Ngata Safari Lodge

Weddings, year-end functions, conferences, birthday parties, team-building exercises and comfortable accommodation so close to nature that curious elephants and giraffe sometimes watch you shower. These are just a few highlights you can expect when staying at Ngata Safari Lodge , in the Dinokeng Game Reserve .

A labour of love for owner Carl Morin, the lodge is the ideal setting not only for visitors of the four-legged variety, but for anyone after a really good meal at the on-site restaurant, or those city-weary souls in search of a great wilderness sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

Ngata strives for perfection, and this is evident in its extensive menu, which ranges from à la carte to exceptional grill-house variety meals. Even if it’s not on the menu, Matt, the super-talented resident chef, is likely to whip it up for you in no time at all. But if you can’t decide, you may want to sample some of the prawns (imported from Thailand and Vietnam), the smoky pork ribs (made in an outdoor Texas smoker) or British-style fish and chips.

Definitely also ask about the aged premium beef cuts, which are prepared to perfection on request. You don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy all that Ngata has to offer. Considering how close it is to Johannesburg and Pretoria, the lodge is great for day visits, and it’s not uncommon for lovers of good food to drive in just for the ribs.

Why not be one of these taste-test travellers and pop in at Ngata? And while you’re there, get in some game viewing, or put up your feet at the pool before hitting the road again.