The 5* Nambiti Plains lies nestled within the smouldering beauty of a picturesque landscape of the spectacular Nambiti Game Reserve, a private Big 5 bush retreat and game conservancy set on 10,000 hectares of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZulu-Natal. The reserve is just 3.5 hours from Johannesburg and 2.5 hours from Durban.
Imagine watching the sun set over the horizon whilst you capture the moment of a pride of lions stalking their prey or watching a rhino strolling to the water hole for an afternoon drink or the buffalo silhouetted against an aging sky. Admire the leopard with its beauty and graceful strength. Watch the elephant family as they make their way over the plains, or watch as the cheetah, lithe and agile crouches, patiently waiting.
The abundance of natural water, perennial rivers and beautiful waterfalls on the Sundays River also makes Nambiti a unique birding sanctuary.
Each suite is designed with the utmost care and detail to impress and surpass the expectations of even the most discerning guest. Each suite is spacious, underfloor heated and completely secluded. With 180 degree panoramic views from the bath, outdoor bush shower, and private wrap around deck, guests can immerse themselves in the pure luxury that is Nambiti Plains.
The main lodge is imaginatively weaved and constructed in and amongst the indigenous forest, perched on the waterhole edge. Relax with a cocktail on the deck or at the Nambiti Plains Bar or take a dip in the swimming pool and watch as the animals quietly drink and bath in the waterhole. In the evenings look forward to 5* dinners in the boma around the African fire and feel the beat of Africa as it gently and rhythmically moves through the night.
Rates Include
All meals (apart from lunch on the day of arrival and departure); tea/coffee/hot chocolate/breakfast juices and water (available all day); 2 game drives per day; game drive snacks and sundowner drink; a glass of wine during dinner; and the Rhino Conservation Levy are included.
PLEASE NOTE: All other drinks are NOT included.
Children Policy
Children aged 8 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.
Directions For Drivers
The Nambiti Reserve is situated 25 km east of Ladysmith and is only 3.5 hours from Johannesburg, 2.5 hours from Durban and 40 minutes from the Drakensberg. The entry gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00.
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. Continue on this road for approximately 20 km. Ignore the signs that say Nambiti as these will lead you to the South Gate. Continue driving until you see a sign that says Elandslaagte/Glencoe/Dundee and turn right here. You will then be on the Glencoe/Dundee road - the R602. Travel for approximately 2.3 km. Turn right at Elandslaagte - P555 (dirt road). Cross the railway line and follow Elandslaagte sign for 200m. Turn left following the Elandslaagte sign/Memorial Gate. Drive 3.8 km to Nambiti Game Reserve North Gate.
Directions from Durban: Head towards Ladysmith on the N3 and take the Ladysmith/Bergville Toll Off Ramp. Turn right and head towards Ladysmith. When you arrive in Ladysmith, follow the directions as above.
Guests are required to call the lodge on +27 (0) 71 680 4584 or on +27 (0) 87 170 0716 once they reach Ladysmith.
You are required to sign an indemnity information form at the Nambiti gate. All private vehicles will be parked in the undercover parking close to the main gate. Your guide will collect you from there and take you to the lodge.
General Information For Guests
All rooms have a safe, minibar, tea and coffee station, torches, hairdryers, towels, bathrobes, fans, mosquito nets and floor to ceiling windows as well as air-conditioning that double up as a heater as well. The Honeymoon Suite also has an outdoor shower.
Wi-Fi is available at the main lodge, and there is mobile phone reception too.
There is a swimming pool.
Fishing (on a catch-and-release basis) can be arranged as an additional activity inbetween game drives during the summer months.
The lodge is unfenced so care must be taken when walking around, even during the day.
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
The water is safe to drink, although the lodge does take further precautions by triple-filtering it and exposing it to UV light to purify the water. This water is available from the main lodge, and each room has a jug of filtered water which is refilled twice a day.
The game drive vehicles can accommodate up to 10 people; however, the lodge aims to keep the maximum number of people on vehicles between 6 and 8, subject to family groups and couples. If you would like a more intimate safari experience, a private vehicle and guide can be booked (additional cost).
Namibiti Plains was amazing and the whole experience was magical. We were made to feel very welcome and as the numbers are kept low we felt very spoilt. The staff were very considerate to the needs of our family and the attention to small details made the whole experience more enjoyable. We would definitely recommend this lodge.