Ngala Wilderness

After 3 months reluctantly I feel I have no choice to post this review about my experience with Ngala Wilderness. Last April, I booked and paid in full for a 2-week, photography based, trip with Ngala Wilderness in at their base in South Africa, commencing 18th October 2025. Two weeks before I was due to go I received notice of cancellation, with the reason being that the other 3 participants had cancelled, and it was no longer viable to run the trip. Whilst I was hugely disappointed and had to quickly find an alternative trip, I was promised a full refund, which being Ngala’s decision to cancel my trip, you would naturally expect. After 6 weeks (and much hassle), I received a part payment – about 45% of the value of the trip. I am still waiting for the balance. And this is despite ongoing and protracted communications with the Director of Ngala Wilderness and promise of settlement. I feel I have been incredibly patient but its been over 3 months and this type of practice is not acceptable. I feel its only reasonable to make others aware of my experience with this company.

I am writing to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to participate in the photography internship. I have taken snapshots for years, and I have participated in many workshops. Each workshop taught me something new, and each workshop was memorable. Then you introduced me to Ngala Wilderness, and a whole new world opened up for me in photography. Barco’s knowledge is expansive, and his photography is stunning. What I loved was he never tried to turn me into him. Barco helps you turn your vision into the photograph you want, or a better way to explain it, is he helps you hone your skills to be the photographer you want to be. Barco, Jacqui and I spent countless hours on safari. We laughed, we talked and we learned that photography is so much more than snapping a picture: planning, animal movements, timing, respect for the animals space and the animals, which roads to follow, weather, everything contributes to your photography. Conservation and safety are always the objectives. Oh, and hours on safari only meant hours behind the computer learning how to streamline your processing, in addition to the actual processing. The man is tireless, and his enthusiasm is infectious. What an adventure! What a learning experience! I would definitely return for Barco’s Photography Part Two! Hint! Hint! I came to you as a photographer who really liked the adventure more than anything. I walked away feeling like a “real” photographer, but still one that loves adventure. Barco Greeff and Ngala Wilderness was the perfect way to experience both. Thank you for changing my life! Barco, there you go!

I spent two fantastic weeks here as a volunteer. The lodge was spacious and beautifully furnished. Everything was extremely well organized. The guides, Christian and Fabio, are extremely knowledgeable about animals, their behavior, and nature. I always felt safe with them. Picking us up at the airport went well. Even when we had to change lodges due to heavy rain, they organized everything perfectly, and we were in safe hands. The chef, Tomy, was fantastic and always treated us to delicious food. The atmosphere was always great and very friendly. I recommend volunteering with Fabio and Christian to everyone. They are planning to open a new lodge. I'm sure it will be great. So You'll have a fantastic experience.