Nambiti Plains

Amazing stay with Nambiti Plains - very highly recommended. We chose to celebrate a big milestone in South Africa to create some very special memories. We toured from Joburg, through Nambiti to Durban and then onto Cape Town, and Nambiti Plains why by far the most memorable experience. Not only did we get to see each of the Big 5, we had close-up encounters with many animals on every game drive. Phil, our guide, was absolutely amazing and kept us captivated and engaged throughout - its easy to see why he won Safari Game Drive Guide of the Year. In addition to the 2x3hr drives each day (sunrise and sunset) we also did a guided Walk with Phil and got scarily close to a Rhino and some Buffalo! Nambiti (especially in the Winter) is amazing - every day we saw Buffalo, Black Rhino, White Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe and Zebra. One day one we heard the roar of a Lion close-up, the next day we found them feasting on a kill, and the next day we saw them mating! Really great Safari experience. In terms of the accommodation it was certainly 5*. We loved the sympathetic design, the lodges really blended into the environment, and we often had wild animals roaming right up to the lodges. The rooms were spacious, clean and well appointed. Housekeeping was amazing and inconspicuous. The food was very good, wide selection for breakfast, varied options for dinner - and chef was happy to take requests. Facilities were okay (noting the main attraction are the game drives) but no Gym or Spa and neither would have been out of place at a 5* resort and would have been used by our group. Service was the best we experienced in South Africa, everyone was super friendly and attentive - and being a small team they remembered our names just as we could remember theirs (Magdel, Cindi, Mambosa, Kate, Precious and Bethi). For example, we had a problem with our transfer on arrival day so arrived too late for the scheduled game drive, but Magdel and Kate kindly put on a special shorter game drive so we didn't miss out - nice touch. However, everywhere else we stayed (and had meals at) put on some cake or bubbles to celebrate our milestone - but sadly not Nambiti Plains - though on the final day they did dress the room a little. I'm 100% sure it was an oversight as we otherwise were treated like family. If I had mentioned it they'd definitely have done something, but to be honest the memories Philip helped us create were more than enough. We only stayed four days, but shed a tear when we were leaving - you will absolutely enjoy your Safari experience at Nambiti Plains.

A truely enjoyable experience in every way. Staff were unbelievable- pleasant, completely traveller focussed. Food was great. I have been on safaris throughout my life from Sabi sands region, Zimbabwe, northern natal - this rates as a top safari experience. Highly recommended!

From the moment we arrived, the warmth of your welcome and the care you showed us throughout our stay were truly exemplary. The food was outstanding so lovingly prepared with attention to detail. No one could ever go hungry at Nambiti! We came hoping to experience the animals in the wild, and wow, what an experience it turned out to be. My passion has always been the care of all animals, whom I see as our equals, and it was so moving to watch how JP shared that same love and respect. The way he spoke about and to the animals was both genuine and deeply caring. He has a deep connection with the animals. Even being “caught in the storm” became a memory to treasure! JP kept everyone safe and calm, and watching the lightning dance across the sky was mesmerizing. The sundowner drinks were so special, with such thoughtful touches, and of course JP’s cheeky presentation of Gordon’s birthday cake had us all fooled, it was such fun. JP's sense of humour added to the joy of the trip. The cake was delicious, and we were so happy to take the rest home to Hillcrest. The game drives were beyond anything we could have hoped for. Seeing the breeding herd of elephants was unforgettable, though every animal we encountered was special in its own way. (I must admit, I have a soft spot for the warthogs!) We were also so glad we chose to do a bush walk with JP. It gave us such a different perspective from the jeep, connecting us more closely with the land and deepening our respect for the animals’ home. Housekeeping deserves a very special mention, too. Our room was just beautiful, immaculate, with a stunning view. The bath with candles and flowers was such a thoughtful touch and made us feel truly spoiled. We are already looking forward to returning in April 2026 with my daughter and her twin girls. Nambiti has now found a special place in our hearts, and we thank you all so sincerely for the love, laughter, and care you gave us. Keep smiling, you make such a difference. With warmest regards and gratitude, Siobhán and Gordon

Nambiti Plains Lodge exceeded all our expectations, with personalised professional service. Food, drink and game drives were amazing !!!! regards Mike & Debs (UK)

Words cannot express what an amazing experience it was at Nambiti Plains Lodge. From all the wonderful staff who know your name and likes/dislikes 5 minutes in, to the individual suites with incredible views and furnishings, to the magical game drives each day, there are not enough superlatives to describe it. Your every need is catered for; you eat like a king all day with chefs preparing your meals, the lodge has animals that walk through it each day so there is a constantly changing landscape right in front of you, its seriously out of this world. I have wanted to do this trip my whole life, my sister and I were blown away every minute of our stay. It exceeded all expectations. We were soooo lucky to get Phil Wessels as our guide - he is the biggest legend on two legs and he went out of his way to give us the best experience ever, we are so grateful to him for everything he did for us. What a great bloke, the best guide in the world, so experienced, so clever, such a nice guy, super funny (even all his daggy jokes) he is someone we will never forget. We did 11 game drives with Phil, and each one was unique and gave different experiences with animals and covered so many different landscapes within the reserve. You cannot possibly get bored with what you are seeing. All the guides we met at Nambiti were lovely people and everything was so well organised within the lodge and on drives within the reserve; the reserve and lodge runs a very tight ship in terms of ethics and morals, was really great to see. Tips; Cold months - take loads of clothing to layer up on the game drives - its always colder than the forecast while in the truck, out in the open and with wind etc. They provide hot water bottles and fleece lined ponchos, but pays to have warm layers on still. Nambiti is pretty easy to get to with GPS - you can drive yourself, we did from Jo'Burg in a small hire car, only a short time spent on dirt road and it seemed well maintained. Your car remains securely parked at their covered sheds during your stay. Bringing your own binoculars can be useful - they do hire them out when available, but was great to have my own with me at all times and for free. Stay as long as you can - we did 6 nights and wished for more - everyone we met wished they were staying longer/as long as we were. Beware of the temptation to skip a game drive due to tiredness/jetlag etc.....its the one you miss that will have all the action! Thank you to everyone at Nambiti Plains Lodge, what a spectacular place, what amazing people!

A group of six of us recently spent 4 nights at the lodge and it was simply sensational. We were initially welcomed, with a cold drink, like long lost friends. The setting is majestic, overlooking a dam which attracts all types of animals. We sat with cold drinks in hand as elephants, zebras and other animals visited the dam. We had to exit the pool as an elephant came to drink. The rooms are luxurious: well appointed and each with their own viewing area. There are plenty of animals around the lodge. The staff were wonderful: always polite, friendly and willing to help in any way. The food was a standout, it truly was fine dining and by far the best of all the lodges we visited. Chef Roy is a magician and the only thing stopping this place from getting a Michelin star is that the judges haven’t been there. But, the main reason for visiting is the game drives and they were outstanding. Our guide, Jonathon, was passionate and informative. He took the time to explain all the animals: their habits and characteristics. We saw plenty of the Big Five , except for Leopard, up close. Each game drive, morning and night, was informative and eventful. The morning game drive included coffee and fresh muffins and the evening drives included wine and beer as we watched the sunset. If you are considering time in South Africa, and in the Natal region, then Nambiti Plains is the place for you. It is simply sensational.