Spoil your family with an escape to the pristine wilderness that is the malaria free Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve, located in the interior of KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa.

The exclusive Woodlands Lodge provides a truly immersive African bush experience where you can share breathtaking moments with your loved ones in peace and tranquillity.

The Lodge has all the modern amenities that will make your stay as comfortable as possible, while retaining the charm and character synonymous with old South African homesteads. Built in 1942 the large, sprawling farmhouse is a 4 star venue (TGCSA graded) with a truly homely ambiance.

Four generously proportioned yet cosy double bedrooms are available at Woodlands Lodge, as well as a family room that sleeps 4. All bedrooms are en-suite and have plenty of plug points and cupboard space. The large beds are beautifully dressed with throws and scatter cushions, and personal touches like dressing tables with well lit mirrors, vases of pretty veld grasses and a candle on the bath create a warm and inviting atmosphere. An electric mosquito repellent, bottled spring water and a kettle and tea tray with a variety of hot beverages are supplied in each room. Thick walls and high ceilings keep the inside temperature constant, but all bedrooms are fitted with ceiling fans, heaters and electric blankets to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

From April 2010, the Lodge's Woodlands Annex will open. This self-catering lodge will consist of 5 bedrooms that can sleep up to 10 people including children, making it ideal should you wish to enjoy a more private family holiday. 3 bathrooms service the lodge, which has a fully equipped kitchen including cleaning materials. Enjoy the ambience of the traditional boma or wallow in the plunge pool while the kids play in the large fenced garden.

The exceptionally well appointed Woodlands Lodge features many relaxation and entertainment areas including an upstairs reading lounge. The large first floor balcony is an ideal elevation from which to view the game browsing just beyond the fence. Chat late into the night in front of a fire in the formal downstairs lounge or play a game of billiards on the full sized table. The intimate bar area with flat screen TV and wide fireplace opens onto a stunning boma, and just beyond, the waterhole attracts a variety of game including hippo. Many hours can be wiled away in the hide on the waterhole, or watch the animals come and go from the leather armchairs in the bar.

Should you wish to enjoy Woodlands Lodge in privacy, your party of up to 10 family and friends can enjoy exclusive use of the lodge for a discounted rate. For those who wish to fly direct to Nambiti, there is an airstrip for light aircraft on the Reserve, and a helipad close to the lodge.

Scrumptious home style meals using only the freshest ingredients are meticulously prepared for you by chef Ashley in our fully equipped kitchen. The dining room opens onto the deep veranda and well kept garden beyond, in which you can spot a variety of small game in the early mornings including guinea fowl and hare.

The Nambiti region boasts a history that dates back to the 1800's and is particularly well known for the Battle of Elandslaagte which was fought on the Reserve during the Anglo-Boer War. Two memorial sites on the Reserve commemorate Boer and English troops who laid down their lives for their countries, and the hospital still stands within the Reserve's borders.

The surrounding area saw a number of fierce battles between the British, Boer and the Zulus. The most famous of these were The Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 and The Battle of Rorke's Drift from 22-23 January 1879, in which British soldiers were bestowed eleven Victoria Crosses (the most ever awarded in a single battle) and five Distinguished Conduct Medals.

The Reserve itself, at the top of the Tugela Valley, was once the preferred hunting ground of the Drakensberg Mountain Range's indigenous peoples - the San Bushmen. The area was occupied by Zulu clans until the late 1800's when white settlers claimed the land, and old kraals and grain silos pepper the landscape.

Until just 8 years ago the Reserve was divided into cattle and maize farms, but the environment has since been completely restored into what is now one of Africa's most exciting conservation initiatives, boasting 3 times the game carrying capacity of regions like Botswana.

Inside Nambiti:

A game viewing vehicle is available to you to take informative dawn and afternoon guided game drives. You will be fascinated by the wealth of knowledge our experienced and dedicated field guides will impart to you. Their expertise will ensure you don't miss any opportunity to spot one of the magnificent animal or bird species that call Nambiti home.

During the heat of the day, lounge around or play a game of catch in the beautiful entertainment area with it's lush lawn, braai area, swimming pool and tennis court. The fully fenced perimeter allows the kids to amuse themselves in relative safety. Sundowners at a picnic area or view point in the wild can be arranged as part of your afternoon game drive, the perfect appetiser to the 3 course dinner that awaits.

You can also swim without leaving the lodge, or try to spot as many of our 200+ species of birds as you can from the comfort of a poolside deck chair. A visit to the original hospital of the Battle of Elandslaagte which stands within the boundaries of the Nambiti Reserve is a must for history enthusiasts.

For those keen to spend as much time as possible immersed in the Bushveld experience, the Sundays River which runs through the reserve offers excellent Yellowtail fishing. Our dams are also well stocked with Bass. Picnics or a bush braai at one of the 40 metre waterfalls on the river are the perfect compliment to your stay at the lodge. By night in clear conditions, stargazing is truly a magical experience as the African sky comes alive with light.

Outside Nambiti:

Less than an hour away, the majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range is a favourite tourist attraction with many activities on offer including hiking trails, quad biking, white water rafting, 4x4 trails, horse riding, rock climbing, kayaking and fly fishing. For a truly unique perspective on the area, book a scenic helicopter flight on the Drakensberg Experience which leaves from Ladysmith Airfield (10 minutes from Nambiti).

Approximately an hour from Nambiti lie the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rourkes Drift. Take a leisurely drive with a picnic lunch to see the sites of these legendary clashes or ask the Lodge to book you a tour with a professional guide. The numerous historical attractions in the area include the Siege Museum, Town Hall Museum, the Statue of Ghandi and many more.

Golfers can play one of the local courses just half an hour outside the reserve.

The Midlands Meander is a must for shopaholics with its curio, home industry, art and craft shops, but the experience does involve a full day of travelling from Nambiti.

The rates packages listed here are subject to change without notice. Please enquire about frequent special offers. Please note that a special rate will apply during the 2010 World Cup months of June and July.

The fully catered rate includes a delicious English breakfast, light lunch, a full 3-course dinner and snacks for game drives. The rate also includes two game drives per day.

LODGE RATES: We are happy to offer a rate of R10,000 per night for the whole Lodge - Fully Catered.