From the moment we clambered into the open-topped land rover for the journey deep into the bush of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, we could sense we were in for something special.
We bounced along the dirt track heading for our luxury lodge, gazing out at the serenity of the landscape unfolding before us, passing a family of scampering warthogs with their tails held high. I took a deep breath of the purest air and inhaled the unmistakable aromas of the African bush.
Our home-from-home in South Africa’s Kwa Zulu Natal, Nambiti Hills lodge, was soon in sight, perched on high with its distinctive thatched roof peeking through the trees. We bundled excitedly out of the car to be greeted with refreshing cocktails and hot, scented towels presented with smiling faces. A smiling face is never far away at Nambiti Hills to ensure our every wish comes true.
The lodge has only eight luxury suites making for a truly intimate feel. Each suite looks out across the unique beauty of the African bush and features a private balcony or patio, air conditioning, a mini bar, a coffee and tea station, and an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower and bathtub. Our bathtub was perfectly positioned to take in the peaceful panorama. Getting out of that tub stocked with perfumed bubble bath and bath salts for luxuriant lounging wasn’t easy.
The communal area of the lodge has a bar and restaurant decorated in authentic-safari style with high beamed ceilings and neutral shades matching its natural surroundings. Outside there’s a heated infinity pool and expansive deck – the best spot for watching the sunset while enjoying one of the creative cocktails or some spectacular South African wine.
Dinner is served either on the terrace or in the cosy dining room and is just as memorable as the breathtaking natural surroundings and its wildlife. The executive chef has created a menu that celebrates the flavours and ingredients of South Africa. These are some delicious flavours, including seafood, fish, fillet of beef, and great vegetarian options. A delectable high tea is served in the lounge, again with a South African twist. There are sandwiches and scones, still warm from the oven, and special South African sweet treats like koeksisters, Afrikaans pastries made with syrup, and classic milk tart (melktert). The impressive array of teas includes our favourite – the local rooibos.
High tea is announced by a drumbeat and happens just before the highlight of every day – the Game Drive. Well, one of them. Game drives are twice a day, at dawn and late into the afternoon. Driving through the wilds of the Nambiti reserve with our knowledgeable guide, we felt like we had discovered our own special piece of Africa. No signs of any other humans and plenty of wildlife. We watched in awe as two groups of lions challenged each other for territory (as terrifying as it was exciting) and quietly observed a herd of elephants emerging from the thickest bush (including babies). It’s impossible not to love a baby elephant. Speaking of babies, it was the right time of year to spot them. Plenty of impalas had recently given birth to their beautiful babies. There are hippos and crocodiles in the lakes, towering giraffes, barking zebras and other antelope, and plenty of birdlife to marvel at. At sunset, we stopped for snacks (biltong and droerwors – a real taste of South Africa) and wine – once we’d got a safe distance from those lions.
As the sun set on the serenity of a magical African day, the bush settled quickly into nighttime mode, and a whole new set of noises and scents filled the air. It was time for us to bundle back into the jeep and head home to Nambiti for dinner delights before an early night in the comfort of our giant bed in preparation for doing it all over again in the early morning. Because you can’t help yourself – it’s addictive visiting the African bush. It captures a piece of your heart and entices you back again and again.
Nambiti Hills is in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve. It’s less than a three-hour drive from Durban or around four from Johannesburg.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
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