Best African Safari on a Budget: Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

A South African I met once said to me that they’re jealous of everyone who has never been to the African continent before. “Why?” I asked.

“Because they are the ones who will still get to experience Africa for the first time.”

As someone who recently went to South Africa for the first time, I can safely say that he is right. South Africa was one of those destinations that burrowed its way into my heart in a way few other countries have, like Mexico, Vietnam, and Italy. It’s a country I will see myself returning to over and over again. In fact, David and I joked that we wanted to throw our passports into the sea the last time we were there so that we wouldn’t have to come home.

First-timers to South Africa will surely have a bucket list of things they want to tick off. For us, an African safari was at the top of the list. Daunted by the preconceived notion that African safaris are only for the deepest of pockets, I was surprised to find that there are a variety of budget-friendly African safari options that make viewing wildlife not only accessible but downright comfortable.

We ended up booking with Ngama Tented Safari Lodge because I found an exceptional two-night safari package. A South African safari cost can run the spectrum, sometimes costing thousands of dollars per night. The all-inclusive African safari package that I booked includes accommodations for two nights in a deluxe tent (hot water, a shower, and an actual bed), all meals, two game drives, and one bush walk — all for $350 per person. Total. It seemed too good to be true. Luckily for us, it was exactly what we wanted and was the best South African safari for first-timers. We loved it so much that we booked with them again for this year.

That’s right — we’re going back to South Africa.

I’ve written up my review of Ngama Tented Safari Lodge, but keep in mind that because it’s not a traditional hotel I couldn’t rank it the same way as I do with other properties. Still, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my travel career and gets my vote for one of the best South African safaris. I’m excited to share it with you.

Ngama Tented Safari Lodge Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

Kruger National Park Safari: The Vibe of Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

We flew into Hoedspruit, which is the airport you fly into for a Kruger National Park safari. Our guide greeted us and piled us into the open-air jeep for the hour-long drive to Ngama Tented Safari Lodge. The lodge itself is within Guernsey Private Nature Reserve, which shares borders with Thornybush and Kruger National Park.

The arrival experience is classic. It was exactly what I had pictured for our first safari in South Africa. We bumped down a sandy dirt road through the bush, peppered with baobab and marula trees. As we approached the bush camp tents, we were stopped by a towering giraffe, gracefully drinking water from the nearby watering hole. It was then I realized that the bush camp is truly in the middle of the wild and animals roam freely about. This was most definitely not the Bronx Zoo.

The beating heart of the camp is the main lodge, where homemade meals are prepared, sundowners are had on the porch, and where the friendly resident cat lazily peeks up from his daily naps to check on who is arriving. The vibe here is as social as you want it to be. You can hang out in the lodge and chat with other travelers from around the world, or retire to your tent for more privacy.

Best South African Safari: The Amenities at Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

Overall Score: Above Average

It’s hard to rate this category because it’s bush glamping. I did not expect amenities at all, so that there were any already gives Ngama a leg up. The property has a small pool, though it was a bit too chilly to use it. What you’re coming to Ngama for is to unplug from technology and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the wild — and on a budget.

All-Inclusive South African Safari: The Rooms at Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

I loved our tent. We booked a Tented Chalet with Shower & Bath. It came with a deep soaking tub, an indoor and outdoor shower, a real bed (with mosquito net), electricity, hot water, and outlets. No wifi in the tents, or anywhere, really, but we were very okay with that.

Quick story: We had such a wild experience on our first night. After dinner, we made our way back to our tent and were falling asleep when suddenly we heard the crunch of footsteps just outside. These were *not* human footsteps. We couldn’t tell if they were hooves or paws, but something was crunching on the gravel. Slightly terrified, but equally in awe, it fully reinforced how very vulnerable we were to nature. It was humbling. And definitely terrifying.

Best Safaris in Africa: The Dining at Ngama Tented Safari Lodge:

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

I cannot say enough wonderful things about the food at Ngama. The highlight is dinner on your first night when the group is treated to a magical bonfire braai (a traditional South African barbecue). The outdoor dining space is illuminated by torchlight and a feast will include everything from grilled chicken and pork to salads, vegetables, and the ubiquitous pap, a polenta-type starch made from maize.

But I loved every meal prepared at the lodge. I will say that the one miss for me was the bagged lunch that they provide when you do your full-day safari in Kruger Park. I think it was either tuna or chicken salad on wheat bread and it just did not do it for me. Still, it was nice that the overall rate of the package includes lunch.

South African Safari Lodges: The Wellness at Ngama Tented Safari Lodge:

Overall Score: N/A

Forget it. No spa, no gym, no yoga. Your wellness here comes from the overwhelming experiences you’ll have seeing gorgeous wildlife just steps from your face. Nothing is more meditative and healing than that.

Stay at Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

Have I convinced you yet? If you want to book a stay for yourself, you can do so right here. Note that I may earn a small commission if you book through my blog.