Nambiti Plains Game Lodge is an exclusive 5 star, 14 bed lodge, nestled amongst the fauna and flora of the spectacular 22 000 acres malaria free Nambiti Big 5 Game Reserve. It is the only game reserve in the area with the Big 5 and currently has over 40 other species of game including cheetah, giraffe, hippo, hyena, impala, eland and zebra.
The Reserves incredible biodiversity; including savannah, thornveld, riverine bush, majestic acacia trees and extensive grasslands mirror the plains of central Africa. The abundance of natural water, perennial rivers and breath-taking waterfalls on the Sundays River make Nambiti a unique sanctuary - attracting several rare bird species and an array of raptors and vultures.
Nambiti Plains Game Lodge lies nestled in the mid- sector of the reserve - offering 5 star luxury, private accommodation for the executive adventurer. Allow Nambiti Plains to indulge you in an unforgettable get-away experience of fine dining, exquisite rooms, attentive staff and magical game drives. Only 2 hours drive from Durban and 3 hours drive from Johannesburg.
Accommodation at Nambiti Plains Game Lodge:
Nambiti Plains consists of 7 Private Thatched Luxurious Suites; two sets of which can be booked as family suites (accommodate 4 people.) The Suites utilized as family units consist of one building, a common entrance leading to two separate and private rooms; a solid packed stone wall divides the two rooms.
All suites have private verandas fitted with a table and two chairs as well as two sun loungers. Enjoy the spectacular views from your room through floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests have the opportunity to view some of the Big 5 up close as the Lodge is not fenced in.
Each suite come as an XL King but can also be accommodated as 2 size twin beds. A canopy mosquito net covers the bed and lend a romantic old world feel to the room. The bathrooms consist of twin basins, large free standing bath, in door and out door showers (Honeymoon suites only).
A fully stocked mini bar as well as coffee and tea making facilities are available. We also offer laundry on site at an additional charge.
We regret we cannot accommodate triple rooms.
Room Facilities:
Overhead fans; hairdryers; limited cell phone coverage; internet facilities available in the Lodge; Canopy mosquito nets; mini bar; tea and coffee facilities; laundry facilities (at additional cost); bath tubs; indoor showers; outdoor showers (Honeymoon Suites only). The rooms also offer twin basin facilities, deck loungers and additional seating.
Daily Itinerary:
Times will change depending on the season.
- 05:00 Wake up knock on your door
- 05:15 Start your morning with fresh brewed coffee and tea
- 05:30 The bush awaits
- 08:30 Breakfast
- 09:30 Time to relax
- 13:30 14:30 Lunch is served
- 15:30 Enjoy high tea with a view
- 16:00 Head out into the lazy afternoon
- 19:00 to 19:30 Arrival back to a scrumptious dinner
- 21:00 Quiet reflection
Activities at the Lodge:
During the summer months, the dams and rivers are alive with a variety of LargeMouth Bass, SmallMouth Bass and Blue Gill. Relax and take a break for an hour or two with a rod in one hand and beverage in the other and immerse yourself in the tranquility and sounds of the bush. Fishing is on a catchandrelease basis.
The war of the Zulu Kings and the British Empire took place in the hills surrounding Nambiti Game Reserve. If you wish to explore the battlefields of this momentous occasion for a day or even for a few days for a more detailed approach the opportunity is available.
The game drives cover the history of the Battle of Elandslaagte as this is located within the reserve. Recommended stay for the options below is a minimum 3 days ideally for full relaxation 4 days.
Tour 1 Isandlwana and Rourkes Drift
Tour 2 Battle of Blood River and Talana
Tour 3 Ladysmith Siege, Battle of Colenso, Cemetry and Gun Hill and Spionkop
Join our well qualified Battlefields guide as he brings you into the story of unfolding events that occurred in various battles ranging in dates from the 1879 Anglo- Zulu wars to the 1899-1902 Anglo Boer Wars. These are full day tours with lunch in between and a fountain of information. Please note that with these options you do miss 2 game drives.
While on your safari (night time safari), your guide will take the opportunity to discuss the night skies. The Milky Way is a phenomenal sight to behold on a clear night and the plethora of constellations such as Orion, Taurus the Bull, the Southern Cross, Scorpio and many others that will keep you in wonder.
The Nambiti Private Game Reserve is situated 25 kms east of Ladysmith and is only 3 hours from Johannesburg, 2 hours from Durban and is in close proximity to the Drakensberg and Battlefield areas. Please see map for details.
Directions from Johannesburg:
Head for Ladysmith on the N3. Once you have entered KwaZulu Natal via Van Reenen, look out for the Ladysmith Toll off-ramp (at the bottom of Van Reenen's Pass).
Turn left and drive toward Ladysmith on the R103. When you arrive in Ladysmith, drive straight through, following the N11 Road to Newcastle. Guests are required to call the lodge on 071 680 4584 once they reach Ladysmith.
Follow the N11 through Ladysmith and continue on this road for +- 20km
Ignore the signs that say Nambiti as these will lead you to the South Gate. Wait until you see the sign that says Elandslaagte and turn right at it.
You will then be on the Glencoe Dundee R602. Travel for 2.3kms.
Turn right Elandslaagte P555 (dirt road)
Cross railway line - follow Elandslaagte sign for 200m
Turn left following Elandslaagte sign
Drive 3.8km to Nambiti north gate
Directions from Durban:
Head for Ladysmith on the N3 - Take the Ladysmith / Bergville Toll Off Ramp.
Turn Right and head for Ladysmith, drive straight through Ladysmith on the N11 Road towards Newcastle. Guests are required to call the lodge on 071 680 4584 once they reach Ladysmith.
Follow the N11 through Ladysmith and continue on this road for +- 20km
Ignore the signs that say Nambiti as these will lead you to the South Gate. Wait until you see the sign that says Elandslaagte and turn right at it.
You will then be on the Glencoe Dundee R602. Travel for 2.3kms.
Turn right Elandslaagte P555 (dirt road)
Cross railway line - follow Elandslaagte sign for 200m
Turn left following Elandslaagte sign
Drive 3.8km to Nambiti north gate