwa gate. There are three en-suite bedrooms, an indoor dining/ lounge area, a communal patio with sitting and dining area overlooking the waterhole. The lodge was refurbished in May 2019 enhancing the African theme decor. It is surrounded by a natural bush garden with a large swimming pool accessible all year around where guests can relax and enjoy the view of the bush and the wild animals passing by. The property is fenced off for safety reasons. Its rustic and natural setting is suitable for those ones who want to experience the bush life, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life and relaxing in an informal and peaceful place without renouncing to comforts, delicious meals and free WiFi. There are no TV’s here. The meals, inspired by Italian cuisine, are prepared in our kitchen with fine and fresh locally sourced ingredients. Guided Game drives and bush activities are available from the lodge with private open game viewer vehicle.

Neighbourhood information

In this area, the main highlights are the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon with the Panorama Route, easily accessible from our lodge with day tours. Ngalali Retreat is conveniently located near Phalaborwa Hendrik Van Eck Airport about 30 km away and Hoedspruit Eastgate airport around 60 km away, which are connected daily with flights Johannesburg O.R.Tambo International Airport. As alternative guests can book shuttles connecting Johannesburg Airport to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa or renting a car and self-driving to here. We do arrange private transfers from/to each airport. No public transport is available.

Languages spoken

Afrikaans,English,Italian

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • Restaurant #1
    • Cuisine
      Italian • Grill/BBQ • South African
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Brunch • Lunch • Dinner • Cocktail hour
    • Dietary options
      Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Facilities of Ngalali Retreat
Great facilities! Review score, 9.6

Most popular facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Restaurant
  • Room service
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar
  • Breakfast
Bathroom
  • Private bathroom
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
View
  • Garden view
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Activities
  • Cooking class
    Additional charge
  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Themed dinner nights
    Additional charge
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Game drives
    Additional charge
Living Area
  • Seating Area
  • Desk
Food & Drink
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Kid meals
    Additional charge
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Reception services
  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Tour desk
Entertainment and family services
  • Board games/puzzles
Cleaning services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ironing service
    Additional charge
  • Laundry
    Additional charge
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access
  • 24-hour security
General
  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Packed lunches
  • Family rooms
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
Outdoor swimming pool
Free!
  • Open all year
  • All ages welcome
  • Pool with view
  • Pool/beach towels
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Sun umbrellas
Wellness
  • Sun umbrellas
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
Languages spoken
  • Afrikaans
  • English
  • Italian

House rules
Ngalali Retreat takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in
From 14:00 to 18:00
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 06:00 to 11:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Curfew
Entry to the property will be closed between the hours of 21:00 and 05:00
Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction
There is no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubCash
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Parties
Parties/events are not allowed
Quiet hours
Guests must be quiet between 21:00 and 06:00.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please inform Ngalali Retreat in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

Payment before arrival via bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

Quiet hours are between 21:00:00 and 06:00:00.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimise transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary and other relevant information, during dates where such guidelines exist.

FAQs about Ngalali Retreat

  • Guests staying at Ngalali Retreat can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 7.5).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Full English/Irish
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free

  • Check-in at Ngalali Retreat is from 14:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

  • The prices at Ngalali Retreat may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Room options at Ngalali Retreat include:

    • Twin
    • Double

  • Ngalali Retreat has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant #1

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Ngalali Retreat offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Walking tours
    • Swimming Pool
    • Tour or class about local culture
    • Game drives
    • Themed dinner nights
    • Cooking class

  • Ngalali Retreat is 1.1 miles from the centre of Grietjie Nature Reserve. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.