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A wildlife sanctuary spanning over 3000 hectares
From being greeted by warthogs as you arrive at the reception area to having zebras and giraffes visit you in the early morning, Tala Collection Game Reserve offers a memorable stay for all types of travellers.
One of the most appealing aspects of this KwaZulu-Natal game reserve is its ease of accessibility, coming to or from Durban - although, once here, you’ll feel like you're a million miles away from everything.
Low-key and off the well-beaten track, Tala spans some 3,000 hectares, encompassing a mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and a sensitive wetland, which attracts more than 380 bird species, and plenty of big game, including kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and eland. Being Malaria-free, with no large predators makes Tala a top-notch choice for families, and holidaymakers seeking a no-frills authentic bush break with the freedom to explore on your terms.
Adjacent to Paperbark Lodge, Paperbark House is the original old farmhouse, which has been carefully restored to maintain the essence of a bygone era. Paperbark House features six en-suite bedrooms that lead out onto a central lounge area and a typical farmhouse-style veranda. The rock pool is a few steps away, and all meals at Paperbark House can be enjoyed at Paperbark Restaurant.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Includes bed and breakfast
5 bedrooms with twin beds and en suite bathroom with a bath and shower
1 bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with a bath and shower
1 rondavel room next to the main house with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower and bath
Sleeps a maximum of 2 guests sharing per room
Conservation fee:
A mandatory conservation fee of R10.00 per person (children from 2 years and up included) will be levied daily.
Paperbark Lodge features a Premier Suite and twelve Deluxe Rooms. Once the old farm barn, still with the original door in place, the building has now been beautifully restored. There is a large fireplace, polished floors and fold-back windows which emphasise the surrounding viesa. The rockpool is within walking distance, and this is the main venue for all the Lodge's meals.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Includes bed and breakfast
Please note that some rooms have a bath and shower (please request)
5 bedrooms with double beds and en suite bathrooms with a bath
7 bedrooms with twin beds and en suite bathrooms with a bath
Sleeps a maximum of 2 adults sharing per room
Conservation fee:
A mandatory conservation fee of R10.00 per person (children from 2 years and up included) will be levied daily.
Figtree House is a fully-serviced house catering to groups of up to ten people. All five rooms are en-suite and open up to a communal open-plan lounge with a bar. Each room also has direct access to Figtree's surrounding garden. A veranda off the main lounge overlooks the boma braai area, while the large dining room tables are ideal for group breakfasts and dinners. Figtree is a short walking distance from the Figtree Auditorium, making it the perfect place to rest after a long day's conferencing or the night after a wedding.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Self-catering
Fully equipped kitchen with microwave, stove, oven, fridge/freezer and cutlery and crockery
5 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, bath and shower
Open-plan lounge, bar and dining room
Patio with garden
Veranda overlooking garden and braai area
Sleeps a maximum of 10 adults
Conservation fee:
A mandatory conservation fee of R10.00 per person (children from 2 years and up included) will be levied daily.
There are six cottages in total, situated adjacent to the grand Leadwood Manor House. The cottages are identical inside and are ideally used as honeymoon suites and make for special romantic getaways. Each cottage has queen-size beds and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower, as well as an open-plan lounge and its own private viewing deck. One cottage is situated near a dam and the rest are surrounded by green bush. The cottages were built by a team of artisans with locally sourced shale. Game Drives are also available, enquire at reception.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Includes bed and breakfast
Thatched roof
6 luxury bedrooms with queen beds and en suite bathrooms with a bath and shower
Lounge area
Outside viewing deck
Bar fridge
Gas heater
Sleeps a maximum of 2 guests sharing per room
No children under 12 at this lodge
This lodge provides an infinity swimming pool, bar and restaurant with a relaxing lounge area.
Conservation fee:
A mandatory conservation fee of R10.00 per person (children from 2 years and up included) will be levied daily.
The exclusive four-bedroom manor house is the newest addition to Tala. It offers an exclusive restaurant overlooking a lap pool and the beautiful African bush. Traditional tones, brighter spaces and a natural colour palette create a contemporary design. further enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere that Tala is celebrated for. The sleek bar is just the place for guests to top up sundowners just before the sun slips below the horizon. The rooms have elegant floor-to-ceiling windows, plush, four-poster beds, polished floors and colourful rugs that echo Leadwood's understated luxury seen throughout the house. These come complete with both stand-alone bathtubs and ultra-chic showers.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Includes bed and breakfast
2 bedrooms with king beds and en suite bathrooms with a bath and shower
1 bedroom with a king bed and en suite bathrooms with a shower (round room)
Sleeps a maximum of 2 guests sharing per room
Conservation fee:
A mandatory conservation fee of R10.00 per person (children from 2 years and up included) will be levied daily.
The exclusive four-bedroom manor house is the newest addition to Tala. It offers an exclusive restaurant overlooking a lap pool and the beautiful African bush. Traditional tones, brighter spaces and a natural colour palette create a contemporary design. further enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere that Tala is celebrated for. The sleek bar is just the place for guests to top up sundowners just before the sun slips below the horizon. The Leadwood Manor Presidential Room have elegant floor-to-ceiling windows, plush, four-poster beds, polished floors and colourful rugs that echo Leadwood's understated luxury seen throughout the house. These come complete with both stand-alone bathtubs and ultra-chic showers.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Includes bed and breakfast
1 bedroom with a king bed and a full en suite bathroom
Dressing room
Lounge area
Private viewing deck
Sleeps 2 adults
Conservation fee:
A mandatory conservation fee of R10.00 per person (children from 2 years and up included) will be levied daily.
Fisherman's Cottage features two self-catering cottages with splendid views of the area's riverine bush, Fisherman's Dam and the open plains. Comfortably accommodating two people, each cottage features a private boma, which is ideal for relaxing braai under the stars. Listen out for the calls of African Fish Eagles from the comfort of your private veranda.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
2 self-catering units
Open-plan bedroom with either a double bed or Twin beds (depending on the unit)
Open-plan kitchenette with a bar fridge, two-plate stove, microwave, kettle, toaster, pots, pans cutlery and crockery
Private boma with braai facilities
Please be sure to bring your own torch, charcoal, wood, extra blankets, dishcloths and swimming towels.
Conservation fee:
A mandatory conservation fee of R10.00 per person (children from 2 years and up included) will be levied daily.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Business Centre, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television
Services
Credit Card
Cost: R150 per 100 balls and R100 per 100 balls thereafter
Target shooting: minimum of 2 people
Paintball: minimum 6 people (up to 5 games)
Location: Bush-style arena
All equipment included (no clothing supplied, water-based, biodegradable balls)
Book at reception or email acitivities@tala.co.za to avoid
Learn how to aim a recurve bow and fire at an archery target
Cost: R100 per person
Minimum of 2–6 people
Times: Monday–Friday 08:00–14:00 / Saturday 08:00–12:00
Book at reception or email acitivities@tala.co.za to avoid disappointment
Cost: free if you bring your own bike, or hire for R350. Daily per person rate applies.
Guests may bring their own bikes
3 trails (5km, 13km and 27km) for all fitness levels and ages
Starting point at the rock pools
Times: 07:00–16:00
• Cost: all vehicles entering the reserve will be charged R80 conservation fee. If your game drive has been prebooked and paid you will only be required to pay the conservation fee on entry.
Day time game drives: R310 per adult, 195 per child (5–12 years), R250 per pensioner (60 or older)
Sundowner game drives: R400 per adult, R285 per child (5–12 years), R285 per pensioner (60 or older)
Includes snacks and a drink
Minimum of 2 people allowed per game drive
DEPARTURE TIMES:
October–March: 08:00, 10:00, 14:00, 16:00 (Sundowner)
April–September: 09:00, 11:00, 15:00 (Sundowner)
PLEASE NOTE: for safety reasons, the following persons are not permitted on the game drive vehicle:
Children under the age of 5 years
Women who are 6 or more months pregnant
Persons older than 75 years
Various difficulty levels, perfect for the adventurous explorers.
Cost: all vehicles entering the reserve will be charged R80 conservation fee.
Get up close with nature with this unique and exhilarating adventure. Follow our experienced guide to places few have ventured.
Cost: R370 per person
Experience a 1hr Segway trip with a professional guide including a 10min safety training session
Starting point at reception
Book at reception or email acitivities@tala.co.za to avoid disappointment
Cost: R50 per rod permit at reception where a map with locations can be provided
Permits are only valid for 1 day
Rods are available for hire at R150
No solo fishing is allowed
Only catch and release fishing with artificial lures is allowed
Times: 07:00–17:00
PLEASE NOTE: fishing at the main dam is not permitted. Our dams have hippo. Please remain vigilant and give them space.
If you are a bird-lover, you are at the right place! Tala has birdlife like no other. Take a drive around our property or relax at the rock pools at Hippo Dam for hours as you tick birds off your list.
Take a dip in our refreshing rock pool and experience our new water slide. Situated near the Hippo Dam where there are lovely picnic spots as well. Pool closes at 17:30 to ensure all guests are able to comply to the gate closure at 18:00.
Lunch time picnics at our rock pools and dinner picnics are available for you to enjoy at your room – get your picnic basket menu at reception or have a look at our in-room directory. Order your picnic basket for delivery to your room, or for collection.
Kids Program
RESTAURANT
A wide variety of dishes are prepared to perfection
to tantalise your taste buds
BREAKFAST
Continental and Full English breakfasts are served
daily in the restaurants as well as in the garden or on the terrace in summertime.
• Monday to Sunday: 08:00–10:00
LUNCH & DINNER
Please note that it is recommended that dining
reservations be made in advance and should be phoned in before the following times:
• Lunch: before 10:00
• Dinner: before 13:00
