Fox Browne Creative’s Reinvention of and Beyond’s Ngala Tented Camp Shatters Safari Stereotypes with Bold Modernist Flair
In the competitive world of luxury safari lodges, redesigning a respected and beloved camp requires a skilful touch. Fox Browne Creative’s recent transformation, in partnership with architect Jack Alexander, of and Beyond Ngala Tented Camp exemplifies this finesse, delivering contemporary sophistication while preserving the raw appeal of sleeping under canvas in the African bush.
Positioned on the edge of Kruger National Park, where the Timbavati River meanders through distinctive grassland, Ngala’s story began in 1999 on the site of a former ranger training school. Its latest chapter, completed in October 2024 after 14 months of meticulous execution, represents a thoughtful reintroduction of a cherished safari experience. For the design team, the challenge was clear: to elevate the ‘under canvas’ experience without losing its soul and authentic intention.
Where lions roam
Named after the Shangaan word for ‘lion’, Ngala Private Game Reserve is distinguished as the first private reserve incorporated into Kruger National Park, South Africa’s wildlife crown jewel. Here, among riverside trees, on the original training site, nine intimate tented suites illustrate how design can enhance rather than compete with the wilderness experience. Increasingly, travellers seek experiences that ensure privacy and unique memories all bundled into one curated package — a desire that the newly imagined Ngala Tented Camp effortlessly provides. Fox Browne Creative has redefined the concept of safari accommodation, breaking free from the predictable green canvas tents and colonial style to present a refreshing perspective.
Breaking the canvas ceiling
The tented interiors draw on a refined palette inspired by the surrounding bushveld, with custom furnishings and locally inspired details adding delightful depth. Stained glass vanities introduce an unexpected modernist touch, while traditional Shangaan embroidery adorns ceiling panels and upholstery. Clean architectural lines meet stone-clad walls and polished wooden decks, while innovative furnishings and a confident use of colour create spaces that feel both contemporary and contextual.
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and sophistication. Reclaimed railway timber and FSC-certified wood provide warm counterpoints to Pelindaba granite and clay tiles, creating textural interest while adhering to strict environmental standards. Even the lighting scheme underwent meticulous testing to ensure it enhances the unique quality of light particular to Timbavati. Each tent offers both indoor and outdoor showers (because why choose?), private salas, and enough modern touches to satisfy even the most connected guests.
The devil’s in the details
The renovation’s centrepiece is a sophisticated expansion of the main lodge, where a new flat-roofed extension appears to float above the riverbed. Floor-to-ceiling glazing creates a seamless visual connection to the landscape, while the doubled communal spaces now include seasonal dining areas and an elevated bar that maximises its privileged position. The addition of a river-view gym and spa pavilion — raised on platforms to protect the underlying vegetation — brings wellness into conversation with wilderness.
The main lodge area exemplifies the camp’s design philosophy of ‘less is more, but make it remarkable’. Expansive al fresco decks, sheltered by reticulated awnings, provide multiple contemplative spaces. Through thoughtful architectural intervention and considered interior design, Ngala Tented Camp speaks a language that both traditionalists and modernists can appreciate. It is a place where luxury treads lightly, where contemporary design bows to nature, and where every sunset feels as though it was orchestrated just for you.
This article is an extract from our 2024/25 Coffee Table Edition. Click here to read the full issue.
