We arrived at the Woodlands Gate of the Nambiti Private
Game Reserve in a cloud of dust. I think we were rather keen to visit this
supper game reserve again. Lana and I had been on safari to the delightful
Umzolozolo Private Game Lodge on previous occasions and were rather excited to
see the modifications and additions made since our previous visits. We were not
to be disappointed.
The game viewing commenced as we parked our vehicle at the undercover
visitor's parking and watched as the Umzolozolo Game Drive vehicle made its way along
the road, to collect us. It slowed for a herd of kudu crossing the dirt track
and then this happy face arrived welcoming us to our next few days of a
delightful luxurious bush experience, Loaded with all our katunda we headed
east on the gravel road to the large African Hoopoe sign depicting the entrance
to Umzolozolo Lodge. Above the clatter of the diesel motor a harmonious melody increasing
in tempo was discernible, we arrived to a group of lodge staff gleefully
singing an isiZulu welcome – what a lovely touch.
My how the Lodge had grown! Four additional chalets have
been added along with a total revamp of the main lodge facility. In keeping with the original style of stone and brick under thatched chalets.
The main area has been extended and there is now a
vast lounge / dining / bar area with a number of comfortable chairs and couches grouped in clusters.
which leads onto a terraced deck and then to
the rim-flow swimming pool and more lounging and seating areas. All tastefully
appointed. This all looks out over the rolling hills of the Nambiti Game
Reserve, what a setting!
With warm welcomes, the formalities attended to, we were
ushered to our luxurious suite that looked out forever over the bush veld, it
just starting to show the first blush of green from some recent rains.
The view
had not changed but the Lodge facilities certainly had. I bounced on the large King sized bed,
perfect.
All one would expect of a luxury Lodge was here. Stacked bar fridge,
tea station, heated blankets, it was going to be rather cold overnight with
snow predicted on the nearby Drakensberg mountain range.
The delightful view bathroom sports both an indoor and outdoor shower with complimentary soaps, bubble bath and moisturiser.
Lunch on the deck, pleasantly warm with clouds building up
in preparation for an evening's precipitation and snowfall. We were presented
with the dinner menu and consequently could spend the afternoon until our
return from the afternoon game drive, salivating in anticipation for what was
to be a magnificent meal. Umzolozolo Lodge historically produced fine dining on
our previous visits, had they upped their game? That wouldn't be easy !
Lana and I were aware of the pending cold snap and dressed
accordingly. I had brought my totally waterproof Pelican camera case which
prevented any possible damage to our camera equipment from the expected showers
on the game drive. This rain made for a particularly icy drive despite the
waterproof ponchos and our warm garments, scarf, gloves and beanies. We visited the very picturesque Cascades on
the Sundays River with loads of plains game and some specials en route too, a large herd of buffalo were making their way to our guide's chosen sundowner stop, necessitating a slight delay to drinks and snacks
.
There is such a wonderful sense of space in this game reserve!
The glass of sherry and warm hand towels on our return were so appreciated along with the logs flaming and glowing in the fireplaces which we all crowded around, excitedly recounting the earlier sightings on the game drive, until we had thawed out and drifted off to our respective dinner tables and a divine meal accompanied by an excellent wine. Being on a low carb / sugar way of eating, a cheese board for dessert was offered as an alternative – this had to be one of the best selections of cheeses I have encountered at a Lodge. Thank you, we normally have to skip the desserts.
With a 05h30 departure it was early rising and to the Lodge
for teas and coffees then out into the fresh morning with our guide and
convivial fellow game viewers. The Drakensberg mountain range in the distance
was aglow with that early golden light striking the escarpment which was
sporting a new mantle of snow.
Lana and I were prepared and with the addition of a hot water
bottle on our laps under the lovely warm wooly blankets, we coped with the chill. The
drive did not disappoint and as a bonus our guide was an enthusiastic birder
which I find to be a big plus. One gets to see the big game in any event, the
birding adds value to the drive. He showed us a young Lanner Falcon testing its
wings, and virtually at the point of exploring beyond its nest. Mum was in
attendance at a discreet distance, keeping an eye on her young bundle of
feathers.
After breakfast and possibly a delicious cappuccino is time to enjoy one's surroundings at the Lodge, take a Spa treatment at the Lodge's excellent Spa facility, enjoy the sun and the rim-flow swimming pool, then there is lunch. An help ones self assortment of delicious fare. With refreshments before departure, the vehicles arrive to take the enthusiastic compliment on more travels through this mixed grass and woodland teeming with a wide diversity of wildlife, the guides adding value with more information with respect to the passing parade. .
There is a romance at sundown - so often wonderful hues to the sky, a comfortable Lodge with enticing pool.or would it not be wiser to huddle the firelace with a warming sherry? It all really depends on the weather and seasons.Umzolozolo Private Game Lodge has all the possible options to make your stay comfortable and especially memorable, The Nambiti Game Reserve adds value with the normally excellent game viewing.
All photographs by Jeremy and Lana Williamson
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