Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge is a wonderful example of
how some Game Reserve Lodge facilities
in South Africa are able to offer exemplary,
accommodation, meals and in particular – what it is all about, the extremely good guided wildlife experiences.
Nambiti Plains Game Lodge is centrally situated in the rather excellent
Malaria free, Nambiti Private Game Reserve, at Elandaslaagte, close to
Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Approximately 11,000 Ha and expanding a
bit, the Nambiti Game reserve hosts the Big Five as well as a rather unusual
diversity of antelope species. Located
at a more elevated altitude, species such as Black Wildebeest, Eland, Blesbuck
and Red Hartebeest thrive.
The drive from Durban on the N3, through Ladysmith and to
the Nambiti Game Reserve’s northern Memorial Gate (commemorating the Battle of
Elandslaagte of the 2nd
Anglo-Boer War) took Lana and I, a comfortable 3 hours, sign the indemnity and
entrance voucher at the gate, then a short drive to an enclosed shaded car park, where our
vehicle would remain for the duration of our stay – no private vehicle driving
around in the Nambiti Game Reserve. Well - we did however, on one occasion, come
across a small hire car with ashen faced occupants, who had somehow made an incorrect
turn, and were inadvertently “doing their own game drive”!
Dave from Nambiti Plains Game Lodge was there to greet us and transfer the two of us the short distance to the Lodge. He was to be our guide for the next 2 days, one gets such an insight to the wilds from these experienced Game Rangers.
Nambiti Plains is a delightful small Five Star venue , presently consisting of 5 suites, two of which are immediately adjacent, with a common entrance foyer offering private access to either room, or convenient as a family suite, where the foyer could provide safe access between the two rooms. Another family suite is presently nearing completion, then allowing the Lodge a guest compliment of 14. A well run Private Lodge - managed by the affable Brent Scott.
Dave from Nambiti Plains Game Lodge was there to greet us and transfer the two of us the short distance to the Lodge. He was to be our guide for the next 2 days, one gets such an insight to the wilds from these experienced Game Rangers.
Nambiti Plains is a delightful small Five Star venue , presently consisting of 5 suites, two of which are immediately adjacent, with a common entrance foyer offering private access to either room, or convenient as a family suite, where the foyer could provide safe access between the two rooms. Another family suite is presently nearing completion, then allowing the Lodge a guest compliment of 14. A well run Private Lodge - managed by the affable Brent Scott.
The family suites |
Main Lodge, water-hole, boma suites 1 and 2 |
Main Lodge, water-hole, swimming pool, rooms 1 and 2 to the left, family suite on right |
Welcomed by the ever helpful Lodge staff, a warm towel,
refreshing drink and an intro to the Lodge facilities by the lovely Jesse. Dave
had in the interim transferred our considerable luggage and photographic
equipment to our suite. We wended our way to our room through the bush, almost
brushing past some particularly friendly Nyala, to our delightful thatched Chalet.
What a room. Mosquito draped King-sized bed,
... loungers on the
deck with a lovely unobstructed view over the Nambiti Plains!
Table and chairs for a “Private Dinner” on the deck one
evening, perhaps ?
Bird watching from the deck |
I liked the separate loo with the rest of the facilities being open plan. Outside shower with a view.
Private toilet and outside shower |
Double vanity, bath and indoor shower |
I might just indulge in the outside shower whilst Lana would probably prefer the indoor one.
To lunch, tables laid on the expansive deck, under a large Strangler Fig Tree, with those panoramic views out over the Nambiti plains and to the water-hole too, merely meters from the deck.
The private Lodge programme’s normally allow for a fair amount of time between the game drives, meals and later activities for guests to relax, sun bathe, swim in the sparkling elephant friendly pool - enjoy Africa at its best..
Nambiti Private Game Reserve has some ruly scenic venues, the Cascades and Gorge of the Sundays River is particularly beautiful.
The suites have a handy tea station and the bar is open.
As does the Main Lodge..
The tea station in the dining room |
.. a convivial well stocked bar..
At Nambiti Plains Game Lodge, the wildlife enthusiasts are able to be almost constantly engaged , what with the animals visiting the water-hole, those in the camp, those on the plains and then the plethora of birdlife in the surrounds.
Ant-eating Chat |
African Hoopoe - Zulu ; Umzolozolo |
Luncheon with a really good bottle of wine from their cellar,
relax and then back for tea, cake and departure on the afternoon game drive. Nambiti Plains has a rather unique open game drive vehicle that affords easy access, especially for us older folk, the one side drops down for low egress.
Morning comfort stop |
In the foyer of the main lodge there is an easel with blackboard with the daily menu, one was
Lunch 13h30
Roast BBQ Pork Chops with chef salad.
Dessert -Mango Panna cotta – delish
Roast BBQ Pork Chops with chef salad.
Dessert -Mango Panna cotta – delish
Dinner 19h30
African Spring rolls with sweet chilli dipping sauce. Braised Oxtail with sweet potato mash.
Dessert - Caramel peppermint mousse.
African Spring rolls with sweet chilli dipping sauce. Braised Oxtail with sweet potato mash.
Dessert - Caramel peppermint mousse.
The following evening we were treated to an alfresco Boma
dinner, seated under the stars and adjacent to a warming fire – a wonderful
experience and with a traditional South African Braai (Barbecue) for dinner
followed by another local dish Sticky Malva pudding for dessert
The Boma in preparation |
Then return to our cozy suite, turned down and with that little extra 'to bed' treat for the chocaholic !
Turn down |
During the 4 guided game drives we went on, there were some excellent sightings to be had. It is on these drives that one can have amazing encounters. We had the Nambiti Game Reserve’s largest elephant, BFE and a mate of his, one morning,
BFE |
Minor road block |
then later a pride of lion with one of the males giving us an incredible photo opportunity.
Later we had warthog , looking all shiny and spruced up after a wallow.
Kudu male |
Nambiti Plains Lodge with Nyala drinking at the water-hole |
All photographs by Jeremy and Lana Williamson
This place looks awesome almost like a scene from Alice in wonderland. I got to say this private game reserve looks very inviting, I’ve actually been to a private game reserves kzn and it was as magnificent as well. Thanks for this very well-written and informative post.
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