Ngwenya Lodge is a prized home-away-from-home holiday destination for a number of families. In our effort to maintain a high quality Resort for ultimate happy holidaying enjoyment, the dedicated Team works consistently to address areas which require some tender-love-and-care.
Take a look at how we have consistently been making Ngwenya Lodge even more special through the years:
All the ovens, hobs and cooker hoods were replaced in all units across the Resort.
Installation of new mosaic tiles in unit showers.
New single beds have been bought for all units.
New shade netting on select patios.
All fridge replacements have been completed in all the units.
New aircons have been installed in numerous units.
Garden pots received a new and fresh look.
Twenty-three canvas umbrella tops were purchased.
The Mbali Spa underwent a smart revamp.
Reception bridge received a new coat of paint.
Procurement and Installation: Solar assets are being procured, and installation is set to begin in August 2024.
New patio chairs have been purchased. Old air conditioners are being replaced. Some units were repainted.
Reception Bridge was rebuilt.
Restaurant roof was repaired.
Five new generators were installed.
Speedhumps were repainted.
Fence line to the Kruger was rebuilt.
Solar backup with batteries has been installed.
A water test has been conducted at the water waste treatment plant.
The Ngwenya Team started a replacement project for all patio chairs in 2022. The old chairs have been replaced with new ones that have removable pillows to mitigate the comfort issue raised by guests in the past
- All chalets received new sleeper couches
- All chalets received new sofa pillows
- Select chalets received new fridges and oven installations
- All chalet door handles were uplifted and replaced
Upgrades to the Resort carports, which started in 2020, have all been completed. The old carports were made of wood and had started to deteriorate due to age and prevailing weather conditions. New carports, made of steel, were erected to provide cover. These new carports are also much larger, to accommodate SUV's and 4x4 vehicles.
During the month of February, Ngwenya Lodge experienced a combination of welcomed thunder storms, but unusual windy weather, as well. The entrance wall to the Resort put up a fight but in the end crumbled under mother nature’s tough love. Within days, however, the welcoming feature bringing guests to the doors of their home-away-from-home was rebuilt. It now stands tall and strong once more!
Towards the end of January Cyclone Eloise made landfall up-river from Ngwenya Lodge. During this period the region experienced torrential rains which flooded the Crocodile River, breeching the Crocodile Bridge which forced the Kruger National Park to close the gate. Onsite, the Ngwenya Team worked hard to keep the Resort in tip-top shape. The influx of water turned the region a deep verdant green and guests revelled at the beautiful transformation left in her wake.
Le Fera Restaurant offers a delectable menu, refreshing beverages and a spectacular 180° view over the Crocodile River; making it a favourite watering hole for guests. To ensure everyone can enjoy ample game-viewing long into the evening, the awnings have been replaced chromadek plates – a study material made to withstand any weather condition.
Ngwenya Lodge recently began reupholstering the chalet sofas and we have made the switch from outdated leather to a stylish and superior, fabric choice. Made from up-cycled materials, which not only make use of an alternative method for dying the yarn but also require much lower temperatures to be manufactured and are 100% recyclable, these new suites have a lower carbon footprint and support our eco-friendly initiatives. This new fabric is also: made in South Africa which safeguards small businesses, resistant to chemicals and bacteria ideal for easy cleaning, and has thermo-regulating properties for optimal comfort in all seasons.
These spacious chalets feature gleaming private pools with views facing the flood plains. Every now and then a singular chalet is selected for a maintenance project, and at the start of 2021 chalet 52 was identified for some woodwork. The deck was completely stripped back, removed and replaced with new wood before being varnished to a shining finish.
Guests enjoy taking leisurely strolls through the Ngwenya gardens and as such, our gardening team ensures the space is well-maintained. The gardens recently received a makeover with freshly painted pots and new plants.
A new waste-water treatment facility has been completed for Ngwenya Lodge. The new plant was designed to replace the lillipit system and can process up to 400 cubes of influent per day at a maximum capacity, which drastically cuts odour. The processed influent can be used to irrigate sugar cane, thereby preventing wastewater. The effluent complies with local environmental standards as required.
On a mission to provide everlasting holiday memories to families, Ngwenya Lodge opened its first Jumping Pillow and Multi-Court. A new sound system was installed in the Games Room, as well. These exciting new additions to the Ngwenya family offering provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages.
As Ngwenya Lodge continues on its mission to provide an ‘environment for everlasting holiday memories’, the decision was reached to make the boma area, where our weekly meet-and-greet braais are held, more comfortable. The boma picnic tables were revamped to ensure a comfortable and relaxing spot from which to sit and enjoy the festivities.
Families, couples and friends enjoy stretching their legs and practising their swing on the tennis courts at Ngwenya. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, the space was completely renovated. In addition to the tennis court, the 18-hole mini-golf course was also renovated; the new course features water features, stepping stones and beginner to novice lanes. Near Reception, a new ‘bigger-is-better’ giant chess set can also be found.
The Shop has been updated with all manner of red and black décor; 1950’s-styled posters and bright display shelving. Fun, descriptive chalkboards liven up the floor space. Guests can pop in for an array of new delightful goodies; including colourful sun hats and scarves, jars of sugary sweets, and the all-important braai essentials.
The Lodge's environmentally-friendly focus is once again addressed with the introduction of LED energy-saving lights and water-saving showerheads throughout the units and facilities on the Resort premises. In addition, a new filtration system, as part of Ngwenya Lodge's sewage plant, has been established so as to better make use of grey water for the establishment's irrigation purposes.
Children are very close to our hearts and we like to keep them happy and entertained at all times. For this reason the decision was made to add a new Jungle Gym on the grounds. The Games Room also received a facelift with a fresh coat of paint, featuring a few animated, colourful characters, while the trampolines were revamped with new covers and mats.
The Ngwenya swimming pools are lifesavers in the heat which is experienced throughout the year. The Reception pool, HB04 and HB36 went through a major refurbishment of receiving new marbelite, as well as a set of stairs with a railing, while all swimming pools were fitted with upgraded pump systems. Each swimming pool has also been fitted with depth indicator tiles as per OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) requirements.
This past year Ngwenya experienced a fair amount of storms, hail, drought and other severe weather conditions, which have impacted the gardens. We recently planted several new succulent gardens and added new pots, water features, decorative stones, as well as an array of other indigenous plants.
The Hippo Bend Reservoir has also been attended to and has received a new floor and steps at the pump house entrance. This improvement was made due to soil erosion and the uneven surfaces. The quality of the water to our reservoirs has also drastically improved since all supply pumps, including HB36 extraction pump, HB supply pump and 230 supply pump received metal cages. The supply pumps have also been floated to prevent them from pumping silt into the holding tanks.
A new lounge area at the Main Lodge, transformed a previously quiet space into a bustling hub of activity and excitement. This lounge area is brand new, complete with ample seating, a bathroom for disabled persons as well as a family room with baby-changing facilities.
Ngwenya Lodge says goodbye to the units worn, thatch hats and welcomes Harvey tiles; providing guests with protective, strong cover with minimal maintenance costs.
Eco-Lyte cleaning products are introduced on the Resort as an alternative to chemically-laden cleaning agents which infect the water. These new products are sourced from renewable ingredients and are bio-degradable; earning the recognition of international environmental standards.