Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve

General information

Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve is situated in a malaria-free region in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, about 20km from Ladysmith only 3.5 hours drive from Johannesburg and 2.5 hours from Durban. With its waterfalls, diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife this reserve offers endless opportunities and options. Unlike most other game reserves, Nambiti has the carrying capacity of almost twice that of regions such as Botswana, thus being able to carry more game per hectare than many other reserves. The Nambiti Private Game Reserve was started in 1999 from what was originally a cattle and maize farming area. These farms were acquired and then the mammoth task of removing internal fencing and old buildings started. After all the unwanted man made structures were removed, the task of removing all alien vegetation commenced – this is still on going. After some time the reserve was ready for the delicate task of re-introducing wildlife. Now after many years of productive management, the reserve has come full circle. The fauna and flora is flourishing and has settled down into the slow moving time of Africa. Most of the endemic species have returned giving a particularly diverse range of species not found in most protected areas in South Africa. The reserve certainly has plenty of water – so vital to the flourishing wildlife and maintaining this ecosystem at such a high level.
he Nambiti Private Game Reserve is technically home to the “Big Five” game, namely lion, elephant, white rhino and buffalo (leopard are here but are extremely shy and very rarely seen) and about thirty other game species, including cheetah, hyena and hippo. The cheetah and lion wear tracking collars. This in case they escape the reserve – there is a large rural population whose protection from these predators would needs be controlled. The bushveld on this game reserve in South Africa has incredible biodiversity including savannah, grassland, thornveld and tall acacia trees of the Tugela Basin biome. The birdlife is fairly prolific with several rare bird species found in the ravine bush alongside the two 40 metre waterfalls of the Sundays River, which flows through the reserve. Nambiti Game Reserve is in reasonably close proximity to the Battlefields, which one may incorporate in your visit here, close to both the Anglo/Zulu as well as the Anglo/Boer battlefields. The Battle of Elandslaagte was fought partially on Nambiti. This reserve is also close enough to the World Heritage Site of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park should one want to enjoy also including visiting this beautiful area, either before or after your safari.
But what would a wildlife experience be without the ambassador who shares it with you? The Nambiti Private Game Reserve boasts a selection of superb lodges that are masters in the field of hospitality - perfecting what has become known as the luxury photographic wildlife safari experience. Comfortable accommodations, fine cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, skilled and personable guides and a rich diversity of wildlife and flora are the aspects that a visitor may expect to enjoy.