Book Your #TravelTomorrow Safari

Want to book your dream Safari Holiday: What you need to know

So, you have always had ‘visit Africa’ on your bucket list – but where do you actually begin if you want to plan a safari?

Sometimes the process can seem a little overwhelming, but with the right tips and information, it really is as easy as one, two, three. And that is exactly where we at Nambiti Plains and our special #TravelTomorrow Hub come in:

1. Decide where you would like to go

Our reservations team will assist with making suggestions. Please follow this link to some packages we can offer https://nambitiplains.com/rates-and-bookings/

We can’t say enough about South Africa – the country simply has it all. Exquisite beaches and vibrant cities (including Cape Town, a strong contender for the most beautiful city on the planet), wildlife parks and reserves, arid deserts, colourful cultures and a human history dating back millions of years. The only problem you may have is choosing what to fit into your South Africa safari, but we have a few recommendations. Drive the famous Garden Route – the wind in your hair as you wind along the coastal roads, hike in the towering Drakensberg mountains, wildlife watch in the Nambiti Game Reserve, or sit back and let the wine do the talking in the world-famous Cape Winelands. https://www.go2africa.com/african-travel-blog/top-10-reasons-to-visit-south-africa

2. Decide when you want to travel

Although it might be daunting at the moment, travel will resume, and you will get that magical safari experience you always dreamed off. 

Just like anywhere on the planet, South Africa has different seasons and weather patterns that in turn have their own quirks and charms. There’s no ‘bad’ time to visit but depending on your safari-style, there might be a time of year that suits you better. June to October across much of sub-Saharan Africa is considered the ‘best’ for a safari. It’s the dry season and the weather is dreamy (but getting hot towards October) and the animals congregate around water making them easy to spot. The rains tend to fall from November to April, but it certainly doesn’t rain all day every day and the scenery is simply beautiful. January to March is also an excellent time to combine a Cape Town city break with a safari in the Nambiti Game Reserve. https://nambitiplains.com/2020/02/10/why-winter-should-make-you-think-about-travelling-to-nambiti-plains/

3. Plan your experience

Nambiti Plains Lodge located in the Nambiti Game Reserve just outside Ladysmith in Kwa-Zulu Natal is a Malaria free area, therefore no medication is needed. At Nambiti Plains there is so many things one can do and experience. From relaxing on your deck or lounging around with a cocktail by the pool, to getting the thrill of one of the big 5 wonder pass the safari vehicle. See the sunrise or enjoy a gin & tonic on the afternoon stop. Test your nerves by going on a bush walk, or drink in the history of the area by joining expert guides on day trips. 

4. Now Book your safari!

Follow this link to make your reservation at our beautiful and intimate Lodge. https://www.nightsbridge.co.za/bridge/book?bbid=21944

5. Ensure you are adequately covered

In light of the current situation in the world it is of upmost importance that you take out comprehensive travel insurance. It is very important that the schedule of included benefits are checked thoroughly. Most insurance companies have the option to purchase a clause “Cancel for any reason” which should cover any trip cancellations even for pandemics. Please note that current insurance plans might only cover when a guest is physically quarantined. Credit card insurance will not be sufficient for long-distance travel. 

6. How to get here

Most airlines fly directly into Johannesburg and British Airways now also offer direct flights to Durban. 

By Air: 

By Road:

Nambiti Plains is situated only 28km North of Ladysmith, roughly a 4-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg and 3-and-a-half hour drive from Durban. Guests need to arrive wearing a face mask. Upon arrival at the gate, guests’ temperatures will be taken, an indemnity form as well as declaration will need to be signed. Should any guests’ temperature consistently (even after a waiting period) test higher than the recommended 37.5 degrees C, guests will be required to go to the local hospital for further testing and will not be allowed access to the reserve. Upon entry all private vehicles will be parked at the undercover parking and guests are required to stay in their vehicles until the guide arrives. From here the guide will collect the guests to the Lodge (about a 10min drive). See this link for our directions https://nambitiplains.com/contact-us/

Car Rental:

Transfers:

Contact our reservations team https://nambitiplains.com/contact-us/ to receive a quote from our outsourced transfer company. Rates ranges from R3500 for Durban for 2 guests, or R3600 from Johannesburg for 2 guests.

Small Bush plane / Helicopter to the Lodge:

When you arrive in Africa, the most convenient way to get around is by bush plane or Helicopter. These planes or Helicopters are flown by expert pilots and all have the highest of safety ratings. South Africa lend itself to driving, but we highly recommend flying if you can – as well as being the quickest and safest method of transport, you’ll remember the views of the landscapes below forever. Contact our reservations team for a quote. Price on request but can range around R45 000 for a chartered bush plane or R37 000 for a helicopter. https://nambitiplains.com/contact-us/

7. What to pack
  1. Clothing should be comfortable and durable, cool cottons are ideal. Neutral colours are preferable. 
  2. An all-weather outdoors or bush jacket should be packed for both the summer and winter months, as we might experience cooler weather early mornings even in summer months.
  3. Sturdy, comfortable, walking boots or track shoes are recommended. 
  4. In winter ensure you pack for cold conditions – thick jackets, a scarf, gloves and beanie are recommended. Our shop stock fleeces, beanies, scarves and gloves. 
  5. During summer months, it is important that you bring sun protection (sunscreen sold at the Lodge), Sunglasses and a hat (caps are sold at the Lodge)
  6. Face mask and hand sanitizer (both available from our shop at the Lodge)
  7. Important documentation (and copies thereof)
  8. Reading material (Kindle, I-books, magazines)
  9. Please note that insurance carriers do not allow the distribution of medicines and we therefore highly recommend guests carry the basic requirements as they are not available at the Lodge: Headache tablets, Imodium, any allergy medicines that may be required
  10. Camera equipment and batteries. Unfortunately, we do not allow drones on the Reserve for security reasons.
  11. Binoculars (you can rent a pair at the lodge – first come first serve apply)
  12. Doctors certificate to state you are fit to walk if you are over 65 years and intending to join us on a Walking Safari
  13. Note the closest town is Ladysmith (about 30min drive away) and they will only stock the basics.
8. Amenities in your Suite

Luxury Suite

(two sets of two suites each with an interleading foyer)
  • Luxury Accommodation with en-suite bathroom (45m³)
  • Super King / 2 x Three quarter beds (extra length)
  • Canopy mosquito net
  • Floor to ceiling windows
  • Sliding doors opening onto the veranda
  • Private deck with sun loungers
  • Open plan shower
  • Stone Bath looking out into the bush
  • Air conditioner / heater and overhead fan
  • Hair dryer and amenities
  • International adaptor
  • Coffee station with a selection of teas, freshly home baked cookies and French plunger coffee
  • Mini Bar
  • Laundry basket

Welcome gift on arrival

Honeymoon Suite

(3 freestanding units)
  • Luxury Accommodation with en-suite bathroom (90m³)
  • Super King / 2 x Three quarter beds (extra length)
  • Canopy mosquito net
  • Floor to ceiling windows
  • Sliding doors opening onto the veranda
  • Private deck with sun loungers
  • Outdoor and indoor showers (open plan)
  • Stone Bath looking out into the bush
  • Air conditioner / heater and overhead fan
  • Hair dryer and amenities
  • International adaptor
  • Coffee station with a selection of teas, freshly home baked cookies and French plunger coffee
  • Mini Bar
  • Laundry basket

Welcome gift and small bottle of Bubbly on arrival

https://nambitiplains.com/2020/02/27/the-suite-difference-in-accommodation-at-nambiti-plains/

9. What to expect

Nambiti Plains is situated only 28km North of Ladysmith, roughly a 4-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg and 3-and-a-half-hours from Durban. Guests will need to arrive wearing a face mask and need to sign an indemnity form as well as a declaration at the gate. The gate guard will take your temperature 3 times to get an average reading. Should your average temperature test higher than the government regulation of 37.5 degrees C, you will be required to wait for a period of time (up to 30 minutes) before you will be re-scanned. If your temperature still is higher than 37.5 degrees C you will be required to travel to Ladysmith La Verna Hospital for further testing and clearance. For your safety, as well as the safety of all staff and other guests, you will not be allowed onto the reserve. The Lodge Management will be in contact the whole time to facilitate and re-arrange your reservation. We understand this can be a time consuming process and we ask for your understanding and patience as this is for the safety of everyone involved. Once you entered the reserve all private vehicles will be parked at the undercover parking, as directed by the gate guard. It’s important to stay in your vehicle until the guide arrives. Please note there is currently no toilet facilities available and you should wait until you reach the lodge. Your Guide will collect you from the parking and transport you in an open safari vehicle to the Lodge – about a 10min drive. He/she will sanitize your hands and bags before you get onto the vehicle. They will check what you would like to drink on the afternoon safari so start thinking if you would like the ever popular gin& tonic, local beer or a glass of wine, or perhaps something more adventurous.

Upon arrival you will be met by the smiling faces of our Nambiti Plains team, hand towels and sanitizers will be available as well as a refreshing homemade drink. The staff will ensure your suitcases are taken to the room and management will orientate you around the lodge area as well as take you through your spacious suite. Should you prefer that no one enters your suite, please indicate that on arrival and the bags will be left at the door, as well as the orientation done from there. Please take note of the menu board at the entrance of the lodge. If at any stage of your stay you feel like something different, just inform a member of staff and we will gladly cater to your needs. We gladly cater for any dietary requirements and just ask that you inform us. You will have time to settle in, unpack and enjoy the views from your private room deck or the main decks. Please note our rooms are “technology free” apart for the complimentary Wi-Fi access, which means no TV or phones. Plug points, international adaptors and hair dryers can be found in the rooms – please look at “What to Pack” for a list of amenities included in your suite. 

A Light Lunch generally will be served between 13h30 – 15h00 with Tea, Coffee and cake starting around 15h00. Bring your jackets, cameras, hats and face masks / face shields with for teatime so you are ready to depart for the afternoon safari afterwards (around 15h00 – 16h00 depending on the season). During Tea and Coffee the guides will come and chat to you about your expectations for the afternoon and share some stories about previous safaris and animals at the lodge. Make sure to stop by the bathrooms before heading out. You will be waved off on your first safari and spend about 3 hours in the bush with a lovely drink stop about halfway through the drive. Your guide will provide hand sanitizers before and after the drink stop.

While you are out on your safari experience, the housekeeping team will ensure your room is perfect and ready for your return with some lovely touches. Should you prefer, please place the “do not disturb” sign outside your door and we will refrain from entering your suite. Depend on what you see out on the safari, you should be back about a half an hour before dinner. You will be welcomed with a lovely drink, have some time to share your experience with the team or freshen up before dinner. Please remember to maintain a safe distance from our staff and other guests. In the evenings you will be escorted to your room as there is no fences around camp and this is for your safety – please do not walk alone. The waiter staff will entertain you at the bar and if you have gone to the room the guides will arrange a time to collect you again for dinner.

Our African drumbeats will announce dinner and the chefs will present their menu before you are served their delicious food – feel free to ask about preparation methods. Dinner can be served inside the restaurant area, out on the main decks, around the Boma Firepit or in the Bush. If you would like to spoil yourself or someone special, you can book a private romantic package where dinner will be served in your room.

After dinner can place your breakfast order, then you will be escorted to your room and reminded of the wake-up knock time in the morning. Soak away in our stone baths or enjoy a rain shower before tucking away in bed and dreaming about what tomorrow may bring.

In the morning wake up knocks are done about half an hour before the safari leave. Please remember to bring along your face mask or shield. This will be around 5h30 – 6h30. You walk to the lodge yourself where a steaming pot of coffee / tea will be waiting with some home-made rusks and fresh fruits. Once everyone is ready the morning safari will start and depending on what you see, you should be back around 8h00 – 9h00 for breakfast. This will consist of a delicious, individual trays per table with fresh cut fruits in season, homemade croissants and granola, as well as a homemade fruit compote and plain yoghurt. There will be a menu on the table to order from a variety of hot options – freshly prepared as you like it. While you are enjoying breakfast, the housekeeping team will once again ensure your room is clean, sanitized and ready for the day. Again, please leave the “do not disturb” sign out should you wish for your room to remain untouched.

You can relax around the pool area, soak up the sun on your pool loungers on your deck, catch up on some sleep or read some of the many books from our small library. For the more adventures there are activities available including bass fishing, bird watching, or even a walking safari. The opportunities are endless…

Then we start all over again with lunch. 😉

The day before departure you will receive a feedback form as well as a questionnaire with vital information needed by our Health Department. This will be on your bed with a pen to complete. On the morning of departure, you can choose to stay in and enjoy the view from the lodge for the last time or go on your last exciting safari for this trip.

Breakfast will be served upon return from safari and you will have time to freshen up and pack before checking out at the office. We will present your bill and a sanitized card machine will be available for payment. We do accept Mast Card, Visa and cash (unfortunately no American Express, Diners Cards or cheques). Please leave your feedback form and your completed health document at the front office. While we are sorting the admin, our staff will ensure your bags are loaded in the open safari vehicle from where we will take you back to the carpark. Should you have any questions with regards to your next destination, or need directions, please speak to our office staff. Once again you will be waved off until we see you again.

Experience unpretentious luxury
at Nambiti Plains

Book your safari bush break today

Meet the Team

Front of House
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Name: Sindy Thwala

Age: 30

Your role at Nambiti Plains: Senior FOH / Waitress

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains: 2 years and a month

Tell us in a few words about yourself: I am a very soft person and I respect others. People generally like my friendly personality and I’m very humble. I love God and myself.

Favourite animal: Lions, I love Lions! 😊

Favourite food: Zinhle’s Red velvet cake

Favourite colour: Pink

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains: Nambiti Plains Bar

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: When one of our guests left me a special gift – it was a moment of appreciation that I will never forget in my life. 

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: every morning we start with prayer and we all care for each other. We are a family here at Nambiti Plains that’s support one another.

Why do you work in the bush: I don’t see myself working anywhere else except the bush. I love almost everything (except snakes) in the bush. The atmosphere in nature and the quietness, listening to the birds every day is quite amazing.

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Name: Lungelo Radebe

Age: 25

Your role at Nambiti Plains: FOH / Waiter

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains:  years

Tell us in a few words about yourself: I am a quiet person but like to open up to those who are close to me. People tell me I have a good smile. I love to learn and grow and feel I can do it here at Nambiti Plains. I started as a casual and worked myself up through maintenance, scullery and now waiter.

Favourite animal/bird: Lions / Mocking Cliff-chat

Favourite food: Beef and Pap (traditional maize meal)

Favourite colour: Red 

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains: Gym at the staff quarters

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: Nambiti Plains Management offered us the opportunity last Christmas to bring our families on a game drive. It was really special to show them around my place of work and to see their faces when they saw the big5.

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: We provide a personal and friendly service to guests, our Lodge has open views and no fences which brings the animals right up to the guests.   

Why do you work in the bush: I love that it is quiet and love the animals.

Housekeeping
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Name: Precious Macu

Age: 31

Your role at Nambiti Plains: Senior Housekeeper

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains: 6 years

Tell us in a few words about yourself: I am a quiet person. I finished grade 12 and then I went to university, but unfortunately, I did not finish my course. This does not stop me from wanting to move forward and excel in what I do. I feel I get an opportunity to do so here at Nambiti Plains.

Favourite animal: Elephant 

Favourite food: Steak and Pap (traditional maize meal)

Favourite colour: Maroon

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains: The view from the pool so that I can see animals come by for a drink.

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: When we get the opportunity as staff to go on morning and night drives. 

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: We pray before we start our day. We are serious about conservation and give our guests aluminium water bottles to lessen the use of plastic water bottles.

Why do you work in the bush: Because I like to learn more about the bush and animals and love that we get an opportunity to go out in between work.

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Name: Nompilo Hudla

Age: 26

Your role at Nambiti Plains: Housekeeper

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains: 1 ½ Years

Tell us in a few words about yourself:  I am a very loving, kind and caring person. I love meeting other people, learning new things every day and I love singing to lift my spirit.

Favourite animal: Lions

Favourite food: Beef stew and Pap (traditional maize meal)

Favourite colour: Purple and Maroon

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains: Room 2, it is a peaceful room with a beautiful, open view

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: Meeting the owner of the lodge for the first time and dancing with the guest at the Boma. We have the best game drives.

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: We have loving staff, we care for our guests and we have the best guides to make game drives extra special. We pray together every morning.

Why do you work in the bush: The bush is a peaceful place with lots of animals. The beautiful thing about the bush is that it is a quiet place, not like the rush and noise in the cities.

Maintenance
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Name: Siyanda Kabane

Age: 27

Your role at Nambiti Plains: Sculler and Maintenance

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains: 4 Months

Tell us in a few words about yourself: I’m tall and dark in complexion. I love playing and have jokes around with my colleagues. I enjoy working with this team here.

Favourite animal: Zebra.

Favourite food: Menzi’s Creamy Sweetcorn Soup

Favourite colour: White

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains: Pool deck to watch Elephants – which happens often!

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: Night Game drives, and to see a lot of animals that we do not get to see every day. 

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: It’s a Bush Camp Lodge where you see all the animals. There is no fence so they can come right up to the rooms and that is special. Most guests love to have this different style of lodge especially the boma where we dance and sing for them while they sit around the fire.

Why do you work in the bush: I enjoy the animals and to learn from the guides. It’s a special place and we enjoy entertaining guests.

Guides
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Name: Jason Swart

Age: 26

Your role at Nambiti Plains: Head Guide

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains: 4 years

Tell us in a few words about yourself: Very outgoing, love camping, fishing and birding. Love playing guitar. Very social, love sharing stories and experiences.

Favourite animal/bird: Elephant / Martial eagle

Favourite food: Sushi / Braai (traditional BBQ)

Favourite colour: Green

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains: Inside my Game Viewer! 😊

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: The night I saw my first Leopard on Drive in Nambiti Reserve. I was in tears. I waited for 927 days and it was worth it.

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: I think the way we have come to know each other, we get along as a family. Passion that every staff member puts into their work.

Why do you work in the bush: I was about 7 when I decided to do what I do today. The bush helps me see the bigger picture in life. Helps me to clear my mind and forget about any stress 😊

Kitchen
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Name: Menzi Hudla

Age: 34

Your role at Nambiti Plains: Senior Chef

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains: 6 ½ years

Tell us in a few words about yourself: I am a quiet and passionate person who are always hungry to learn. I started out as a gate guard on the reserve, but followed my passion and became a gardener, sculler and then chef at Nambiti Plains.

Favourite animal: Eland

Favourite food: My Oxtail (stew meat cooked in a red wine sauce)

Favourite colour: Navy Blue

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains: Boma – this is were staff and guests can interact and truly experience the hospitality that is unique to us.

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: Night drives and celebrating my birthday on the same day as one of our repeat guests.

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: The staff and the beautiful view from the swimming pool deck.

Why do you work in the bush: It is natural, quiet and what I like most are all the different types of animals.

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Name: Kwazi Dubane

Age: 23

Your role at Nambiti Plains: Junior Chef

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains: 2½ years

Tell us in a few words about yourself: I like cooking a lot, this is why I went to college to study a chef course. I like laughing, making jokes and singing. Music is important to me, it brings hope and helps during difficult times. 

Favourite animal: Elephant

Favourite food: Seafood and Chips

Favourite colour: Black

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains: Boma – I love singing and seeing how the guests enjoy our traditional dancing. The best is when guests join us.

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: When we are dancing, singing and laughing with guests in the Boma and when we braai the meat for guests on the fire. I remember once when Andile Jali joined us in dancing in the boma.

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: It is a small lodge that accommodates 14 guests, we can pay a lot of attention to all our guests – especially with different dietary requirements. We have the best food ever!

Why do you work in the bush: It is quiet, I like listening to the sounds of the bush; lions roaring and elephants playing around the pool. It is a privilege to stay on a game reserve, I don’t like traffic or travelling by day.

Management
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Name: Bettie Bulter

Age: 25

Your role at Nambiti Plains: Assistant General Manager

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains: 3 ½  years

Tell us in a few words about yourself: I love the wildlife and hosting guests. I enjoy listening to our guest’s stories and making sure they have a great time. I am also a qualified guide and sometimes get the opportunity to take guests or staff on drive. My family and my Nambiti Plains family are very important to me and plays a big part in how I have grown over the years.

Favourite animal/bird: Elephants / African Paradise Flycatcher 

Favourite food: Pasta or Potatoes any way! 😊

Favourite colour: Purple

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains:  Main lodge deck from where you can see nature and all the animals.

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: Nights Drives

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: We are a small lodge allowing individual attention to guests. We are not fenced in, giving the animals the opportunity to walk freely in and around the Lodge.

Why do you work in the bush: From a young age I have known I want to work outside in the nature and with animals. Every day in the bush is different and exciting.

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Name: Magdel Geldenhuys

Age: 34

Your role at Nambiti Plains: General Manager

How long have you worked at Nambiti Plains: 4 Years

Tell us in a few words about yourself: I always had a passion for the bush and for people – odd combination, but the lodge industry offered me the opportunity to live out my passion for both. After my studies in BCom Tourism Management I worked in the hotel industry in England, but returned home to fulfil my dream of working in the bush. I have had the opportunity to work for some of the most amazing lodges in South Africa and love the smaller, intimate and homely feeling of Nambiti Plains.

Favourite Animal / bird: Bushbuck / Lesser Stripped Swallow

Favourite food: Sushi or my Grandmother’s home cooked Sunday lunches (she makes the best pumpkin fritters!)

Favourite colour: Red

Favourite place at Nambiti Plains: I fell in love with the view from room 4 when I came for my interview and it has been a special spot since then.

Most memorable experience at Nambiti Plains: There has been so many! The game coming to the lodge – lions outside my house just as I moved in, elephants at the pool or Kudu on the pathways. I enjoyed doing the Top Billing shoot for Nonhle and Andile Jali and I love reading guests’ feedback (either on Tripadvisor or our feedback forms). Seeing friendly repeat guests’ faces must be a highlight too! But the one that stands out was just after Christmas, when we received a gift parcel and card from a guest thanking us for taking such good care of them – this was a first for me in the industry.

What makes Nambiti Plains unique: The people! Our staff are all dedicated, hardworking and genuine people that in their own unique way want to ensure our guests have the best possible experience and fantastic memories to take home. We are a working family and it shows how much we care for each other. Our owners are supportive, passionate and conservation driven people – it pulls through to the rest of the team. From a lodge point of view we are minimalistic and naturally built on the edge of a waterhole visited by various game. The fact that we are not fenced in, with no special gardens or other features, brings nature right to your doorstep.

Why do you work in the bush: I grew up spending every free minute on my grandparents farm and always new I wanted to work in the bush. I do not enjoy crowded places and traffic. Living and working in the bush is a lifestyle and we are very fortunate to be doing what we love in such a wonderful environment.