Narina Lodge at Tinga Private Game Lodge - luxury safaris in South Africa’s Kruger National Park

June 24, 9:00 AMWorldwide Travel ExaminerMark Resnicoff

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     Narina Lodge – Photo Credit: Tinga Private Game Lodge

Unlike its sister, Legends Lodge, Narina Lodge at Tinga Private Game Lodge in South Africa’s Kruger National Park offers guests with a distinctively African feel.  The luxurious, but rustic lodge is built on stilts with buildings nestled between trees on the banks of the Sabie River.

Narina Lodge offers nine suites that are complete with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, ceiling fans, satellite television and private viewing decks with heated plunge pools.

Set within the forest vegetation, the lodge offers exception wildlife viewing opportunities without leaving the camp.  Daily sightings of elephant and buffalo occur in winter, with lion prides and leopards making occasional appearances.  White rhino can sometimes be seen grazing in the evenings below the lodge’s main deck.

Instead of focusing mainly on the big five game animals (African elephants, black rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo, leopards and lions), Tinga’s game drives focus on providing guests with a complete bush experience, viewing a large variety of the area’s indigenous flora and fauna.  Safaris typically last for three hours and are conducted in open vehicles during the early morning and late afternoon.

Tinga’s qualified guides accompany guests on guided safari walks, providing an interesting and different look at the bush not seen from the safari vehicles.  A highlight of Tinga’s walking safaris is a visit to the Sabie River hippo pools.  Due to safety concerns, this trip is always done at the guide’s discretion.

Room rates are R11,520 ($1,430 US) per room per night, for a double suite during high season  (October 1 – April 30) and R10,560 ($1,315 US) per room per night, for a double suite during low season (May 1 – September 30).  Accommodations include all meals, morning and evening game drives, walking and tracking safaris, 14% VAT and tourism levies.

Kruger National Park Entrance Information

Entrance gates for Kruger National Park open at 6:00 AM April – Spetember and 5:30 AM October – March.  Gates close between 5:30 PM at 6:30 PM, depending on the time of year.  Park entrance fees currently are:

• South African ID/passport holders – R30 ($3.75 US)
• South African Development Community (SADC) ID/passport holders – R60 ($7.50 US)
• All Others – R120 ($15 US)

Receipts and/or permits must be returned to the gate attendant upon departure.