Nambiti Plains
African Inspired Safaris – Inspired to take you there
ABOUT
Nambiti Plains
Why This
Inspires Us
- Nambiti Plains Lodge is a charming and intimate 5-star lodge, designed to host a maximum of 14 guests – not only does this lodge offer an exclusive and extraordinary experience but it is incredible and set in the most beautiful and heart of the reserve!
- The best is arriving at the lodge with an elephant so close to our Suite and then to top it all off with a rhino drinking out the waterhole! We love the fact that this is one of the few lodges that is not fenced which provides you with a unique opportunity to witness the animals up close and personal right within the camp premises.
- Embracing a simplistic and earthy design, the Lodge creates an atmosphere that mirrors the vastness of the surrounding landscape. We love the charming packed stone walls (an interesting fact that this is the original stone that was found in the area the lodge stands on today!), serving as captivating signature design elements unique to Nambiti Plains.
- One of the best features is the way the sliding doors open up in each Suites creating panoramic views of the reserve – from anywhere in the Suite (even the bath and outside shower!)
- Nambiti Plains is ideally located halfway between Durban and Johannesburg (in the heart of the Nambiti!), this malaria free big 5 game reserve is actually just as close from Johannesburg as if you were going to Madikwe! (just in the opposite direction!)
- While Nambiti Game Reserve is renowned for its Big 5 wildlife, it is also nestled in a region steeped in historical significance. From conflicts between the Zulu Kings and the British Empire to the significant chapter of British and Boer history

Lodge
Information
Nambiti Plains Lodge is located in the 26 000-acre Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve. This is a Malaria-free area and boasts Africa’s beautiful Big 5, including 40 + mammal species and a plethora of birdlife. With its incredible biodiversity – including grasslands, thornveld and savannah, Nambiti Plains is conveniently located between Durban and Johannesburg.
Imaginatively weaved and constructed, Nambiti Plains lodge is perched on the edge of a waterhole overlooking the abundant plains of Nambiti. Spaces are open and uncluttered, leading you to focus on the incredible views of the bushveld beyond.
The lodge is unfenced so that animals can roam freely. Similarly, they want you to feel like you’re part of the bush, more than just a spectator.
Presided over by their ancient fig tree, relax with a cocktail at the swimming pool, or recline on your private deck and watch the animals drink at the waterhole.
They can’t wait to share the sights, smells and sounds of Africa with you.
Suites
Every spacious suite is equipped with all the amenities – along with our extra little touches – and has a private deck overlooking the expansive plains.
Imaginatively weaved and constructed, your individual suite is perched on the edge of the abundant plains of Nambiti. The suites are centred around nature and blend with their surroundings. The spaces are open and uncluttered, leading you to focus on the incredible views of the bushveld beyond.
Nambiti Plains ethos remains to stay true to nature and have as little impact as possible on the surroundings. The gravel paths leading to the suites are a forewarning of your coming for any wildlife that may be grazing in the scrub or grass around you. The thatch blends with the trees and bushes, and lends that wonderfully whimsical safari sense to the rooms. As you walk in, you will see that the front side of your rooms is panelled with windows looking out towards the plains and the surrounding landscape.
Luxury Suite
In the corner of the suite alongside the stone wall is a wooden tea and coffee station which also houses your minibar and amenities. This flows toward the bed adorned in a mosquito net and crisp white linen as well as your welcome gift. The rooms are very environmentally consciously designed, with as much of the materials kept as natural as possible. A wooden bench adds a stylish touch at the foot of the bed as you head towards the bath and spacious bathroom with cupboard, vanity area, open shower and toilet all in muted earthy tones.
The chairs alongside the romantic freestanding bath are one of the highlights for our guests along with the stackable doors that can be opened to let the outside breeze in. A private viewing deck allows you a unique view of the plains laid out before you. The deck comes fitted with comfortable deck chairs for relaxing, and a table and chairs.
Honeymoon Suite
The honeymoon style suite is what dreams are made of. It is set in generous space proportions while taking the surrounding nature into account with as natural as possible elements used in the construction of the area.
The suite is spaciously laid out with an open plan twin room design. The mosquito net canopied bed is centred to the one side of the suite, along with two chairs looking out across the expansive deck and the surrounding bush onto the rolling hills in the distance.
The bathroom features a gorgeous freestanding bath with a prime nature viewing position backed by the vanity area. Chairs lead through to the indoor shower and out to the privacy of your outdoor shower where you can truly enjoy a sensory experience of the African bush.
The ample deck is equipped with deck chairs for lounging and enjoying a drink, or a table and chairs to share a cup of early morning coffee.
Dining
Indulge in a culinary journey when you stay at Nambiti Plains. Their ethnic-inspired cuisine is presented in a fine dining format using only the freshest ingredients.
All your meals are included in your stay, and you can look forward to 5-star – yet unfussy – food with a focus on local flavours and fresh ingredients. They are also able to cater for almost all dietary needs.
Eating itself is a culinary adventure. The cuisine of Nambiti Plains is inspired by and celebrates regional South African flavours. Fresh compotes, breads, fruit salsas, and other homemade treats are constantly available because of an unwavering commitment to using only the best ingredients and making as much as possible on-site.
The lodge serves a full breakfast, and guests can have lunch on the balcony or in the privacy of their suite. Dinner is served in one of three locations: the dining room, the warm boma, or outside in the wild for a truly unique experience. On request, private picnic lunches can be arranged. All nutritional needs, including those of vegetarians, will be met.
Safari
With two daily game drives included in your stay, you get a chance to spot the animals that have long-inspired the world’s fascination with the African continent.
All game species at Nambiti are relaxed around game drive vehicles, allowing for prize-winning photographic opportunities and thrilling up-and-close encounters.
As a family-owned lodge, it is the conservation of their natural heritage that inspires them to give every guest the safari of a lifetime. From the very beginning, their focus at Nambiti Plains has been to provide an authentic experience of the African bush.
This is why they offer two daily game drives to all their guests – one in the early morning, another in the late afternoon.
Their professional guides are here to give you the most enriching and exciting game-viewing possible. Their guides are experts in the circle of life and how it spins both slowly and frenetically in the African bush. They will offer you wildlife lessons from their own cultures and experiences; they will tell stories and share anecdotes; they will explain, inform, educate, and then sit back and let you fall in love with the wild in your own way.
Visitors to Nambiti Plains will enjoy their Big Five safari near the Drakensberg for outstanding game watching from the comfort of an open vehicle to close encounters around the waterhole and the lodge grounds. Every day, there are two game drives: one at dawn and one at dusk.

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
- Children aged 8 years and older are welcome at Nambiti Plains
- Children 8 – 12 years of age sharing with two full paying adults pay 65% of the adult sharing rate
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 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 (6 - 8 pax per vehicle) |
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No Off-Roading Allowed |
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No Trackers |
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Walking Safaris (add. cost) |
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Night Drives (add. cost) |
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Bass Fishing (add. cost) |
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Star Gazing (add. cost) |
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Bush Picnic (add. cost) |
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Helicopter Flips (add. cost) |
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Battlefield Tours (add. cost) |
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Drakensberg Outings (add. cost) |
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Romantic Champagne Dinner (add. cost) |
Lodge Amenities
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4 Luxury Suites (or 2 Family Suites) |
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2 Honeymoon Suites |
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WIFI |
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Mobile Reception (limited) |
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Camp Unfenced |
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Children from 8 years |
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Curio Shop |
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Laundry Services |
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Boma Meals |
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Picnics |
Room Amenities
amenities_Icon | Amenity |
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WIFI |
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A/C (hot & cold) |
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Fan |
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Baths (inside - looking out into the bush) |
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Shower (inside) (outside - Honeymoon Suites) |
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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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Mosquito Net |
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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!