Sun Destinations

Nyala Safari Lodge is an idyllic safari destination located in the Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve. Considered a high-end mid-range lodge, Nyala offers its visitors an opportunity to cocoon themselves in comfort while being surrounded by the unruly and untamed wilderness. The Mohlabetsi River snakes its way past the lodge, providing a refuge for wildlife. Nyala’s architects realised the importance of the river, and cleverly built the lodge in a prime position overlooking this wildlife drawcard.

One of the main highlights at Nyala is its elevated boma overlooking the river. The boma is synonymous with any African safari experience, and often takes pride of place at most camps and lodges. At Nyala, the boma area is taken seriously. It’s a cordoned off section complete with a roaring campfire overlooking a floodlit waterhole, and safari chairs set-up in a semi-circle. It’s the place where we connect with others, listen to the sounds of the bushveld, and observe the star-spangled clear night sky.

Now that we’ve set the scene for Nyala and waxed lyrical about the boma, it’s time to unpack the treasure trove of safari delights that the rest of the lodge has to offer.

Why Nyala is a Top Choice for Your Kruger Accommodation

Nyala Safari Lodge is ideal for a range of safari enthusiasts and nature lovers who crave time in the great outdoors while staying in lodges with an elevated sense of comfort. Nyala’s accommodation offerings straddle the divide between mid-range and luxury, ensuring guests get a taste of the feel-good safari lifestyle.

Nyala’s beautiful wooden deck area follows the course of the dry riverbed, and runs the full length of the lodge. Covered by a canopy of looming Boer-bean trees and ancient Jackalberry trees ensures the main section of the lodge enjoys respite from the heat during the lush summer months.

Here are our top 10 reasons why Nyala Safari Lodge should be on your Kruger bucket list:

• 5 iconic thatched chalets (rondawels) which are an archetype of Kruger accommodation
• Location in the Balule Nature Reserve, a revered safari destination in the Greater Kruger
• Abundance of convivial spaces like the viewing deck designed to enhance the safari experience
• The floodlit waterhole that consistently brings in a world of wildlife wonder to Nyala’s doorstep
• The boma (we can’t stop talking about it) overlooking the floodlit waterhole
• Added value activities such as boma dinners and bush breakfasts
• Two game drives a day, complete with drinks and canape stops
• On-site swimming pool surrounded by decking and sun loungers
• It’s an eco aware lodge, ensuring your carbon footprint is reduced when staying at Nyala (Grey water system, solar power, electric safari vehicles, and recycling system in place)
• Small library area with an array of wildlife books
• Lounge and bar area with flat screen TV

More About Nyala’s Safari Accommodation

The five well-appointed chalets are dotted among the riparian vegetation framing the riverbed, each furnished with sandy beige interiors and earthy tones designed to harmonise with the Balule Bushveld. Guests can expect Egyptian cotton linen, light wooden furniture, and ornate bathrooms, four of which have deep-set luxurious baths. While each room has a hint of uniqueness, all have indoor and outdoor showers and views of either the bushveld, pool or river. Chalets come in a range of configurations and are ideal for multigenerational families.

More About the Nyala Safari Experience

We’ve briefly touched on the safari experience at Nyala Safari Lodge, so now it’s time to elaborate. The Nyala team can tailor make your safari experience, but the standard safari experience includes:

Game drives with coffee stops and sundowners: Twice-daily game drives take place at first light and last night. Drives set off in the morning when the predators are most active, and halfway through drive there’s a coffee stop. Evening game drives set off late afternoon, and stop for sundowners when there’s a hint that golden hour is about to arrive. Sundowner stops include a drink of your choice, along with an array of delectable canapes.

Bush Breakfasts and Boma Dinners: Some of the evening meals are enjoyed in the elevated boma, above the floodlit waterhole. Guests can appreciate their surroundings while sitting around a crackling log fire under a starry night sky. A special bush breakfast may be arranged for the entire camp in the open bushveld. These are optional activities and only take place when it’s weather permitting.

More About the Wildlife in the Balule Nature Reserve

The Balule Nature Reserve shares unfenced borders with the national park and other reserves. Because of this, wildlife roams freely throughout which means guests are able to spot a diverse array of wildlife. Common sightings include leopard and lion, and occasional cheetah sightings. There are also sightings of local legend, Ezulwini the elephant, a huge Tusker that is considered goo luck to see in the wild.

In addition to the Big 5 and predators, there are a few of other local specials that include impala, kudu, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, and a host of herbivores. Many of these species frequent the waterhole in front of camp, putting on quite a spectacle for onlookers. Smaller creatures in the reserve include mongoose, civet, warthog, and the ever comical honey badger.

Nyala Safari Lodge epitomises the essence of high quality safari experience, with a focus on enjoying the spoils of the Balule bushveld along with hints of luxury in each of the chalets. It’s a recommended choice for the ultimate in Kruger accommodation.