Exploring the safari lifestyle at these four lodges
When we speak about the safari lifestyle, we aren’t referring to the iconic activities like bush walks, game drives and wildlife. The safari lifestyle embodies the in-camp and added value experiences designed to enhance your safari holiday. The camps we represent epitomise the essence of the safari lifestyle, and this week, we’ve selected four exceptional camps to showcase their stunning spaces.

Nyala Safari Lodge’s safari lifestyle

Nyala’s cleverly constructed wooden viewing deck overlooks the seasonal Mohlabetsi River and is one of the most sublime places to do nothing. The elevated views from here are endless, extending their way over the riverbed all the way into the vegetation-rich horizon. Guests frequently sit on the deck trying to spot birds and wildlife, while connecting over a shared drink.

Nyala Safari Lodge Deck

Come evening, our favorite lifestyle spot is the authentic boma area, the perfect place for forging lifelong bonds with new friends while getting to know your camp hosts and safari guides. A crackling fire serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by a semi-circle of safari chairs offering ideal comfort for relaxation, unwinding, and stargazing under the pristine night sky. A floodlit waterhole in front of the boma area provides captivating natural entertainment for spectators—think elephant herds, scurrying hyenas and marauding predators (if you’re lucky!).

Other convivial areas at Nyala Safari Lodge worth noting include the swimming pool and gardens; the outdoor firepit area; and lounge/bar with TV. The options for indulging in the safari lifestyle at Nyala are endless!
Nyala Safari Lodge FirepitNyala Safari Lodge LoungeNyala Lodge Swimming Pool

The safari lifestyle at Nambu Camp

We navigate away from Nyala and into the protected Olifants West Nature Reserve, home to the sublime Nambu Camp. Nambu is a place to truly experience the bushveld lifestyle at a slow and relaxed pace surrounded by all the niceties of home. In fact, guests enjoy the camp experience so much that they often have to be reminded about the real reason they’re there!

Nambu Cocktails at The Pool
Built on an old anthill overlooking the privately owned Big 5 reserve, Nambu Camp certainly boasts an enviable aspect. Everything at Nambu Camp is considered. The tranquility of this hideaway is a major drawcard for safari-goers seeking a safari holiday that’s chic yet relaxed.
During the heat of the day, relax by the camp’s poolside or bird watch from the lodge’s vast viewing platform before a mid-day brunch up at the main camp. The attentive team can arrange poolside cocktails and private dining at camp for those wanting a little bit of extra pampering. When you’re not lounging around the palm-fringed pool (we’ll admit, there might just be the one tree), you can hover on either the lower or upper deck and enjoy a spot of birdwatching. And for a true escape, grab your latest novel and escape to one of the benches along the paths connecting the main areas. Retire from the wild surrounds by indulging in some inside comfort in the lounge areas on the upper and lower levels.
Now let’s chat food. Nambu offers a culinary journey introducing guests to traditional braai’d foods over the fire, along with a fusion of international cuisine. And you thought safaris were just about wildlife? Not at Nambu!
Nambu Gourmet FoodNambu Camp in the Balule Nature ReserveNambu Camp Widlerness ViewsNambu Camp Coffee Stop

Chacma Bush Camp’s safari lifestyle experiences

Charming Chacma Bush Camp’s main highlight is its small waterhole in front of camp, which is frequented by elephants during the drier winter months. Being an intimate camp that caters for a variety of traveller, Chacma offers flexibility in terms of lifestyle experiences.

Relax on the sun loungers around the pool and watch the spectacle unfold at the waterhole below. Although safeguarded by an elephant fence, you feel almost at arm’s length from wildlife. It’s completely surreal to sit with a drink on the pool deck while watching elephants splashing about just in front of you.

Upon request, the Chacma team can offer bush breakfasts and private sundowner sessions. It’s a great safari destination for honeymooners and proposals! Another added value experience is the boma dinner around the fire, which really creates that out of Africa atmosphere. Want an aerial view of camp? Then, take a quick stroll to the koppie behind camp for the best views of the Greater Kruger!

This camp certainly hasn’t earned it’s reputation as “charming Chacma” for nothing.

Chacma Outdoor diningChacma Bush Camp SteenbokStargazing at Chacma Bush Camp

The safari experience at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside

Umkumbe is a playground for big cats—particularly leopards! But we’re not here to discuss the wildlife wonders on Umkumbe’s doorstep. Let’s take a look how best to enjoy your time at Umkumbe when you’re not indulging in bush walks and game drives.

Firstly, Umkumbe’s cute and curated curio shop offers something for holiday shopaholics. Filled to the brim with plush toys, locally made artefacts and other crafts; it’s the perfect place to splash your cash. Not a shopper? Then perhaps it’s the gym that’s calling your name. The on-site gym room is kitted out with treadmills and strength-training machines, and overlooks the wilderness. Now that’s taking the gymming lifestyle to new heights!

The deck and swimming pool area overlook the seasonal Sand River, offering up some spectacular in-camp sightings. That’s the true safari lifestyle—cooling off in the pool while watching the wildlife of the Sabie Reserve come to life.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside PoolKruger Safari Curios at Umkumbe Safari Lodge RiversideUmkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside On-site Gym