MZANZI ISSUE 16

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Despite growing up in this majestic corner of South Africa, I’d never
visited the reserve and my anticipation was intensifying as we drove
through the gates. Greeting us with a massive smile, was our guide
Biggie, eager to drive us through to the lodge that would be home
for the next three days. Even on the short drive in we were already
ticking off game sightings.
Nambiti Hills is a spacious lodge that crests the top of one of the
higher ridges in the 26,000-acre reserve. The central lodge area
branches into a restaurant on the left and lounge and bar to the
right. Walking through the doors, however, is where the magic starts
to happen! Besides a pool, fire pit and several lounge areas, the
deck offers spectacular views of the landscape that rolls out below.
The accommodation suites are luxurious offerings that stand not
far from the main lodge and give comfort and sanctuary in-between
game drives. Of course, I made sure of spending enough time
enjoying the free-standing bath – when swung open the adjacent
doors removed all obstruction to the outside, and the dulcet bush
sounds and a glass of red wine were more than enough to wash
away any remnant of city stress.
Make no mistake, Nambiti Hills lives up to its name: the landscape
is made up of ripples of hills and exploring them on safari is an
exhilarating adventure. Taking the twists and turns you never know
what lies around the next corner, which for us included in one instance,
three lions who didn’t seem as excited to see us as we were them!
As great as game sightings can be, at the end of the day your Safari
experience depends on your guide. Biggie had expertly guided us for
the past three days, and we couldn’t have hoped for a better ranger.
Nineteen years of guiding, SA’s highest guide qualification, and a
degree in wildlife management means he knows his stuff. He also
had us in absolute stitches with some of his stories.
Of course, if you’re interested in South African history, it’s worth
bearing in mind that many of South Africa’s wars played out within a
stone’s throw of the reserve. The sites of the Battles of Isandlwana,
Rorke’s Drift, the Siege of Ladysmith and the Battle of Blood River
are all close by.
Only four hours’ drive from Johannesburg and three from Durban,
makes this 5-star lodge a popular choice for locals looking to lap up
some bush luxury. Be sure to look out for the annual winter specials,
which could make a luxe bush getaway a bit more affordable than
you thought.
MZANZITRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 16 | 115