Encompassing an impressive 9,000 hectares of bushveld in the picturesque Olifants West Valley, the privately owned Olifants West Game Reserve sits in a prime location. The life-giving perennial Olifants River offers a reliable source of water for a multitude of wildlife and provides the perfect environment for rafts of Nile crocodile. The Big 5 reserve shares unfenced borders with the national park, allowing wildlife to roam freely throughout, ensuring that guided game drives always lead to incredible wildlife sightings. The OWGR attracts visitors seeking a private safari experience in a reserve with a high density of wildlife. Peppered with a few mid-range to luxury lodges, the Olifants West Nature Reserve is a drawcard for most safari enthusiasts. We are privileged to represent Ezulwini Lodges, Nambu Camp, and Sausage Tree Safari Camp; a unique collection of lodges.
Wildlife in the Olifants West Nature Reserve
In addition to supporting 94 mammal species and 250 species of bird, it’s worth mentioning that the OWNR is home to the rare black rhino! Maurauding their way through the diverse landscape carpeted with typical Kruger vegetation, you’ll discover a few local lion prides. One of these prides is the Takazile pride (more like a dynasty!) numbering an estimated 20-strong. Other noteworthy lion prides include the Kudyelas and the Masungulos Pride. Also, the reserve is a playground for more common species like impala, kudu, waterbuck, warthog, dwarf mongoose and giraffe, to name but a few. From Sausage Trees to vintage baobabs and iconic Marula trees; OWNR delights with its diversity.
Now, let’s get back to your safari accommodation options in the Olifants West Nature Reserve.
Here are the Olifants West Nature Reserve’s stars of the show:
The Enchanting Ezulwini Game Lodges
Ezulwini Game Lodges comprise Billy’s Lodge and River Lodge, and offer a sense of simple luxury amidst wild surroundings. All the standard safari experiences like twice-daily game drives are on offer, BUT they’ve also designed their main spaces to take advantage of views. A beautifully constructed wooden skywalk snakes its way around Billy’s Lodge, ending in a small viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. Equally, River Lodge (located on the banks of the river) has well-appointed outdoor spaces and viewing decks offering aerial views of the River beyond. The convivial outdoor spaces at River Lodge are shaded by riverfront vegetation, giving the lodge that charming hideaway atmosphere. And if exercise is your thing, River Lodge has a small outdoor gym for training!
Forget the wildlife, the piece de resistance at both lodges is the wine cellar, where you’ll be informed about the history of the area while wine tasting a some of South Africa’s finest wines. These sister lodges offer an array of room options. From ultra-luxurious suites to luxury chalets, there’s nothing standard about life at Ezulwini. Personally, I’d indulge in the extra-expense of staying an suite. Why? Because they have private plunge pools, spacious interiors, private viewing decks, indoor and outdoor showers, and deep baths. It’s pure safari indulgence!
River Lodge is ideally located on the banks of the river, and offers a spectacular honeymoon suite and family room; making it a great choice for families and multi-generational travellers.
The Inviting Sausage Tree Safari Camp
Know for its exceptional hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, Sausage Tree Safari Camp is certainly an inviting choice for those seeking a comfortable safari lodge stay with a modern take on bushveld comfort. Sausage sits above the bushveld, and gives rise to commanding views of the bushveld beyond. The entire main area has a wonderful sense of flow. The elevated area houses a breakfast nook under thatch, swimming pool with wooden decking and an open-plan bar area.
Comprising five Meru-style tents built on carefully constructed wooden platforms, ensures guests are introduced to that iconic “Kruger under canvas” feel. Each tent has sweeping views of the bushveld beyond. These tents are a far cry from anything ordinary. How so, you ask? Picture this…You walk into an olive-green canvas tent and you’re confronted with: private decks, an outdoor shower, indoor bath, ample floor and storage space, and eco air conditioning. Sounds like paradise? It is!
The Tranquil Nambu Camp
Nambu Camp is a tranquil place that takes pride in its elevated position upon an old anthill overlooking a dry riverbed. The mysterious Drakensberg mountain range serves as the backdrop to this elegant safari camp.
Owner run and managed, Nambu is one of those intimate and humbly sophisticated places where minimalism meets culinary artistry. Game viewing and lodge aspect aside, if there’s one thing we know about Nambu it’s that the food is good, and the decor elegant. The location combined with its stellar guiding and warm hospitality, makes Nambu a sought-after lodge.
Nambu’s claim-to-fame is its unbelievable sightings of tawny eagles—a common resident of the area. These birds of prey are regularly seen soaring through the skies above. When you’re not gazing at raptors, look down—huge herds of elephant frequent the waterhole below. The main area houses a swimming pool, lounges, dining area, boma, firepit, and beautifully crafted wooden balcony. Nambu has views for days!
The rooms are well equipped for a stylish and comfortable stay in the bush and are furnished in iconic safari-style decor with rustic finishes. A wooden balcony flows out from the luxury chalets, each of which incorporates plenty of light. Each room has air-conditioning, storage space and luxury bathroom amenities.
Leave a Comment