The Greater Kruger is scattered with intimate lodges, many of which only cater to a handful of guests at a time. These camps offer a personalised and intimate safari experience in South Africa’s expansive Lowveld region, but leave little room for large corporate groups in need of something different when it comes to annual budget meetings or compulsory conferences! Here is a selection of three lodges that cater to corporates, while combining a typical luxury safari experience complete with game drives, bush breakfasts, and sundowners.
Going on safari for your work function or formal conference is one way to ensure you combine fun and work. And there is nothing healthier that work-life balance!
Here are 3 Kruger safari lodges for corporate groups:
&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge: Sleeps 42
The charming and classic &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge is located in the Kruger National Park on a private sect of land. Surrounded by canopies of mopane and tamboti trees, this lodge is nothing short of an elegant hideaway shrouded in natural vegetation. Lantern lined pathways wind their way down to manicured lawns, a busy waterhole attracting herds of elephants sits neatly on the doorstep of Ngala, and a sparkling pool provides much-needed respite from the heat. Don’t be surprised to see elephants approaching the pool area!
Boughs of trees surround the boma dining area, which is the ideal space to connect with work colleagues. A roaring campfire provides a relaxed atmosphere in the boma and is certainly a place where memories are made and stories shared. To destress, we recommend you book a spa treatment or hit the gym. There are 17 Air-conditioned cottages, 3 family cottages and 1 private family suite; and outdoor and indoor showers. The family suites have their own private plunge pools and the bathrooms with a view are definitely a highlight!
We recommend Ngala for a company getaway. It oozes colonial elegance and certainly sets the standard in terms of luxury safari lodges. There isn’t a conference room, so it would be more of a relaxed company get away with small group meetings which could be held in outdoor areas or in the courtyard – provided you booked out the whole lodge.
Kapama River Lodge: Sleeps 40
Kapama River Lodge is a modern lodge tucked away in Kapama Private Game Reserve and boasts plenty of open spaces with African inspired decor peppered throughout the lodge. Kapama has cleverly designed this lodge to reflect both modern hotel living and the wild African bushveld. A perfect balance between city life and busy life; and an ideal destination for corporates.
Kapama River Lodge is a festive place and has a bustling bar area ideal for those end of conference drink sessions. Of course, you could always arrange a wine tasting session in the wine cellar for you and your colleagues (there are over 600 wines on offer). There is even a media centre seating up to 20 delegates and is perfectly equipped for small conferences.
There are a variety of accommodation options available, with the most opulent being the Royal Suites. A secluded paradise of luxury that even has recliner couches on the patio! Massive bathrooms with gigantic windows give rise to exquisite bushveld views of the Kruger, and dual showers provide an added sense of luxury.
We highly recommend structuring your work day to combine it with a few game drives, a relaxing spa treatment or a stroll down to the waterhole to watch the wildlife come and go. A roaring fire in the main lounge is yet another place to sit and unwind.
Kapama truly caters for the international visitor, and the spa area is actually considered to be one of the finest safari spas in Africa. River Lodge is certainly a firm favourite with our guests!
Thornybush Game Lodge: Sleeps 40
The Thornybush Game Lodge is located within the world-renown Thornybush Nature Reserve, a big five reserve with abundant wildlife. The game lodge is actually a go-to destination for weddings, functions and birthdays. It’s also fully equipped for formal business events. In total, the lodge can sleep 40 people.
Thornybush caters for all types of guests, but the reason it is perfect for work functions is because of its 60 seater conference centre. After an arduous day of work, guests can relax in the beauty spa or indulge in a sumptuous meal in the outdoor dining area.
In terms of accommodation, there are 18 suites and 2 family suites. Rooms all overlook the seasonal Monwana River, which sees plenty of activity from wildlife.
