Cheetah Ridge
African Inspired Safaris – Inspired to take you there
ABOUT
Cheetah Ridge
Why This
Inspires Us
- Cheetah Ridge is ideally located halfway between Durban and Johannesburg, this malaria free big 5 game reserve is actually just as close from Johanneberg (if not closer) as if you were going to Madikwe! (just in the opposite direction!).
- Nambiti is not only within easy reach of central Drakensberg and many historic battlefields but also boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes! (We love the fact that we saw a large amount of plains game!)
- The 10 luxury suites are stylish with floor to ceiling windows combining contemporary luxury with the natural beauty! The best is that each overlooks a private watering-hole – Imagine viewing all sorts of wild animals, congregating at a watering hole at close range, from the comfort of your private viewing deck!
- We love the fact that each suite has its own fireplace – the perfect winter safari destination – so cosy to come back and just cuddle! (and not to be forgotten, the summers are cooled down by air-conditioning!)
- For those families, there is a super large, spacious option! A very rare find for those families with more than 2 children!! Above the main building the family suite offers two en-suite bedrooms (one of these rooms has a double and two twin beds) joined by an interleading lounge and the balcony overlooks the beautiful grounds.
- The homely and comforting atmosphere is felt and you feel like the lodge is a home away from home!

Lodge
Information
Creating enduring memories of Africa at their Big 5 safari lodge, where contemporary luxury merges with the timeless natural beauty of the landscape.
Cheetah Ridge Lodge offers an experience which will ignite your inner explorer and satisfy every wildlife enthusiast.
A place with a soul. That’s what conservation visionary Rob le Sueur was searching for when he serendipitously stumbled on the land that now forms the backbone of Nambiti Private Game Reserve.
Set in an untamed, yet malaria-free, African paradise that is accessible from both Johannesburg and Durban.
Not satisfied with leaving it at that however, Rob took it one step further – he decided to convert the original, grey-stone manor house on one of the properties into a luxury lodge, where Mother Nature’s bounty could not only be preserved, but enjoyed in comfort in lodgings sympathetic to the surrounding environment, for generations to come.
And so from such modest beginnings, Cheetah Ridge Lodge was born.
Suites
Whatever your accommodation preference, wildlife is always within viewing distance – and earshot – at Cheetah Ridge Lodge
Imagine viewing hippos, waterbuck and a host of other wild animals, congregating at a watering hole at close range, from the comfort of your private viewing deck.
Or in the early morning, observing the African Fish Eagle, known as ‘the voice of Africa’ for its distinctive ringing cry, makes a ‘kill’ as it swoops down to feed on its primary diet of fish, snatching its prey from the water with its large, clawed talons.
And, when you turn in for the night, enjoying the solitude and splendour of this pristine wilderness, with just the whistling call of the fiery-necked nightjar to lull you to sleep.
Luxury Suites
Situated away from the lodge, their 10 king-size luxury suites overlook a private watering-hole, enabling guests to observe a vast array of African wildlife from the privacy of their own personal viewing deck.
Serviced daily, each free-standing suite is equipped with a bath, shower and en-suite toilet, with a pod-hanging chair to take in the unfolding bush scenes before you.
Air-conditioning and ceiling fans for balmy summer evenings, with a Bosca Fireplace and Nespresso coffee machine for chilly nights, complete the picture to ensure a luxurious, yet homely, stay.
Family Suites
Consisting of two en-suite bedrooms joined by an interleading private lounge area, as well as a balcony overlooking the beautiful Cheetah Ridge grounds, their family suite is the perfect option for families with children, or small groups who would still like the option of being fully catered for.
All suites are air-conditioned, come with a Nespresso machine and are serviced daily.
Dining
Cheetah Ridge Lodge ought to be your ultimate safari getaway, whether you like to dine al fresco beneath a lit fig tree or alone in the bush on the Nambiti Private Game reserve.
Safari
Nambiti Private Game Reserve is one of just three private Big 5 game reserves inKwaZulu-Natal, boasting incredible game-viewing without the crowds. Cheetah Ridge is alos located in a malaria-free area – for a bush experience without the worry.
Observe wildlife and absorb knowledge from your experienced guide on morning and afternoon game drives in our Big 5 reserve.
Twice daily, their skilled guides take guests on captivating and educational game drives.

Specials and
Rates
African Inspired Safaris offers an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters.
Each package is bespoke, carefully crafted to align with our clients’ preferred dates, desired experiences, and unique safari requirements.
Contact us with your travel dates and destination preferences, and we’ll provide you with a personalised quote – including access to some of our amazing specials.
CHILD POLICY
- All children are welcome
- We recommend that families with children book the Family Suite
- A maximum of 1 (one) child can be accommodated in the Luxury Suites on a camping stretcher and mattress
- Children 0 – 3 years stay complimentary
- Children 4 – 11 years pays 50% of the adults sharing rate
- Adult sharing rate will apply to the adult should they be sharing with a child (4-11 years) in a Luxury Suite
- Single Supplement will apply if an adult shares with an infant (0-3 years)
- Children 12 (twelve) years and older will be charged at the relevant adult rate
- Children 6 years and over are permitted on games drives
Amenities and features
Need to know
General Overview
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Overlooking a Waterhole |
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Nambiti Private Game Reserve |
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Non-Malaria Area |
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Big Five Reserve |
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Accessible by Road to Parking Lot (only) |
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30 min from Ladysmith |
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3h30 hrs from Durban |
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4h30 from Johannesburg |
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Pietermaritzburg Airport |
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Closest Inter. Airport: King Shaka International |
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Int.: OR Tambo International Airport |
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Airstrip on Reserve |
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Helicopter Pad (on reserve) |
Activities
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Game Drives (7-8 pax per vehicle) (from 6 yrs) |
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No Off-Roading Allowed |
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No Trackers |
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Bird Watching |
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Stargazing |
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Rhino Dehorning or Tagging (add. cost) |
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Bush Walks (add. cost) |
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Nights Drivers (add. cost) |
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Historical Tours (add. cost) |
Lodge Amenities
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10 Luxury Suites & 1 Family Suite |
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WIFI |
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Mobile Reception (limited) |
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Camp Fenced |
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Children of all ages |
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Swimming Pool |
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Electricity |
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Ingulule Spa |
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Curio Shop |
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Wine Cellar |
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Laundry Service |
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Boma Meals |
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Bush Meals |
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Picnics |
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Tennis Courts |
Room Amenities
amenities_Icon | Amenity |
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WIFI |
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Fire Places |
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A/C (hot & cold) |
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Fan |
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Bath (inside) |
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Shower (inside) |
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Mini Bar |
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Tea / Coffee Station |
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Hairdryer |
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Safe |
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Bathroom Amenities |
Additional
Services
Because Safaris can be complicated, we offer other services that you might find useful.
Why not take a look and if you need more information feel free to contact us!