Signature Life Hotels

Tala Game Reserve

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 is a wildlife sanctuary. Spanning over 3000 hectares and incorporating many diverse natural environments, the reserve features well over 380 bird species, with big game that includes rhino, kudu, hippo, giraffe and the rare sable antelope. Several distinctive and remarkable plant species are also to be 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.

Luxury Accommodation

Leadwood Lodge

Built by a team of artisans with locally sourced shale, 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 is an eclectic merging of antique and organic Africa with one-of-a-kind artistic elements. The lodge was designed on an ethic of ‘nothing straight, nothing painted and the final result is a masterpiece of earth, water, glass and hardwoods.

Leadwood Lodge is a place to be indulged, pampered by perceptive service and saturated by the magnificent view.

The executive chef brings a wealth of boutique hotel experience to Leadwood, and has a rare talent for fusing simple flavours with the sublime. The cellar boasts a wonderful selection of fine wines that will accompany any meal.

The six spacious luxury cottages are appointed with the finest hardwood furniture and fine linen, romantically tucked away in the bush in complete privacy.

Figtree Lodge

Figtree 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. Its large fireplace, mahogany floors and polished verandas have been beautifully restored.

The lodge combines a number of ideas and influences, reflected in the décor, merging 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.

There are a total of 17 rooms, and 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.

Mahogany Lodge

Mahogany Lodge is situated within walking distance from Paperbark Lodge.

Originally an old farmhouse Mahogany has recently been renovated into a beautiful lodge with 5 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 that overlooks the nearby pool is prefect for honeymooners or for couples looking to relax and spend some quality time together.

Aloe Lodge

Situated adjacent to the La TALA Restaurant, 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.

Rustic Accommodation

Rondavels

Our 2 self-catering rondavels situated in front of a private watering hole are perfectly placed in a remote area of the reserve. Each has an en-suite bathroom and separate braai facilities with a central boma.

Both rondavels have recently been refurbished and, even though they are listed as one of our Rustic Lodges, their stylish décor and soft furnishings add a touch of home comfort to your bush holiday.

A-Frames

Each one of the 5 stand alone rooms is fitted with twin beds and has its own braai area.

They all share a communal kitchen, ablution facilities and boma area and are situated a stones throw away from TALA’s beautiful rock pools – the perfect place to relax with your family, around a braai on a lazy summer afternoon.

Fisherman's Cottage

This self-catering, stand-alone house surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens is easily visible as you drive onto the reserve. The two units can comfortably each sleep up to 4 people sharing.

Conferencing

Let the splendour of the African bush inspire you and your colleagues. Enjoy great facilities and settings at TALA Game Reserve.

A day out the office requires a setting that inspires. TALA is only minutes away from Pietermaritzburg and forty-five minutes from Durban. Whether it’s a day-trip for executive members or an overnight stay for the whole team, TALA takes you away from the distractions of the city, and puts your delegates in the midst of a natural sanctuary complete with rhino, giraffe, hippo and a wealth of smaller game.

As TALA we match faultless service and luxury accommodation with modern technology and incredible attention to detail. Whether formal and intensive or relaxed and undemanding, we work hand-in-hand with your conference coordinator to create a conference that is set to your specifications.

Conclude the day with a game drive at dusk, followed by cocktails and a delicious meal at the lodge. At TALA we go out of our way to make your conference productive and memorable.

Conference Venues

Paperbark Conference Room
Paperbark Restaurant
Leadwood Lodge
La Tala Restaurant
Aloe Lodge Conference Room
Boma (at Aloe Lodge)
Acacia
Figtree Auditorium
Figtree Barn
Tamboti Eco Conference Centre

Weddings

Make it a day like no other... experience the magic of Africa. Let the splendour of the African bush provide a beautiful backdrop to a day of lasting memories. Whether it is an intimate gathering or social affair, TALA Game reserve provides the perfect setting.

Host your dream wedding at TALA with the African bush as your backdrop.

Whether your special day involves an intimate lunch for family and close friends or an opulent banquet for a more social affair, TALA has the setting to turn your dreams into reality.

Choose between two beautifully dedicated wedding venues and a choice of luxury lodges to suit your needs.

TALA provides an incredible opportunity for photography among the abundant game.

With an executive chef to advise you on the culinary requirements and a dedicated wedding coordinator who will link you to the most reputable wedding service providers in the province, you can relax and enjoy your special day knowing that every detail has been taken care of.