My Life-Changing Safari Experience in Ngala with &Beyond

There are some trips that are wonderful, some that are memorable and then there are the ones that genuinely change you.

My recent safari in Ngala with &Beyond was one of those experiences. 

This safari actually came about thanks to my best friend Billie, who had been on the exact same trip a year before and absolutely raved about it. From the moment she got back she couldn’t stop talking about how incredible it was: the animals, the guides, the lodge, the whole experience.

So when she casually mentioned that she was thinking of planning a trip for nine of us to go together, there was really only one response. Yes. Immediately and emphatically, yes. How could we possibly resist after hearing how magical it was? And honestly, even with all the stories she told us, nothing could have prepared me for just how special it would be.

It’s hard to explain just how extraordinary it was. From the moment we arrived, everything felt magical. Not just because of the incredible wildlife (although that obviously played a huge part), but because of the people, the atmosphere, and the feeling that you were completely immersed in nature in the most beautiful way. Guys, we walked into the camp, and there was an elephant! It was almost as if it was there to welcome us. Obvs I burst into tears immediately, something that continued to happen three to four times a day. 

I’ve travelled a lot, but this trip will stay with me forever

The &Beyond Experience

What struck me immediately was the service and warmth of everyone at &Beyond. It didn’t feel like a hotel or lodge in the traditional sense; it felt like you were being welcomed into a family. Nothing was too much trouble. Every single member of staff went above and beyond (pun absolutely intended). Whether it was remembering how you take your coffee, chatting with you about what animals you hoped to see, or making sure every detail of your stay was perfect. There’s something incredibly special about being somewhere that feels luxurious but also completely relaxed and personal. You feel looked after in the most genuine way.

Our “Tent” (and I Use That Word Loosely)

Now, the accommodation rooms are described as tents, but let me just clarify something immediately: this is not an Isle of Wight, pitch-your-own-tent, sleeping-bag situation. Not even remotely close. These were quite possibly the most luxurious “tents” you could ever imagine. Inside was a huge king-sized bed, beautiful interiors, an indoor shower, an outdoor shower, and my personal dream, an outdoor bath. There is honestly nothing quite like sitting in a bath in the middle of the African bush listening to the sounds of nature around you. Even better, our tent overlooked the river, which meant we had a front-row seat to any animals that decided to wander past. Morning coffee while watching wildlife from your deck? Absolute magic.

A Typical Day on Safari

Safari days start early but trust me, you won’t mind.

At 5am you get a gentle knock on your door and a coffee is posted through a little hatch. Yes, coffee literally arrives while you’re still in bed. Honestly, that alone deserves an award.

By 5:30am you’re out on safari, driving through the bush as the sun slowly rises. The early morning light is magical, and the animals are incredibly active at this time. Our morning drives would last until around 9:30 am, and every single one was different.

On this trip, we saw the Big Five, countless animals, and the most adorable baby elephants, rhinos and warthogs you could imagine.

After the morning drive you return to the lodge for breakfast, and then the day becomes wonderfully relaxed. You can spend time by the pool, enjoy the lodge, or simply sit and watch the wildlife around you. Yes, the wildlife around you. You never knew what was right around the corner. One day it was impalas and elephants, the next buffaloes and baboons. 

In the afternoon, you head back out for the evening safari at around 4pm. These drives are equally as magical. The light becomes golden, the air cools slightly, and there’s something special about watching animals as the day winds down. Oh, and you can even

enjoy a drink while watching the sunset in the middle of the African bush. Champagne. A gin and tonic. A cold beer. All while surrounded by some of the most extraordinary wildlife on earth. It’s honestly mind-blowing. Our incredible guides even set up a little sun-downers station each night as the sun was setting. 

The African Sunsets (and the Stars)

I thought I knew what a beautiful sunset looked like until I saw one in Africa. There truly is nothing like an African sunset. The sky turns the deepest shades of orange, pink and gold, and it feels like something straight out of a film. Then the stars appear. With absolutely no light pollution, the night sky becomes littered with sparkles. I’ve never seen stars like it in my life. It felt like I could see the entire universe. Obvs this meant we had to burst into Simply Red’s ‘Stars’ each night – though I’m pretty sure this made the animals run away, thanks to our dulcet tunes.

The Incredible Guides and Spotters

A safari is only as good as the people guiding you, and we were unbelievably lucky.

Our guides Victor and Ruel were phenomenal. Their knowledge of the animals, the landscape, and the ecosystem was incredible. They constantly shared fascinating facts, stories, and insights that made every sighting even more special. I also threw around a few of my extensive animal facts (If there’s ever a David Attenborough-themed pub quiz, I’m your girl), although it turns out that a warm cup of coffee drunk by a giraffe wouldn’t in fact be cold by the time it reached its stomach – ha! 

What amazed me most about our guides was their ability to read the bush and to reverse the safari car whilst standing up, without looking at where they were going. Absolute tekkers. 

Then at the front of the vehicle you have your spotters, who are total legends. Our spotter was Tonight, and on the other vehicle, it was Adam. These are the people who grew up in this environment; they know the bush like the back of their hands. They can spot the tiniest movement, read animal tracks, and detect signs that most of us would never even notice. Watching them work was honestly fascinating. They didn’t just show us animals, they taught us about the bush, about behaviour, and about how everything in nature connects. It made the experience so much richer.

&Beyond’s Commitment to the Environment

One of the things that made this experience even more special was learning just how much the team at andBeyond do to protect the environment and the ecosystems around them. Conservation isn’t just a nice idea here, it’s at the heart of everything they do. From protecting wildlife habitats and supporting anti-poaching initiatives to carefully managing the land so that the natural environment thrives, their focus is on ensuring these incredible landscapes and animals are preserved for generations to come. Being there made me realise that safari isn’t just about seeing wildlife, it’s about protecting it. Every drive, every conversation with the guides, and every moment spent in the bush reinforced how important it is to respect and care for this extraordinary ecosystem.

Visiting the Local Community with Wild Impact

Another truly memorable part of the trip was visiting the local community through Wild Impact – the charitable arm connected to &Beyond. We spent a few hours at a local school where we played football with the children, which was honestly one of the most joyful experiences. They were full of energy, laughter and the warmest smiles. The children also presented to us about the importance of protecting the wetlands and their local environment, which was incredibly inspiring to see at such a young age. It was a beautiful reminder that conservation isn’t just about wildlife, it’s about supporting the communities who live alongside it too. It was such a special few hours, and if you’re ever looking into this trip I’d really encourage you to check out the work Wild Impact does. They’re doing remarkable things for both people and the planet. It was so special for me to see Theo enjoying this part of the experience so much. He has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years and has raised millions of pounds for communities like this one. So to see him actually be able to visit one and see the impact of his work over the years was an extremely emotional moment. 

What to Pack for Safari

If you’re planning a safari, there are a few things I’d highly recommend bringing.

Neutral Clothing

Safari style is not just for the aesthetic; it’s practical. Stick to neutral colours like khaki, beige, olive and sand. Bright colours can attract attention from animals and insects, so it’s best to keep things natural. Obvs a David Attenborough T-shirt is needed. These khaki trousers from Free People were great. Not only were they lightweight, but they reminded me of my 90’s rave days and what’s not to love about that!

A Hat

The African sun is strong, so a good hat is essential.

A Light Jumper

Even though we didn’t need it much, mornings can sometimes be cooler, so it’s worth packing a light jumper or jacket just in case.

Animal-Print Swimsuits, Obvs

No explanation needed for this one.

A Phone Strap

This was one of the best things I packed. Safari vehicles are open and sometimes you drive quite quickly when a sighting is made. Having a strap on my phone meant it was always secure and easy to grab for photos. No fumbling around in a bag while a leopard sauntered past.

Cameras

If you love photography, bring as many cameras or lenses as you’re comfortable carrying.

The wildlife moments happen quickly and unexpectedly – you’ll want to be ready.

Mosquito Spray

Essential.

SPF

Also essential. Even when it doesn’t feel that hot, you’re out in the sun for hours.

Lip Balm 

Nobody wants to worry about chapped lips while on safari.

A Bum Bag 

…to carry on the safari rides. So handy. This Antler one was brilliant as it has plenty of room to carry everything.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, this trip was so much more than just a safari. Of course, seeing the Big Five, watching baby elephants play, and experiencing those surreal African sunsets were unforgettable moments. But what really stayed with me was the deeper connection to the landscape, the wildlife, and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting it. From the incredible team at &Beyond, to our amazing guides Victor and Raul, to the inspiring work being done through Wild Impact, every part of the experience reminded me of how important it is to protect these places.

Safari has a way of slowing you down. You start noticing everything: the sounds of the bush, the movement of animals, the colours of the sky as the sun sets. It makes you appreciate nature in a way that everyday life rarely allows. And the truth is, even with all the stories Billie told us before we went, nothing could have prepared me for how magical it would actually be. And to share it with my friends was even more special.

It was extraordinary, emotional, humbling and completely unforgettable.

If a safari has ever been on your bucket list, take this as your sign to go.

Because once you experience the magic of the African bush it stays with you forever.

If you’re interested in booking an AndBeyond safari experience please contact Billie.Bhatia@outlook.com

Love,

Lisa xx