Frequently Asked Questions

Ngoma Bush Lodge is located in the heart of Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa, on a private 600-hectare plains-game farm. We're perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) and within easy reach of Kruger National Park. Our secluded location offers the perfect balance of accessibility and authentic bush experience, making us an ideal base for exploring the Greater Kruger area.

Direct bookings give you the best direct rate, direct communication with our team and easier assistance if your plans change. You'll also receive personalized service, priority for special requests, complimentary welcome drinks, and direct communication with our team for tailored safari planning. Plus, no hidden booking fees! We can help customize your entire Hoedspruit experience, from Kruger tours to local attractions, ensuring your stay is exactly what you envision.

We have a 2-night minimum stay requirement to ensure you can fully experience the magic of the African bush. This allows time for morning and afternoon game drives, relaxation at the lodge, and a proper safari rhythm. We recommend 3-4 nights to include a full-day Kruger excursion. During peak season and holidays, longer minimum stays may apply.

You can book directly through our website using the contact form, send us an email at res@ngomalodge.com, or call us at +27 64 516 9828. Direct bookings receive the best rates, direct communication, and easier assistance if your plans change. We recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance during peak season (May-September).

Our cancellation policy: 30+ days before arrival - 75% refund (forfeit 25% deposit). 21-29 days before arrival - 50% refund (forfeit 50% deposit). 15 days or less - no refund (forfeit 100%). We understand plans change and will work with you to reschedule whenever possible.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), bank transfers (EFT), and cash payments. A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due 7 days before arrival. International guests can pay via bank transfer in USD, EUR, or GBP.

Your safari lodge rate includes accommodation on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis, plus twice-daily game drives (morning and afternoon) on our private 600-hectare plains game farm. You'll also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, secure parking, daily housekeeping, and full access to our swimming pool and communal areas. Kruger National Park safari tours, airport transfers, and additional activities can be arranged at an extra cost.

Ngoma Bush Lodge is set on a private 600-hectare plains game farm with only five thatched bungalows and a maximum of 10 guests. Selected stays include dinner, breakfast and two daily plains game drives, offering a quieter and more personal bush lodge experience near Kruger.

On our private 600-hectare plains-game farm, you can spot a variety of plains game including giraffe, zebra, kudu, sable, eland, wildebeest, impala and other antelope. The farm and surrounding bushveld are also home to more elusive and nocturnal wildlife, with occasional sightings or signs of civets, genets, porcupines, caracals, hyenas, aardvarks, and leopards. Birdwatchers will delight in over 200 bird species. While we're not a Big 5 reserve, our morning and afternoon game drives offer personal wildlife encounters in a peaceful, uncrowded setting. For Big 5 sightings (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), Ngoma operates arranged offsite Big 5 safari/game drives in the Greater Kruger area at an additional cost, unless included in a selected package. Kruger National Park safaris can also be arranged through a trusted third-party provider.

Yes! Ngoma Bush Lodge is conveniently located in Hoedspruit within the Greater Kruger region — just 14km from town centre and within easy reach of Kruger National Park. The nearby Orpen Gate is less than 1 hour's drive away, making day trips into the park effortless. This makes our private game lodge the perfect base for combining bush lodge relaxation with world-class Kruger safari adventures.

Ngoma Bush Lodge is not a Big 5 property. The lodge is situated on a private 600-hectare plains game farm where guests can enjoy sightings of giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland, sable, wildebeest, impala and other plains game. Offsite Big 5 safaris can be arranged in the Greater Kruger area and Kruger National Park — separate from the included plains game drives — and selected safari packages include Big 5 drives. These are separate from the on-site plains game drives included in the standard lodge stay.

Yes. Offsite Big 5 safaris can be arranged in the Greater Kruger area at an additional cost, unless included in selected packages. Ngoma Bush Lodge itself is a private plains game lodge, not a Big 5 property. These are separate from the on-site plains game drives included in the standard lodge stay. Big 5 game drives take place in the Greater Kruger reserves and Kruger National Park, where guests can search for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. View our Big 5 safari packages or game drive experiences.

Plains game drives take place on Ngoma's private 600-hectare farm in Hoedspruit and are included in every stay. On these drives, guests can see giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland, sable, wildebeest, impala and other plains game in a peaceful, uncrowded setting. Big 5 game drives are offered by Ngoma as a separate safari experience into the Greater Kruger reserves or Kruger National Park, where guests search for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Selected safari packages include Big 5 game drives.

Ngoma Bush Lodge has only five thatched bungalows, accommodating a maximum of 10 guests at any time. This small-scale, peaceful setup ensures a peaceful, uncrowded safari experience with personalised attention. It is ideal for couples, small groups and nature lovers seeking a quiet bush lodge in Hoedspruit. For exclusive-use bookings, your group can have the entire lodge to yourselves.

Absolutely! Ngoma Bush Lodge is one of the most romantic safari lodges in Hoedspruit. Our peaceful, personal bush setting, stunning bush views, and personalised service make it perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. We offer special packages for honeymoon safaris, anniversaries, and proposals. Enjoy candlelit dinners under the stars, relaxing game drives together, and unforgettable African sunsets from your private deck.

Ngoma Bush Lodge is about a 1-hour drive from Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate, making it perfect for full-day or half-day Big 5 safari adventures. The drive to Orpen Gate is short and scenic, allowing you to maximize your game viewing time. We can arrange guided Kruger tours with experienced local rangers or provide detailed directions for self-drive safaris. Early morning departures typically leave the lodge around 5:30 AM to catch the best wildlife activity.

The dry winter months (May-September) offer the best game viewing as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is thinner. However, each season has its charm: Summer (October-April) brings lush landscapes, baby animals, and incredible birdwatching with migratory species. We welcome guests year-round and can help you choose the best time for your interests.

Yes! Ngoma operates offsite Big 5 safari/game drives in the Greater Kruger area, offering full-day and half-day Kruger safaris. These include park entrance fees, professional guide services, and wildlife expertise. We can also arrange visits to nearby wildlife rehabilitation centers, elephant sanctuaries, and other Hoedspruit attractions. Please inquire when booking to reserve your preferred dates.

Yes, we offer convenient airport transfer services from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), which is only 20 minutes from the lodge. Transfers can be arranged for a reasonable fee when you book your stay. Simply let us know your flight details, and we'll have a friendly driver waiting to welcome you. This hassle-free service means you can start your safari experience the moment you land!

The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), just 20 minutes away. We can arrange airport transfers for a fee. If driving from Johannesburg, it's approximately 5-6 hours via the N1 and R40. Detailed directions will be provided with your booking confirmation. The roads are well-maintained, and a regular sedan is suitable (4x4 not required).

Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, neutral-colored clothing for safaris, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, camera with zoom lens, binoculars. Winter (May-Sept): Warm layers for early mornings. Summer (Oct-April): Light, breathable clothing and rain jacket. We provide toiletries, towels, and hairdryers in all rooms.

Hoedspruit is in a low-risk malaria area. The risk is highest during summer months (November-April). We recommend consulting your doctor or travel clinic about malaria prevention. Basic precautions include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves/pants during dawn and dusk, and sleeping under mosquito nets (provided in all rooms).

Yes, we offer complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the lodge. While we encourage disconnecting and embracing the bush experience, we understand the need to stay connected. Please note that as we're in a rural area, internet speeds may be slower than urban areas, but sufficient for emails, messaging, and browsing.

No. Ngoma Bush Lodge is a private plains game lodge, not a Big 5 property. On the lodge's 600-hectare farm, guests can enjoy sightings of giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland, sable, wildebeest, impala and other plains game. Offsite Big 5 safaris can be arranged in the Greater Kruger area and Kruger National Park. These are separate from the included plains game drives on Ngoma's private 600-hectare farm and are available as add-ons or as part of selected packages.

No. The standard lodge stay includes only plains game drives on our private 600-hectare plains-game farm. Big 5 game drives are available as a separate add-on experience and are included in selected safari packages only. Check package inclusions carefully when booking to confirm whether Big 5 drives are part of your stay.

On our private 600-hectare plains game farm, guests regularly spot giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland, sable, wildebeest, impala, warthog, waterbuck, nyala and other plains game. The farm and surrounding bushveld are also home to more elusive and nocturnal wildlife, with occasional sightings or signs of civets, genets, porcupines, caracals, hyenas, aardvarks, and leopards. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 200 bird species. For the Big 5 — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo — offsite safaris can be arranged in the Greater Kruger area at an additional cost, unless included in selected packages. Ngoma Bush Lodge itself is a private plains game lodge, not a Big 5 property. Visit our wildlife guide for the full list.

Ngoma Bush Lodge is about a 1-hour drive from Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate. This makes our safari lodge near Orpen Gate an ideal base for self-drive or guided day trips into Kruger. The route is well-maintained and suitable for sedan vehicles.

Ngoma Bush Lodge is just 20 minutes from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), making transfers quick and easy. We offer airport transfer services when you book your stay. The airport has daily flights from Johannesburg (about 1 hour) and Cape Town, making Ngoma one of the most accessible safari lodges in the Hoedspruit area.

Yes — and you should! Booking direct with Ngoma Bush Lodge saves you 10% compared to third-party booking platforms. Direct rates start from R1,800 per person per night (single) instead of R2,000 on other platforms. Direct bookings also get priority room allocation, easier assistance if your plans change, and direct communication with our team. Book direct →

Yes, Ngoma Bush Lodge is ideal for couples and small groups. With only 5 thatched bungalows and a maximum of 10 guests, the lodge is small, private and never crowded. It's an ideal Hoedspruit safari base for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, small friend groups, and solo travellers wanting a peaceful bush experience. For exclusive-use bookings, your group can have the entire lodge to yourselves.

No, Ngoma Bush Lodge is not self-catering. Our rates include dinner, bed and breakfast, and two daily game drives. Lunch can be arranged with advance notice at an additional cost. We have a licensed bar on site, and alcohol is available for purchase separately. This dinner, bed and breakfast approach means you can focus on your safari experience without worrying about self-catering logistics.

Yes! We regularly offer Hoedspruit accommodation specials including honeymoon packages, early booking discounts, and seasonal deals. Direct booking rates start from R1,800 per person per night — significantly lower than third-party platform prices. Visit our special offers page for current deals, or contact us for the best available direct rate for your dates.