About Nambiti Game Reserve
Nambiti game reserve ( or to give it, it's correct name, The Nambiti Conservancy ) was the vision of 2 businessmen and bush enthusiasts. They bought a large piece of farm land near Ladysmith in 2001 and have slowly added to it over the years all the while returning it to it's natural wild self.
What we have today is one of the most diverse, landscape wise, Big 5 game Reserves in Southern Africa. There are just 9 Game Lodges in the Reserve and it is positioned just an hour away from the Drakensberg Mountains and about half way between Joburg and Durban.
It makes for a Game Destination that is easily combined with one of the resorts or lodges in the Drakensberg or as a wonderful 2 or 3 night stopover on your way down to Durban for a beach Holiday.
For a package for any of these or other Combinations please do not hesitate to contact us for a quote.
Nambiti Founder
When founder Rob Le Sueur first rode Nambiti on horseback around the turn of the century, the vast open expanses, waterfalls and primal beauty of the land left him transfixed. An experienced outdoorsman, Rob had long been involved in conservation in Botswana and northern Zululand
Nambiti was a tapestry of six cattle farms when it was acquired in 1998, crisscrossed by barbed wire fencing and scoured by overgrazing. The goal was to restore the space to its natural ecological state. Careful management of veld condition and monitoring of animal populations as they were introduced has been a focal point, particularly in the supervision of the populations of lion, rhino and elephant.
Building Nambiti
Turning the 22,000 acres into a viable preservation area was no mean feat. Over 100 kilometres of conservation fencing, an in-depth ecological research project, the sourcing of game and intensive community outreach campaign took years to complete. Today, over 40 species of big game and an abundance of rare and wonderful birdlife make Nambiti an experience of Africa that will remain with you long after you leave.
Nambiti boasts nine independently owned and managed lodges, many incorporated into original farmhouses, offering experiences from the understated to the sublime.
Less than 4 hours from Joburg
Less than 3 hours from Durban
Directions to Nambiti Game reserve
The Nambiti Private Game Reserve is situated 25 km’s east of Ladysmith and is only 3½ hours from Johannesburg, 2½ hours from Durban and 40 minutes from the Drakensberg.
Depending on which lodge you are staying at, you will enter the reserve at 1 of two gates, where you will be checked against the guest list and signed in. You will then drive a short dustance inside the reserve to the secure parking areas where you will be met by your lodge ranger.
Please check your travel/ accommodation voucher to confirm the times you need to be at Nambiti.
NAMBITI DIRECTIONS TO MEMORIAL GATE
(Lodges that use this entrance are Ndaka Lodge, Nambiti Plains Lodge, Lions Valley Lodge, Idwala Lodge and Esiweni Lodge )
Directions from Johannesburg
- Head for Ladysmith on the N3. Once you have entered Kwa Zulu Natal via Van Reenen, take the Ladysmith Toll off-ramp.
- Turn left and drive towards Ladysmith on the R103. Drive straight through Ladysmith, and follow the N11 road to Newcastle.
- From the last robot leaving Ladysmith, continue on the N11 for about 27km. (Ignore the sign that says Nambiti, as this will lead you to Woodlands gate on the South Side of the reserve.)
- Turn right at the Glencoe Dundee ( R602) turn off.
- Travel for 2.3 kms. Turn right at Elandslaagte (P555), a dirt road.
- Cross the double railway line and continue for about 200m.
- Turn left at the Military Cemetary sign.
- Drive 3.8km to the Nambiti Memorial Gate-house which is staffed.
- Please phone + 27 36 6319026 in the event of you getting lost or check your Southern Routes travel voucher for the office number or the emergency after hours number
Directions from Durban
- Head for Ladysmith on the N3.
- Take the Ladysmith / Bergville Toll off-ramp.
- Turn right and head towards Ladysmith, Drive straight through Ladysmith, and follow the N11 road to Newcastle.
- From the last traffic light leaving Ladysmith, continue on the N11 for about 27km.
- (Ignore the sign that says Nambiti, as this will lead you to Woodlands gate on the South Side of the reserve.)
- Turn right at the Glencoe Dundee ( R602) turn off.
- Travel for 2.3 kms. Turn right at Elandslaagte (P555), a dirt road.
- Cross the double railway line and continue for about 200m.
- Turn left at the Military Cemetary sign.
- Drive 3.8km to the Nambiti Memorial Gate-house which is staffed.
- Please phone + 27 36 6319026 in the event of you getting lost or check your Southern Routes travel voucher for the office number or the emergency after hours number
NAMBITI DIRECTIONS TO WOODLANDS GATE
( Lodges that use this entrance are Springbok Lodge, Elephant Rock Lodge, Umzolozolo Lodge, Woodlands Lodge and Nambiti Hills Lodge )
Directions from Johannesburg
- Head for Ladysmith on the N3.
- Once you have entered KwaZulu Natal via Van Reenen, take the Ladysmith Toll off-ramp.
- Turn left and drive towards Ladysmith on the R103. Drive straight through Ladysmith, and follow the N11 road to Newcastle.
- From the last traffic light leaving Ladysmith, travel on the N11 for about 7km.
- Turn right onto the D45 Road, follow for 10km.
- At the T- Junction turn right, and travel alongside the game fence for 4km until you reach the Woodlands Gate-House which is staffed.
- Please phone + 27 36 6319026 in the event of you getting lost or check your Southern Routes travel voucher for the office number or the emergency after hours number
Directions from Durban
- Head for Ladysmith on the N3.
- Take the Ladysmith / Bergville Toll off-ramp.
- Turn right and head towards Ladysmith, drive straight through Ladysmith, and follow the N11 road to Newcastle.
- From the last traffic light leaving Ladysmith, travel on the N11 for about 7km.
- Turn right onto the D45 Road, follow for 10km.
- At the T- Junction turn right, and travel along side the game fence for 4km until you reach the Woodlands Gate-House which is staffed.
- Please phone + 27 36 6319026 in the event of you getting lost or check your Southern Routes travel voucher for the office number or the emergency after hours number
Wildlife in Nambiti Game reserve
Nambiti 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 Reserve’s 22 000 acres boasts incredible biodiversity; including savannah, thornveld, riverine bush, acacia trees and extensive grasslands that mirror the plains of central Africa. In addition, the Reserve is completely malaria free, falling far outside the low risk belt.
Explore around the Nambiti area
Drakensberg Holidays
The average height of this series of mountains is 2 900 metres, with some of the highest mountain peaks in Southern Africa rising as high as 3 482 metres. Some of the best hiking spots in South Africa are located in this area and you don't need to be an ultra distance athlete in order to enjoy them. Most resorts offer guided hikes ranging from 30 minute walks to view rock art paintings done by the San all the way through to all day or overnight options.
The Drakensberg is not only about its famous mountain peaks - Giants Castle, Cathedral Peak, Mont-Aux-Sources it also has many incredible waterfalls, rock pools, mountain streams and even caves that you can stay in overnight.
Ask your reservations consultant about combination options that will fit in with your trip to Nambiti
The Drakensberg Mountains
The majority of The Drakensberg Mountains lie the KwaZulu Natal Province and stretch well over 200 kilometres forming a natural border between Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal. Combining one of South Africa's great outdoor holiday spots with Nambiti is a wonderful way to enjoy a Berg 'n Bush Holiday. Spend 4 or 5 nights at by combining one the "berg" hotels or resorts with one of the Nambiti Game Lodges. Most of the Berg hotels are with a 90 minute drive of the reserve..
What Game Lodges are there in Nambiti?
5 Star Lodges | 4 Star Lodges | family Friendly | Self Catering
Elephant Rock Lodge Nambiti
Superb setting overlooking a waterhole where you can expect to see game gathering during the day. Elephant Rock is a small boutique safari lodge sleeping up to 10 people. The lodge is well known for its great cuisine and high standards of service. It's intimate setting and attention to detail make this a great value for money lodge.
Nambiti Hills Nambiti
Eight Luxury Rooms and one Honeymoon Suite, each with a private viewing deck. Each Suite includes airconditioning, minibar, tea and coffee tray and WiFi. A glass alcove houses a large stone bath where you can view the surrounding bush from. The lodge also has a heated swimming pool.
Umzolozolo Lodge Nambiti
Nine luxurious freestanding suites all constructed using local materials with thatched roofing to blend into the environment and give you panoramic outlooks over the bush. The air-conditioned rooms at Umzolozolo are spacious offering privacy and seclusion, all with private viewing decks.
Coming Soon
The Homestead Nambiti
New luxury eco lodge for KZN
‘The Homestead’ is scheduled to open in late 2021 and will operate with a low-impact on its surroundings.
Accommodating up to 24 guests in a combination of deluxe suites with private infinity pools and luxury units, the lodge will combine privacy with panoramic views of the reserve. The main lodge will offer dining venues, conference facilities, a spa, gym and swimming pool.
Nambiti Game Lodge Specials
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Nambiti Specials
Lions Valley Lodge
Sunday - Thursday
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Elephant Rock Lodge
3 night stay
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Nambiti Plains
Best Available Rate
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Ndaka Safari Lodge
Luxury Tented
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Springbok Lodge
Long stay rate
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Cheetah Ridge
Family Friendly
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Nambiti Hills
Best Available rate
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Umzolozolo Lodge
Best Rates
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