Your Safari
Your Safari
Your Safari
Where there are no windows to wind up
Nambiti Private Game Reserve epitomises Africa’s magic, and Ndaka Safari Lodge brings it home! The reserve is blessed with great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife, giving you an excellent chance for close encounters with the Big Five – Lion, Black & White Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard – as well as Cheetah, Aardwolf, and 40 animal species of game. The reserve is also a birdwatcher’s delight.
Our skilled guides track game in open game viewing vehicles by day and night for an unforgettable safari experience.
Always authentic, magical and memorable
Sometimes you’ll see it all within an hour of your drive, sometimes you can see very little for three hours – that’s what makes the experience real and authentic. But even when you’re not ticking off the Big Five one after another, learning about animal behaviour from our field guides (rangers) makes even the smallest sighting interesting. Even our repeat guests see and learn something new on every drive.
For the Marshall family who owns the lodge, one of their fondest family memories is going on a New Year’s Eve night drive. It torrented down with rain, and they arrived home absolutely soaked, only having seen one owl. But they talk about this family-bonding memory fondly to this day.
This is what a stay at Ndaka is all about – it’s real fun, real memories and real connections with the people you love.
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What our guests say
Ndaka Safari Lodge
Nambiti Game Reserve, Ladysmith
4.9 289 reviews
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Shani Berry ★★★★★ 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, … More 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! -
X. Xu ★★★★★ 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. … More
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!!! -
Kim and Derek Sim ★★★★★ 3 months ago
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 … More 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. -
Jan A ★★★★★ 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, … More 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! -
Lelani Van den berg ★★★★★ 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. … More 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🩵 -
Miquetta de Castro ★★★★★ 8 months ago
Ndaka is a little gem on the Nambiti reserve. The staff are all very friendly and welcoming, the rooms are amazing, well ventilated and with some great views of the passing wildlife. The spa is truly a tranquil place, well located and the … More spa treatments we had were top notch! The food was really delicious, we could tell there was a lot of love in the food and the service.
We had Kwanele as our guide, and having been to lodges all over the country, he truly is exceptional. He is so knowledgeable and really went out of his way to make sure we had an unforgettable drive each and every time!
We cannot recommend Ndaka enough! -
Brigitte Sutton ★★★★★ 8 months ago
We had a spectacular experience at Ndaka. The staff are friendly and highly organised. From the time you arrive you are greeted by your game ranger ours being Sia, he is very knowledgeable and kind. We were treated like royalty. The food … More was fantastic. The rooms amazing, we stayed in the warthog magical view of the waterfall. -
Renee Vischer ★★★★★ 9 months ago
Ndaka Lodge provided an exciting and luxurious experience for our family, ranging in age from five years to mid-seventies. From the moment he met us at the gate, our guide, Ben, was helpful, efficient, considerate and funny, and absolutely … More brilliant at finding the animals, delighting us with facts, explanations and anecdotes, and ensuring that we were all comfortable and secure. We were very impressed with the food and the service. The staff treated everyone as guests of honour, providing special meals and a wealth of help and advice. The accommodation was nothing short of luxurious and we all treated ourselves to a lovely massage. A memorable and very special safari. Highly recommended. -
Viktoria Patsios ★★★★★ 8 months ago
Ndaka Lodge gave our family an unforgettable safari trip. We stayed in a Luxury Tented Suite, and on our very first day an elephant herd walked right past our tent — pure magic.
Sicelo, our guide, made all the difference. His knowledge, … More warmth, and care were exceptional, and he made safari life beautifully accessible for our 3-year-old and 11-month-old, with car seats provided and both kids joining most of the drives. Seeing our 3-year-old light up at his favourite animals in the wild was unforgettable.
We loved the variety of stunning meal locations, the great food choices for everyone, and the perfect balance of luxury and closeness to nature. A truly special place that knows how to welcome families with small children. -
Shereen Basdew ★★★★☆ 12 months ago
To: Tracy and Mark
Thank you for your warm hospitality and for spoiling Ruhan.
This was our first visit to Ndaka - my grandsons birthday
- we went for lunch and game drive only.
Wow I will recommend Ndaka Safari Lodge to everyone.
(I already … More started promoting this lodge to everyone at work).
Staff are so friendly and professional.
Lunch was a yummy buffet including dessert.
The 3 hour game drive was awesome.
Themba is a lovely tour guide, very professional and experienced.
We saw lots of Big 5 and the highlight was seeing the 3 lionesses at close proximity....and none of us were scared.
Everything at Ndaka Lodge is so homely.
God bless you Tracy and Mark.
Lots of love from the Basdew family.
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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 with fun Easter activities for the children enjoyed by all. Thank you for making our trip of a lifetime so special.
brianwinter3
April 1, 2026
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 the drives fun and interactive for the kids.
All the staff were wonderful and they all made extra effort to make us feel special and looked after.
Highly recommend staying here!
Roving11953232360
April 1, 2026
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 is the small attention to detail and the outstanding staff who make your stay truly special. The food was SO delicious (and I can be quite fussy) and they catered so well for the kids too. The game drives were exceptional- mainly due to our wonderful and knowledgeable ranger Lungelo. We saw so much! He was so great with the kids too.
The tents were beautiful, so comfortable and with amazing views.
I think what makes this place magical is the staff. Hospitality at its best. It’s just perfect.
My only regret is that we didn’t stay long enough. Thank you Ndaka for the amazing memories.
debbie L
April 1, 2026 -
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 drives. The guides were so knowledgeable and fun. I have already recommended to several people back home in the US and recommend that they TAKE THE TRIP!
Dream68116954515
March 1, 2026
Service, Accommodation and Game Drives were all outstanding! - Accommodation, staff, guides and sightings were all amazing!! Ndaka really knows how to spoil us!
Belinda
March 1, 2026
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 special — we were lucky enough to see all of the Big Five, including elephants up close and a leopard lounging on a rock. One of the absolute highlights was spotting a cheetah and her four cubs — something we will never forget.
The staff were exceptional: warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making our stay memorable. You can feel the pride they take in what they do.
The accommodation was comfortable, beautifully maintained, and the perfect place to relax. and enjoy some peace.
We left with full hearts, incredible memories, and already talking about when we can go back. Highly recommend!
Robyn P
March 1, 2026 -
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 of those places. The people, the animals, the rooms, the food all incredible. It's evident how much the staff really care about each other and their guests. They really take care of you and work so hard to ensure you have a great experience. The food was incredible, I'm still thinking about the lamb curry, the desserts, the breakfast biscuits, and the delicious wood-fired pizza. The rooms are beautiful, we had some of our best sleeps at Ndaka.
Our daily game drives were by far the highlight of our entire trip to South Africa. Nothing like a sun-downer in the bush. Experiencing these majestic animals in their natural habitat is truly life-changing and made even better by our knowledgable guide Ben who I think knew every plant, insect, bird, and animal in the South African bush. Our kids (and us) learnt so much and we can't wait to return.
Lindsay G
March 1, 2026
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
carine b
March 1, 2026
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 beds. Will definitely be back at some stage to stay for longer
Louise S
March 1, 2026 -
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 at the lodge. From the moment I arrived at the gate until the dreaded time to leave, I enjoyed every moment of my time there. All the staff, and I mean, all the staff were friendly, extremely helpful and not one let me down on any request I made.
My room, Impala, was stunning with ideal privacy for a shower in the outdoor facility or the huge bath to lie in and look out over the savannah. The same view from the huge king size bed.
The food was absolutely beautiful and a different menu every meal.
Then the game drives were excellent with our ranger, Angus, so entertaining as well as informative. His sense of humour coupled with his knowledge had me going back for each game drive with extra enthusiasm. A breakfast one morning on the river and sundowners every evening drive were a treat. We saw 4 of the big five as well as 2 cheetah. Only the leopard eluded us. Who could ask for more?
I cannot say enough about this wonderful lodge which is not luxurious but extremely tastefully decorated and furnished at reasonable prices for the average wild animal enthusiast. Some reserves are ostentatious and overpriced. Not Ndaka. It is perfect whether travelling solo or as a family or a group. I sincerely hope to return one day. 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 at the lodge. From the moment I arrived at the gate until the dreaded time to leave, I enjoyed every moment of my time there. All the staff, and I mean, all the staff were friendly, extremely helpful and not one let me down on any request I made.
My room, Impala, was stunning with ideal privacy for a shower in the outdoor facility or the huge bath to lie in and look out over the savannah. The same view from the huge king size bed.
The food was absolutely beautiful and a different menu every meal.
Then the game drives were excellent with our ranger, Angus, so entertaining as well as informative. His sense of humour coupled with his knowledge had me going back for each game drive with extra enthusiasm. A breakfast one morning on the river and sundowners every evening drive were a treat. We saw 4 of the big five as well as 2 cheetah. Only the leopard eluded us. Who could ask for more?
I cannot say enough about this wonderful lodge which is not luxurious but extremely tastefully decorated and furnished at reasonable prices for the average wild animal enthusiast. Some reserves are ostentatious and overpriced. Not Ndaka. It is perfect whether travelling solo or as a family or a group. And on top of this they laid on perfect westher!! I sincerely hope to return one day.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 at the lodge. From the moment I arrived at the gate until the dreaded time to leave, I enjoyed every moment of my time there. All the staff, and I mean, all the staff were friendly, extremely helpful and not one let me down on any request I made.
My room, Impala, was stunning with ideal privacy for a shower in the outdoor facility or the huge bath to lie in and look out over the savannah. The same view from the huge king size bed.
The food was absolutely beautiful and a different menu every meal.
Then the game drives were excellent with our ranger, Angus, so entertaining as well as informative. His sense of humour coupled with his knowledge had me going back for each game drive with extra enthusiasm. A breakfast one morning on the river and sundowners every evening drive were a treat. We saw 4 of the big five as well as 2 cheetah. Only the leopard eluded us. Who could ask for more?
I cannot say enough about this wonderful lodge which is not luxurious but extremely tastefully decorated and furnished at reasonable prices for the average wild animal enthusiast. Some reserves are ostentatious and overpriced. Not Ndaka. It is perfect whether travelling solo or as a family or a group. I sincerely hope to return one day. 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 at the lodge. From the moment I arrived at the gate until the dreaded time to leave, I enjoyed every moment of my time there. All the staff, and I mean, all the staff were friendly, extremely helpful and not one let me down on any request I made.
My room, Impala, was stunning with ideal privacy for a shower in the outdoor facility or the huge bath to lie in and look out over the savannah. The same view from the huge king size bed.
The food was absolutely beautiful and a different menu every meal.
Then the game drives were excellent with our ranger, Angus, so entertaining as well as informative. His sense of humour coupled with his knowledge had me going back for each game drive with extra enthusiasm. A breakfast one morning on the river and sundowners every evening drive were a treat. We saw 4 of the big five as well as 2 cheetah. Only the leopard eluded us. Who could ask for more?
I cannot say enough about this wonderful lodge which is not luxurious but extremely tastefully decorated and furnished at reasonable prices for the average wild animal enthusiast. Some reserves are ostentatious and overpriced. Not Ndaka. It is perfect whether travelling solo or as a family or a group. And on top of this they laid on perfect westher!! I sincerely hope to return one day.
John
October 1, 2024





