Ngala Private Game Reserve is home to all of the Big Five, but is particularly known for its elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as its packs of wild dog. Leopard and cheetah are also often encountered. The largest of all land mammals, the African elephant, is most often spotted leisurely browsing on the vegetation. Elephant are completely dependent on water and will travel considerable distances to a watering hole, making this the perfect place to watch out for them.  Elephant, as well as buffalo, are often encountered in the reed beds around the Timbavati River.

Although its numbers are not decreasing as steadily as before, the African wild dog is still highly endangered, with fewer than 3 000 remaining animals. Ngala is one of few reserves to offer regular opportunities to view this rare animal and its fascinating social structure. Packs of wild dogs operate along a strict hierarchy, with all members taking responsibility for the feeding of any pups. Although meat is obtained for the pups, the entire pack remains sedentary until they are old enough to join in the hunts. Another highly social species encountered at Ngala is the lion. 

The blue wildebeest, with their low hindquarter, handlebar horns and long, as well as their cantankerous nature live up their reputation as the clowns of the bushveld, cavorting and engaging in head-butting contests. In contrast, the statuesque kudu enthral with their spectacular spiral horns, as well as their prodigious grace and jumping ability. Striking zebra with their vibrant stripes and intriguing social system are a common sight among the bushveld savanna. The typical raised tails of warthog act as a signal device for groups, allowing each warthog to follow the one ahead of it. 

Recent Sightings from Wildwatch.com

LIKE &Beyond NGALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE'S FACEBOOK PAGE - 22 April 2013
For the latest updates, sightings and photographs at Ngala Private Game Reserve join our ever expanding facebook community. Click on the following link to 'like' our page:...
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HYENA CUB - 11 December 2012
Hyenas are such misunderstood, and sadly often disliked animals. This little cub was playing and running all around a termite mound that is being used as a den site, and eventually sat right near the top of the mound, trying to win over everyone's heart.
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HUNGRY STARE - 13 November 2012
These lions were lying in a small thicket, finding refuge from the warming sun. All of a sudden, a breeding herd of Buffalo arrived on the scene and chased the lions off. Out of harms way, these gazes suggest that maybe later the lions would return the...
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