Tala Private Game Reserve

Frommer's Review

Ideally located for an overnight getaway, this 3,000-hectare (7,410-acre) wildlife conservancy is a mere 45 minutes' drive from the bright lights of Durban. In a mixed landscape of acacia thornveld, open grassland, and lush wetland, only two of the Big 5 roam (buffalo and rhino), but the reserve has a variety of buck (including the rare sable antelope), hippo, and giraffe. But the real reason to come here is the flagship Leadwood Lodge: Built by a team of artisans with locally sourced shale, and decorated by the award-winning Boyd Ferguson (who put Singita on the map), the design combines stone, earth, water, glass, and wood, while decor, based on an ethic of "nothing straight, nothing painted," is an eclectic merging of antique and organic Africa. You can choose between the two rooms in the main lodge (best value) or the six privately situated luxury cottages -- all with lounge area and a large open-plan bathroom with an outdoor shower romantically tucked away in the bush. The only drawback is service -- staff complement is not high.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; heated pool; library; game drives and walks; horseback riding

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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