Umzolozolo Safari Lodge

Umzolozolo Safari Lodge is in a malaria-free Nambiti region offers an exciting safari experience with the opportunity to view Africa's Big Five as well Cheetah.

The Nambiti safari lodge is easily accessible by road; the driving time takes about 3.5 hours from Johannesburg, 2.5 hours from Durban and 45 minutes from the Drakensberg.

Umzolozolo safari are led by the most experienced trackers as well as guides which accompany guests in their open land rovers while tracking the Big Five and surrounding wildlife.

The primary focus of the Lodge is a unique and personally appropriate service. The lodge can accommodate small groups, and the private facilities combine the thrill of the African bush with all the comforts of a 5-star hotel.

The lodge features five luxurious suites with panoramic views. Each suite is a freestanding unit, constructed with local materials and thatch to blend seamlessly into the beautiful surrounding environment. The air-conditioned suites are spacious and secluded with private viewing decks where guests can relax and observe the herds of zebra, wildebeest, and impala as they graze below.

The suites have been designed to allow maximum wildlife viewing from every room with large picture windows looking out onto the valley. In addition to a private bathroom, each suite features an outdoor shower so that even while showering, guests can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve.

The lodge's chef creates culinary masterpieces four times daily at the Lodge, which include home-made muffins, a delicious full English breakfast, and buffet-style lunch awaits guests. Meals may be enjoyed either in the lodge's dining room or on the viewing deck. After a unique African style dinner at the lodge, Cognac, and cigars, as well as a favourite liqueur, complete the exquisite culinary experience at this Safari Lodge.

It is an African tradition to congregate around a fire in the evenings to take in the sounds of the untamed bush and to observe the twinkling stars as the night closes in. The enclosed boma where a log fire makes for an excellent gathering place to take in the unique sounds and smells of Africa while in the distance, the roar of a lion calling his pride can be heard. Unforgettable dinner in the boma under the star-studded skies is the most natural and wild setting.

Two safari drives are available every day, one early in the morning and one in the late afternoon & early evening. These exciting safaris during which guests may expect fantastic wildlife encounters happen in the open 4×4 game vehicles.

The Nambiti Private Game Reserve in South Africa is home to more than 200 species of birds making it a real paradise for bird watching enthusiasts.

As an alternative to safari drives, a guest may enjoy a relaxing afternoon fishing in the Sundays River or one of the well-stocked dams in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve. Fishing is on a catch and release basis.

Guests are welcome to unwind in natural surroundings when getting pampered by health and beauty spa treatments. A range of wellness treatments are available by a qualified therapist, which can be enjoyed while taking in the tranquil sounds of the African bush. Spa and beauty treatments are provided in the spa, situated at the lodge.

About Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Nambiti is a Big 5 Game reserve which is situated near Ladysmith, in the heart of the battlefields area which is roughly 3.5 hours from Johannesburg and 2.5 hours from Durban. The location of the reserve allows for diversity and therefore lots of different wildlife. There are currently over 20 species of game in the reserve.

The game reserve started as a place of sanctuary for orphaned elephants. Soon after, as the elephant population began to grow, the internal fences were remover as well as the alien vegetation in order to create what would be the Nambiti Game Reserve. A Game fence was then erected to house the 22 000 acres of the reserve. Following the set up the reserve, the area was then stocked with naturally occurring game which had been driven out by farming.

In 2005, there was a proposal to build lodges within the reserve. This proposal was taken on and 3 more of the surrounding farms were added to the reserve. There are now a handful of luxury lodges in the reserve, some made from the old farm houses on the land. In 2007 there was a claim for the land by the locals. The matter was settled and now the community is actively involved in the upkeep of the area.

The reserve offers the finest game viewing along with some of the top lodges in Southern Africa.

The area around the game reserve was where the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars took place. Majority of the battle fields have been preserved and there are many monuments and graves to see. This makes for a good day trip as they are just around the corner.