Game drives, long dinners, lazy pool days and unforgettable wildlife moments – a stay at Nambiti Hills Lodge is a gentle reminder of how good it feels to slow down and let the bush set the pace.
We arrived at Nambiti Hills Lodge in that in-between hour of late afternoon, when the light softens and the bush seems to hold its breath. As we drove into the reserve, the skies cracked open with a proper thunderstorm, rain drumming down as our guide, Lebo, greeted us and whisked us off towards the lodge.
The lodge reveals itself slowly – and then all at once. You step inside, and the view opens up over the reserve, with rolling hills stretching into the distance. Even with the rain still falling, it was impossible not to pause and take it all in.
Where comfort meets the wild
The decor is understated but luxurious. Natural textures, soft neutral tones, leather and wood are layered with carefully chosen African details that feel thoughtful rather than themed. The shared spaces invite you to linger, while the rooms feel calm and private. Each room has its own bathtub framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, making it easy to soak quietly and watch the bush go about its business.
A reserve with a story
Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve may feel timeless, but it is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s newer conservation success stories. Established in the early 2000s, the reserve was once a patchwork of cattle farms and agricultural land. A long-term vision saw fences removed, alien vegetation cleared and indigenous wildlife reintroduced, allowing the landscape to return to its natural state.
Today, the reserve spans more than 23 000 acres of malaria-free bush and is home to the Big Five, abundant plains game and prolific birdlife. Importantly, Nambiti is rooted in community conservation – it is owned by a local trust and managed in partnership with conservationists, ensuring the land is protected for generations to come.
Our first game drive
We visited Nambiti in early summer and the reserve felt alive with new life. We spotted cheetah and elephants, while the birdlife alone would keep any birder happily occupied. Everywhere we looked there were babies, from impala lambs and wildebeest calves to hippos with tiny ears just visible above the water.
Sundowners and long, lingering dinners
As the sun dipped low, we stopped for sundowners, sipping gin and tonics with biltong in the bush while the sky softened into evening. Back at the lodge, dinner was a relaxed three-course affair and very much part of the experience.
The menu changes daily and includes starter options such as a creamy butternut soup with sage and toasted pumpkin seeds, a fresh caprese salad with basil pesto and balsamic reduction, or rich peri-peri chicken livers cooked with lemongrass and coconut milk.
Mains strike a satisfying balance between comfort and refinement. Linguine Neapolitan comes tossed in a homemade tomato sauce with ricotta and Parmesan, while the grilled kingklip is light and fresh, served with baby potatoes, seasonal vegetables and lemon-garlic sauce. The herb-crusted lamb rack is a standout, served with creamy pea risotto.
Dessert is simple and comforting: apple crumble with whipped cream, poached pear in red wine with vanilla ice cream, or a classic cheese board.
Early mornings and slow days
The next morning began early, as safari mornings should. We headed out with blankets and coffee, stopping along the way for a proper coffee-and-rusk break as the bush woke up around us. Breakfast back at the lodge was served on the deck, with giraffes moving slowly in the distance. The spread was generous and fresh, with granola, fruit, yoghurt and a cooked breakfast made to order.
The rest of the day unfolded at an unhurried pace. We spent hours by the pool, listening to the quiet hum of the reserve, before heading out for another afternoon game drive and dinner.
A final thrill before farewell
Nambiti saved something special for our final morning. We were lucky enough to witness lions chasing a warthog – a dramatic burst of action that ended with the warthog narrowly escaping. It was the perfect reminder of just how alive this place is and the kind of sighting that stays with you long after you’ve left.
