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A Big 5 adventure in KwaZulu-Natal
Nambiti Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
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The Sundays River in Nambiti Private Game Reserve.
© Kate Turkington
Did you know?
The Anglo-Boer War's Battle of Elandslaagte was fought in this area in 1899.
The Nambiti Private Game Reserve is the new kid on the block but is already giving the more famous and established private game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal a run for their money.
Nambiti Private Game Reserve was born when the vision of an individual who had always dreamed of owning a game reserve became a reality less that a decade ago.
Rob le Sueur, whose dream it was, rode around the Elandslaagte area near some of the legendary battlefields of the Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu wars in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. He began buying up failing farms and eventually consolidated 18 farms into what is now 1 conservancy – the Nambiti Private Game Reserve.
Today the area has been transformed into its original pristine condition, where grassy plains, rocky kloofs, deep forest and rivers provide shelter not only for the Big 5, but scores of other game and hundreds of birds.
Nambiti has now become a favourite safari destination for local and international visitors alike, not only for the Big 5 experience, but also because of its affordability and ease of access from Johannesburg and Durban, giving Nambiti an advantage over some of the more remote KwaZulu-Natal game reserves.
There's a choice of 9 lodges in which to stay, all of them different but all top class luxury. Lions Valley Lodge has some of the most interesting and exciting safari accommodation of any South African lodge.
Choose between the Spaza Suite, themed in a very upmarket way after a township spaza or informal trading store, the evocative Mandela Suite with pop-art pictures of Madiba, the Zebra Suite (which will bedazzle you with stripes) and, for the history buff, the Elandslaagte Suite, based on an Anglo-Boer War battle fought in the area.
Esewini Lodge, on the other hand, is all about location, location, location. Esiweni means 'perched on a high cliff' in Zulu, and that’s exactly where it is, dramatically situated overlooking the Sundays River.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Nambiti Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)36 631 9026
Fax: +27 (0)86 653 9031
Mobile: +27 (0)82 652 0583
Email: reception@nambiti.com
Web: www.nambiti.com
How to get here
From Ladysmith take the N11 to Newcastle. Continue to the Glencoe/Dundee turnoff. Depending on which lodge you stay at you will either follow the first signs to Nambiti’s South Gate, or continue to the Elandslaagte sign and turn right. Turn right again at the Elandslaagte Memorial sign to the North Gate. Your lodge will provide detailed directions.
Around the area
Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu War battlefields. Ask your lodge to arrange a battlefields tour with an experienced guide.
What will it cost
Check with the individual lodges as rates vary.
What to pack
Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, hat and comfortable walking shoes. In winter, a warm jacket, hat, gloves and scarf are recommended.
Where to stay
You have a choice of 9 lodges, some of which are self-catering.