THIS is how guests are woken during the mating season!
Much better than the urban sound of cars, leaf-blowers, lawn-mowers and even the occasional police or ambulance siren.
And let’s not forget the sound of the police helicopters patrolling overhead.
Having a flock of Southern Masked Weavers provide a daily audio backdrop is certainly the better option.
The fire pit is not a seating option during the day as it is the direct sunlight with no shade for the guests.
For that reason, those staying here tend to congreate in the covered patio where meals are served, or weather dependent, in the indoor lounge.
Not that Tingala has a shortage of either indoor or outdoor seating space to choose from.
Looking out towards the Northern Drakensberg.
Several times during our stay, a variety of animal species came here to slake their thirst.
I was told by a member of staff that they have seen 4 of the Big 5, as rhinos have yet to be seen here.
We saw zebra, impala and waterbuck while seated on the patio
Almost a sofa safari…
Meals can be enjoyed on the patio.
Breakfast is included in the accommodation package.
Guests have access to the fully stocked kitchen and can therefore prepare either lunch or dinner for themselves.
Feel like a braai? The staff will willingly help you start the fire.
As an alternative, guests can head off into the nearby town of Phalaborwa to grab something to eat.
It turns out that this pool used to be much bigger; the owner decided to make it smaller due to water conservation measures.
A great place to cool off during the heat of the day in the summer months in the Lowveld. And in the evening, when the birds have settled for the night, guests can avail themselves of this with or without the lights.
Every room has a different configuration. This was ours for the duration of our stay.
Although it might seem that the bed took up most of the space, there was hanging space as well as a bar fridge that made the room comfortable.
Most guests seem to use this guest house for accommodation/ breakfast, and then spend the day travelling to the various tourist destinations in the area.
For instance, the iconic Kruger National Park is just a short drive away.
My wife and I decided not to venture forth, as we had come from a game lodge and were returning to one on our return journey home.
Thus, there was a LOT of time to just relax and do N.O.T.H.I.N.G
I was amazed by how refreshing afternoon naps are when they are not interrupted by the constant urban noise that we don’t even notice when we are at home.
And, although there is connectivity for your electronic devices, you can limit your online time.
You do not have to be digitally available 24/7 365. None of us are THAT busy.
How did we stay in contact back in the dark days before dial-up internet turned us into the most connected, disconnected generation?
An interesting bathroom layout.
I have never seen a window placed so low in a wall!
Walking in…
Walking out.
Would you believe that all the tiles were locally made and hand-painted?
Bush TV. The best way to end an evening.
The ambience around the fire pit changes under the cover of darkness when it becomes the ideal place to sit and reflect on the day’s activities.
Fire always seems to encourage conversation and storytelling, even between strangers.
Travel & Things is the proud winner of these prestigious awards from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife.
The awards are in the categories:
Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa
Best African Game Reserves & Lodges Travel Review Site 2025.
Best African Resorts and Retreats Award 2025.
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