Umzolozolo Lodge is situated in the heart of the Kwa Zulu Natal midlands. 3.5 hours from Johannesburg, 2.5 from Durban and 40 minutes from the Drakensburg.
The malaria free Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve provides an unrivaled safari experience with the opportunity to view Africa`s Big Five as well as cheetah.
Umzolozolo is a small privately owned lodge, you will be able to enjoy the splendour of the reserve in near solitude. Experienced trackers and game rangers will accompany you on game drives in open land rovers, tracking the Big Five and sharing their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife with you.
At Umzolozolo, the emphasis is on personal service. Our luxury lodge caters for small groups to ensure that your safari experience is beyond expectation.
Our superb facilities combine the thrill of the African bush with all of the comforts of a five star hotel.
Accommodation at Umzolozolo Lodge:
The Lodge features 5 luxurious suites with panoramic views. Each suite is a freestanding unit, constructed with local materials and thatch to seamlessly blend into the environment.
The air conditioned rooms are spacious and secluded with private viewing decks where guests can relax and observe the herds of zebra, wildebeest and impala as they graze below. The suites have been designed to allow maximum game viewing from every room with large picture windows looking out onto the valley.
In addition to a private bathroom, each suite has an outdoor shower so that even while showering, our guests can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Nambiti. Showering in view of a herd of antelope or elephant is an unforgettably African experience!
Each suite has a television with satellite channels where you can catch up with a world that seems very far away.
Activities available:
Personal Tracker and Guide:
When you arrive at Umzolozolo you will be introduced to your personal tracker and guide. He will be available to you during your stay and will escort you on twice daily game drives in an open topped 4x4. As trained conservationists, your guide will provide a fascinating insight into animal behaviour and habitat.
Game drives:
Our morning and evening game drives offer guests unparalleled game viewing opportunities in open topped game viewers. Our guides have an intimate knowledge of the area and the habits of the animals which ensures a rewarding experience.
African Tradition:
It is customary to congregate to savour the sounds of the bush and the twinkling stars as night closes in. This tradition is observed at Umzolozolo in an enclosed boma where a blazing log fire creates an opportunity to relax and recall the events of the day enveloped in the unique sounds and smells of Africa.
Relaxation:
The pool is situated high above the valley on the viewing deck of the main lodge and offers panoramic views of the African bushveld as far as they eye can see. Guests can relax on lounge chairs under the shade of umbrellas and browse our selection of wildlife books.
Cheetah Interaction:
Encounter one of Africa`s most graceful cats up close and at our cheetah project, and experience the unforgettable thrill of hands on interaction with these magnificent cats in their newly erected enclosures.
Bird watching:
With almost 200 species of birds, the Nambiti Game Reserve is a bird lover`s paradise.
Fishing:
Compete with the Fish Eagles and Kingfishers for a catch in the Sundays river or any of our well stocked dams.
Battlefields:
A tour with a battlefield historian recreates those turbulent times with such skill that one can almost hear the troops and sense the fear and trepidation. Even non historians become enthralled by the drama of the scenes unfolding before them in the very hills where these decisive battles took place.
Drakensburg Mountains:
Umzolozolo is a mere 45 minutes from the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains and one of South Africa`s top golf courses. After your breakfast at Umzolozolo trips can be arranged to a golf course of your choice for a leisurely round of golf and still have you back at Umzolozolo for the afternoon game drive activities.
Midlands Meander:
At the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains, is an 80 km meandering route, stretching back to Pietermaritzburg, a picturesque trail which consists of more than 160 places to shop, eat and enjoy life.
The majestic suite is fit for royalty. The extravagant stone bath with breathtaking views through large open windows is the perfect setting for relaxing, and soaking up the beauty of the African bush. The bedroom and bathroom add to the romantic atmosphere. The private deck is complimented by a Jacuzzi for unwinding in lavish style.
Our luxurious chalets have one large bedroom in addition to a lounge area, perfect for couples. Families can be accommodated, as we have pull out beds in the main bedroom. These chalets can also be made into twin rooms.
The Nambiti Game Reserve is situated 25 km’s east of Ladysmith and is only 3 hours from Johannesburg, 2 hours from Durban and 40 minutes from the Drakensberg.
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.
- From the last traffic lights leaving Ladysmith travel for 7kms. Turn Right onto the D45 Road at the brown Nambiti sign. Follow for +- 10Kms, at the T Junction turn right.
- Travel along side the Game fence for +- 2Kms until you reach the thatched gate house on the left hand side. Our guide will contact the Lodge and direct you to the parking area, where our ranger will collect you.
