Tala Collection

ABOUT US

Accommodation at the Tala Collection, KwaZulu-Natal's private safari venue, is tailored to suit your pocket and personality. Choose a rustic A-frame, a rondavel, or a private lodge of your own, and enjoy the break of a lifetime.

Now under new management, The Tala Collection offers a stay where treasured memories are made. Enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

SERVICES

Accommodation

Aloe Lodge

• 10 comfortable rooms
• Main restaurant area
• Curio shop
• Boma
• Conference room

Aloe Lodge is the main hub of Tala, with all the activities on your doorstep. The Tala Restaurant, The Tala Boma and iDube Conference Room are all located here making it the ideal venue for day conferences, special occasions and tour groups.

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

All meals are served at the Tala Restaurant, if you would like to join us for dinner please can you book in advance, all meals and drinks are to be settled at the reception at the end for your stay.

Conferences

Fig Tree Auditorium

• Metres square: 180
• Height: 5 meters
• Boardroom: N/A
• Cinema: 62
• U-Shaped: N/A
• Banquet: N/A
• School: N/A

The Fig Tree Auditorium is a “State of the Art” facility with built in sound system and projection equipment. The fixed concentric desks accommodate sixty delegates and is ideal for presentations and committee meetings.

Conservation

Over the years, Tala has become a favourite birding venue for many. The grasslands are a treasure trove for those who are stimulated by a challenge with enough Larks, Pipits and Cisticolas to make your eyes water and your head spin! Three of South Africa’s magnificent Crane species, The Blue Crane, The Wattled Crane and the Grey Crowned Crane can be found at Tala, on many occasions on the same day! With 349 species Tala Game Reserve is a must for all who are interested in Avifauna!

Two frequently asked questions we receive from visitors to Tala are:

“What is the best time for game viewing at Tala?” A question with a simple answer – “Anytime”

Tala is relatively small at 3000ha, with no large predators, so the wildlife is relaxed and visible at any time of the day. Tala is very well stocked with a diversity of game, ranging from the tiny mongoose up to the biggest of all southern African antelope – the Eland. The reserve boasts about 20 species of antelope, which includes some “specials’ such as Oribi, Bushbuck and Reedbuck with general game in abundance.

“If there are no predators why can’t I get out of my vehicle?”

Game generally does not associate vehicles with people so staying in your vehicle allows you to get very close. Getting out will result in the animals running away. In addition to this the animals in the reserve are wild and respond in one of three ways, fright, flight or fight. The last response being the most dangerous, because if any animal feels trapped, its only defence mechanism is to attack.

Even the smallest of the antelope species can inflict untold damage. Hippos are not classified as predators; however they kill more people than any other animal, besides the mosquito. Do you want to take a chance with this killer? Have you ever crossed paths with an Ostrich with chicks? Rest assured, it’s not something that you want to experience!

Rhino can easily out-run you and your car is like tin-foil to an angry rhino. There are areas such as Rock Pools where you can get out of your vehicle safely, but please don’t get out where you shouldn’t. It also spoils the game viewing for other guests when the animals run away!

Anti-Poaching Initiatives at Tala

In 2014 the founder of RAVE approached the Tala management asking if they needed assistance with regards to the security of the Rhino and wildlife at the reserve. This was as a result of the attack and senseless killing and de-horning of two female white rhino’s and a third female white rhino being de-horned and left for dead. After intensive medical assistance this rhino has survived and is still on the reserve at Tala.

An opportunity was seen to merge and upgrade conservation efforts with the reserves existing anti-poaching unit and so with the assistance of four other directors that come from extensive military and police backgrounds and expertise, they got together and started RAVE in order to assist Tala in protecting their rhinos and wildlife against the senseless killings, injuries and de-horning in their natural environment.

The unit, which functions 24 hours a day in the reserve, relies on donations, sponsorships and other fund raising efforts to keep functioning. Individuals and Corporates are welcome to visit www.raverhino.org.za and contact them directly should you wish to contribute or support in any way.

Restaurant

This spectacular thatched venue features a beautifully aged tree as a central element to the decor. Elegantly weathered and bare, it has been tastefully draped in fairy lights to create a starry night fantasy that completes your magical romantic evening.

To add warmth to the room we have a magnificently crafted rock fireplace which is complimented by the grand marble and thatch bar. The views from the two verandas on either side of the restaurant overlook the bush and resident game, which often saunter up to graze right on your doorstep.

The menu has been specially designed by our executive chef to create a delicately balanced fusion of flavours. Our wine list has recently been awarded a Platinum Award by Diners Club International and perfectly compliments the food selection.

All meals are served at the Tala Restaurant, if you would like to join us for dinner please can you book in advance, all meals and drinks are to be settled at the reception at the end for your stay.

Options for groups of over 10 guests may be accommodated for lunch or dinner by prior arrangement at any of our selected venues including:

• The Acacia Room
• The Figtree Barn
• Aloe Boma
• Paperbark Farmhouse

Weddings

The Acacia Room

Easily visible on a hill top in the reserve the Acacia venue is situated alongside a watering hole with magnificent views over the Tala Valley. Owing to this venue being a stand-alone feature, privacy is part of the unique package that this venue has to offer with no outside interruptions or distractions from the public.

The predominant features at Acacia are the tall glass concertina doors that surround this open-plan structure and open out onto a great wooden deck that stretches out towards the watering hole. The wooden deck is an ideal and a very popular option for outdoor wedding ceremonies, especially in the late afternoon with the sun setting in the distance behind the rolling hills.

It is also this time of day that animals such as Zebra, Waterbuck, Wildebeest, Rhino, Buffalo to name a few, come down to the watering hole to drink, allowing for exquisite photo opportunities.

The Acacia venue seats up to 140 guests. Acacia is a lovely sized wedding or conference venue, which can cater for up to 100 guests or delegates. A magnificent wooden deck and old Acacia trees as chandeliers, with arrangements of fairy lights in it, when lit up makes any wedding feel like a fairytale.

Acacia has a warm feeling to it, rustic yet elegant, which makes it a perfect venue for that big day, or that perfect function or presentation. This can be finished off with a beverage from the fully stocked bar while enjoying the beauty of the sunset over the Acacia dam.

The desk overlooks the Acacia dam with exquisite views of animals coming in to drink whilst your big day is taking place.