ONE BIG-FIVE, HAPPY FAMILY
LOCATION
Ndaka Safari Lodge is in the centre of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, an 8ha, malaria-free, Big Five reserve in central KwaZulu-Natal, 20km outside Ladysmith.
STYLE
This is a luxe but unpretentious familyfriendly resort, an African farmstead converted into three standard lodge rooms in the main house, along with seven luxury safari tents and three family-suite tents — all within walking distance of each other but far enough apart so you neither have to see or hear your neighbour.
SERVICE
Staff are always friendly and eager to help but without buzzing around you. They are also mindful of the needs of small children and, where possible, are flexible with meals and game-drive times. There are minders available should you wish for a time-out.
HOW’S THE GRUB?
Traditional and locally sourced are the order of the day. Breakfast is a buffet including fruit salads, cereals, croissants and a full fry-up. Lunch and dinner are usually à la carte with a choice of two starters, mains and desserts for adults; and home-made fish fingers and chips or macaroni and cheese to please fussy kids.
ACTIVITIES
With Big-Five spotting on two game drives per day, bird-watching and sunbathing by the pool, plus novelty zebra and giraffe “rocking horses” for the kids to frolic on at the jungle gym, there is little more you need do, other than perhaps take in the scenery and spot the elephants from your kingsize bed.
The sundowners with Amarula on game drives and board games after dinner are lovely ways to reconnect with your loved ones and disconnect from the treadmill of life.
BEST TIME TO GO
Year-round.
FACILITIES
The tented rooms reinforce the feeling that you are on safari — but with all the creature comforts, including white linen, fans, a fridge, and private lounge. The bathrooms are so spacious you could virtually play cricket in them, with his-and-hers basins, a bath and an indoor and outdoor shower.
There is a television near the bar if you simply must watch the other “game” and children can play on the jungle gym, or mini soccer field.
The rim-flow pool, blending into the landscape like a mirage, is the biggest hit at the lodge.
RATES
Currently R2,220 per adult per night until December 13. Kids under three stay free. Includes three meals per day, two game drives, all hot drinks and game-drive snacks. Extras to be added are the RPL levy which is R50 (pppn) and any purchases from the bar and curio shop.
CONTACT See ndaka.co.za.