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A day at Ndaka

Family-friendly fun for everyone

A day at Ndaka

Family-friendly fun for everyone

A day at Ndaka

Family-friendly fun for everyone

There’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ day at Ndaka.

Some days we might head off to a special spot for a bush breakfast, or go fishing, or enjoy dinner under the African skies in our bush boma, Isibaya. As each day dawns, so a new story unfolds.

Although spattered with surprises, a typical day at Ndaka Safari Lodge consists of the following:

Although spattered with surprises, a typical day at Ndaka Safari Lodge consists of the following:

BEFORE YOUR MORNING DRIVE
BEFORE YOUR MORNING DRIVE

Start the day with a hot cup of tea or coffee in your room or in the lapa, before heading out to see what sightings the dawn has to bring. ]SUMMER 05HOO | WINTER 06H00 ]The morning game drive in Land Cruiser game viewers departs.

MORNING DRINK STOP
MORNING DRINK STOP

Enjoy the vistas and morning birdsong of the Nambiti Game Reserve with a stop to stretch your legs and a welcome cup of hot chocolate (with a splash of Amarula, of course!) and some home-baked treats.

BREAKFAST
BREAKFAST

SUMMER 08H00 | WINTER 09H00 ]About three hours later, return to the lodge where a hearty breakfast awaits you in the dining room or on the deck.

DIVE IN OR UNWIND
DIVE IN OR UNWIND

Relax at the spa or around the pool, get lost in a book, play board games with the family, go for a trail run or have a siesta – your time is your own! Kids have access to many activities such as enjoying a supervised daily kids’ activity, playing in the jungle gym, swimming in the pool, playing a game of soccer and can make new friends.

LUNCH
LUNCH

13H30 – 14H30 ]No need for the kids to stop playing in the garden or swimming in the pool at lunchtime! Lunch is informal, a “help yourself” buffet, so tuck in and enjoy!

AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE
AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

SUMMER 16H00 | WINTER 15H00 ]Meet outside Reception for your afternoon game drive.

SUNDOWNERS
SUNDOWNERS

Your guide will have the cooler box packed for sundowners. Prepare to be amazed as you track wildlife and share the panoramic sunset with fellow safari-ers over a G&T. The stars have their turn to shine while your guide searches for creatures of the night.

BACK AT THE LODGE
BACK AT THE LODGE

SUMMER 19H00 | WINTER 18H00 ]On returning to the lodge, freshen up or join fellow guests at the fire pit or at the bar to share your bush experience before dinner is served.

DINNER
DINNER

SUMMER 19H30 | WINTER From 18H30 ]Prepare to have your taste buds tickled with a three-course dinner of tasty cuisine.

AFTER DINNER MOMENTS
AFTER DINNER MOMENTS

After dinner, relax with a glass of wine or a cappuccino, appreciating the natural beauty and unique sounds and sightings of another day in Africa at Ndaka Safari Lodge.

Please note that game drives and mealtimes vary according to the seasons.

What our guests say

Based on 292 reviews
Spent two nights at Ndaka with extended family. Saw most of the big five and many other species of animals and birds. Comfortable, clean well thought out accommodation including a lovely outdoor shower. Tasty food and plenty of choice. Very attentive and informative staff. Will be back again!
H Bellingham profile picture
H Bellingham
2 weeks ago
We only spent one night at Ndaka Safari Lodge, and we regret it, as the place is so admirably run. From booking to post-stay, everything is designed to make you want to come back. The lodge is particularly well-suited to families, and that's one of its greatest strengths. It's certainly not the only one: the staff are incredibly kind, the welcome is personalized, there's a welcome gift for the children, the accommodations are exquisitely luxurious, the cuisine is excellent, and the safari is tailored to each guest's wishes. This reserve was just a stopover for us between Johannesburg and the Dolphin Coast. It could just as easily have been a destination in itself. After more than 15 hours of flying and 4 hours of driving, finding yourself in such a setting is a well-earned luxury. A must-see, especially for French-speaking travelers.
martin kubich profile picture
martin kubich
3 weeks ago
Cameron Naicker profile picture
Cameron Naicker
1 month ago
The most fabulous experience. Warm, welcoming, and luxurious. Geared for kids, with small touches that really meant so much! A faultless and wonderful stay, we absolutely will be back!
Carla Bean profile picture
Carla Bean
2 months ago
We returned as we usually do, this being our 10th visit to this fabulous lodge (Ndaka Safari & Spa)....Ndaka just never dissapoints from the moment you drive through the Memorial gate. We stayed in our favourite luxury suite - Lion. Lungelo was our ranger that did a phenomenal job. Purity & Thandeka gives the best hot stone massages & as always we ate like kings. But thank you to each and every staff member that makes a stay at Ndaka unforgetable. Great memories to cherish for a lifetime. See you soon Ndaka Safari Lodge for an 11th and 10 more...you are our family's heart place and there is no place we'd rather be❤️ My hart is vol🩵
Incredible family holiday. The lodge and accomodation are excellent - although luxury tents can be quite chilly in winter there are electric blankets to keep you cozy and warm. The food just keeps coming and is excellent. The staff are all very friendly and professional. Purity is incredibly welcoming! The attentive details make all the difference. The highlight was our brilliant guide Themba. He was exceptional with spotting skills second to none. We saw a wide variety of animals on every drive and were blessed to see the big 5 but also cheetah on two separate occasions. This lodge is very child friendly so if you’re traveling with young children this is a great option. We were 2 adults and 2 teens and had the best relaxing time.
Kim and Derek Sim profile picture
Kim and Derek Sim
4 months ago
Wow, where do I start. The accommodation was beautiful with lovely views right into the reserve where you can view the animals from the comfort of your lodge. The lodges are kept so clean. I never met the lovely people who did our room, as they were so discreet but thank you, adapted to us personally as did all the staff. The team in general were so smiley and friendly, always talking to the kiddies, making them laugh and feel at home. We felt a very personal service from everyone, always remembering our names and what we like. Lovely play area and play room to take the kids when you have spare moments. We had little surprises from the staff for some breakfasts and a lunch, I won’t spoil the surprises 🤐 but amazing. The food was so delicious, every meal really impressed us, even the kids who are hard to impress! I wish I asked the recipe for the stuffed bread, it was so delicious. Sicleo, our guide was so kind, calm and knowledgable. Went above and beyond to explain facts about the animals, show us the tracking process and get the best viewing, even with an unpredictable 2 year old in tow, nothing was a bother ever. We had massages, which really were divine, thank you! Also heard some hippo while I was getting my massage 🥰 I wish I could name all the staff personally, you all made our holiday memorable, I know it takes a team to make it happen and you do it with ease. I hope to be back for sure. All the best!
Shani Berry profile picture
Shani Berry
5 months ago
We loved our 3 night stay in March at Ndaka with a 2-year old. From arrival to departure we were absolutely amazed by the friendly staff. They were extremely flexible, accomodating and incredibly child-friendly. The room was very comfortable, with lots of space, a very comfortable bed and also very well equipped for a toddler. We were provided with a safari themed bath mat and a small step stool in the bathroom. We were happy to have a nespresso machine and cookies in the room to enjoy the views of wildlife passing in front of the room with a good cup of coffee. Meals were delicious, healthy and I was provided with a vegetarian menu card. The safaris were very nice with lots of wonderful animal sightings. Thank you for the lovely experience!
Jan A profile picture
Jan A
5 months ago
We had a wonderful stay at Ndaka Lodge in the Nambiti reserve and honestly wished we could stay longer. From the beginning, the team was very flexible and helpful with the booking process, which already gave us a good feeling before arrival. The lodge itself is beautiful, peaceful, and very well maintained. The food was very good — especially the lunches, which felt truly gourmet. The snacks between activities were also extremely generous and thoughtful. We also appreciated that the drinks and spa prices were very reasonable compared to many other places. What made the experience special was the team: professional and competent, yet genuinely warm and friendly. During our 2-night stay we were lucky enough to see the Big Five, which made the trip unforgettable. One of the highlights was the outdoor breakfast in the bush — such a memorable experience and highly appreciated. Our children absolutely loved the playroom and the whole environment. The son cried when it was time to leave and say goodbye to the playroom and the staff, which says a lot. Thank you to the whole Ndaka team!!!
X. Xu profile picture
X. Xu
6 months ago

  • star rating  Family Safari adventure - We took our family of 20 (3 generations) to stay over Easter at Ndaka. The experience was beyond our expectations the accommodation, food, safari, staff went above and beyond... read more

    avatar thumb brianwinter3
    April 1, 2026

    star rating  Best Game Reserve Experience - We had the most amazing time at Ndaka. We took our 7 and 9 year old and they had the best experience. Our ranger, Ben, was so knowledgable and made... read more

    avatar thumb Roving11953232360
    April 1, 2026

    star rating  Don’t go anywhere else, this place is incredible! - We took our 3 children for their first safari experience and I’m so pleased we chose Ndaka. This place is simply out of this world. What makes it so incredible... read more

    avatar thumb debbie L
    April 1, 2026
  • star rating  BEST VACATION EVER - Ndaka blew me away. From the friendly staff, to the cleanliness, to the beautiful tents, pool and the AMAZING food. Not to mention, the most amazing part being the safari... read more

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    avatar thumb Dream68116954515
    March 1, 2026

    star rating  Service, Accommodation and Game Drives were all outstanding! - Accommodation, staff, guides and sightings were all amazing!! Ndaka really knows how to spoil us!

    avatar thumb Belinda
    March 1, 2026

    star rating  Best bush trip at Ndaka Safari Lodge - Our family (kids 8 and 9) spent four unforgettable nights at Ndaka Safari Lodge and it was truly spectacular from start to finish.

    Every single game drive was... read more

    avatar thumb Robyn P
    March 1, 2026
  • star rating  A truly special place - How can you sum up the experience of Ndaka in a review? Some places leave a lasting memory, a feeling that you can't really describe in words. Ndaka is one... read more

    avatar thumb Lindsay G
    March 1, 2026

    star rating  Ndaka at nambithi game reserve - We had elephant suite and hippo tent. Both were amazingly stylish. David, our guide was informative and knowledgeable. Staff super friendly. Definitely a big YES

    avatar thumb carine b
    March 1, 2026

    star rating  Amazing holiday - Went with my Mom for one night and it was amazing!!! Wish I had booked for two nights.
    Staff were extremely friendly, food was delicious, rooms beautiful with very comfortable... read more

    avatar thumb Louise S
    March 1, 2026
  • star rating  Ideal game experience - I am from Nrw Zealand and Ndaka was recommended to me by a close friend and I was not disappointed. It was a truly wonderful 3 nights I had... read more

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    avatar thumb John
    October 1, 2024

    star rating  This is our 4th visit to Ndaka and it just keeps getting better & better.

    The rooms are perfect the beds are the best I’ve ever... read more

    avatar thumb
    January 1, 1970

    star rating  I am from Nrw Zealand and Ndaka was recommended to me by a close friend and I was not disappointed. It was a truly wonderful 3 nights I had... read more

    avatar thumb
    January 1, 1970