Tala Private Game Reserve is a wildlife conservancy hidden in the hills of a quiet farming community not far from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. We are ever aware that as guardians of this precious piece of Africa we have a responsibility to pass this sanctuary on to future generations. Tala’s mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and sensitive wetland provides exceptional game watching and birding, setting the stage for that perfect photograph.

Spanning over 3000 hectares and incorporating many diverse natural environments, the reserve features well over 380 bird species, with big game that includes buffalo, rhino, kudu, hippo, giraffe and the rare sable antelope. Several distinctive and remarkable plant species are found on Tala. The fiery aloe in full bloom, the imposing euphorbia and the smell of the fragrant wild sage on a dewy morning make every stay at the reserve unique and memorable.

Leadwood Lodge
Leadwood Lodge combines exceptional architecture, towering thatch and resplendent finishes against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Leadwood is the residence and dream home of the reserve’s owner, the décor an eclectic merging of antique and organic Africa. The lodge was designed on an ethic of ‘nothing straight, nothing painted’; the building a masterpiece of earth, water, glass and wood. The six spacious luxury cottages are appointed with the finest hardwood furniture and fine linen, romantically tucked away in the bush in complete privacy. All have outdoor showers, air-conditioning, fire place and mini bar.

Figtree Lodge
Figtree Lodge is a fully serviced and catered lodge for groups of up to ten. Complete with a dedicated attendant, the lodge has an old-world farmstead atmosphere that is carried through to the individual service and wholesome food. With verandas around three sides of the house overlooking a waterhole, the lodge has instant appeal and is completely relaxing. All five rooms have an en-suite bathroom, congregating around a central open plan lounge with a stocked bar and dining area. Figtree provides the perfect setting for small conferences and tranquil getaways with family and friends.

Paperbark Lodge
Paperbark Lodge centres on a former farmhouse on the Tala Private Game Reserve, with its large fireplace, mahogany floors and polished verandas restored. The lodge combines a number of ideas and influences, reflected in the décor that merges dramatic wildlife paintings and highback chairs with shale walls and ethnic statuettes. The lodge extends around an attractive garden lined with gravel pathways and a cascading water-feature. Paperbark has a total of 12 rooms, with a romantic rondavel overlooking the rock-pool for honeymooners. The sumptuous premier suite features a sitting room, spacious bathroom with ball-and-claw tub and four-poster bed. Paperbark Lodge’s facilities include two sitting rooms, a dining room, conference facilities and is a short drive to the expansive rock pools.

Aloe Lodge
Aloe Lodge enjoys an elevated view of the reserve that spans out over the grasslands, a favourite grazing area of the reserve’s antelope and rhino. Eleven comfortably furnished rooms with en-suite bathrooms are positioned around the lodge’s natural gardens, which are kept trim by the resident family of warthogs.

Mahogany Lodge
Originally an old farmhouse, Mahogany has been renovated into a beautiful lodge with 6 en-suite bathrooms all leading off the central communal lounge area.  Adjacent to Mahogany Lodge is Mahogany Rondavel. This free standing room with its wooden floors and quaint balcony is perfect for honeymooners or for couples looking to relax and spend more quality time together.

Rustic Camp
Tala features three charming rustic lodges that are quiet, simple and comfortable, each with excellent views of the reserve's watering holes. The rustic camps provide an ideal setting for an undisturbed retreat with friends and loved ones, where you can unwind and enjoy a close one-on-one with the birds and animals of this pristine natural sanctuary.

Please note that all rates are subject to change without prior notice and are subject to availability.  The rates may change for various reasons (e.g. rate of exchange fluctuation) and from season to season, and the above prices are to be used as an approximate indication only.

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