Nkomazi Private Game Reserve
Luxurious all-inclusive lodge with plush tent suites and plunge pools, offering guided game drives in a private reserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Luxurious all-inclusive lodge with plush tent suites and plunge pools, offering guided game drives in a private reserve.
"Staff are friendly and helpful, making every drive a new experience with their knowledge."
Pack Layers for Drives
Mornings and evenings can be chilly on game drives. Bring warm layers, even in warmer months. :coat:
Communicate Dietary Needs Early
Inform the lodge of any dietary restrictions or allergies well in advance of your stay. :forkandknife:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Morning & Evening Game Drives
Throughout the reserve
Witness the magic of the African bush with expert guides. Spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat during the cooler parts of the day.
Plush Tent Accommodations
Lodge rooms
Luxurious tent-style suites offering comfort and style, many featuring private plunge pools for a truly indulgent safari experience.
Expert Ranger Guidance
On game drives
Learn from knowledgeable rangers who share insights into the local flora and fauna, enhancing your wildlife viewing experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Peak Season
Understand All-Inclusive Details
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Layers for Drives
Mornings and evenings can be chilly on game drives. Bring warm layers, even in warmer months. :coat:
Communicate Dietary Needs Early
Inform the lodge of any dietary restrictions or allergies well in advance of your stay. :forkandknife:
Listen to Your Ranger
Your ranger's knowledge is key to spotting wildlife and understanding the ecosystem. Engage with them! :ear:
Embrace the All-Inclusive
Enjoy the included meals and drinks, but confirm any exclusions to avoid unexpected costs. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Layers for Drives
Mornings and evenings can be chilly on game drives. Bring warm layers, even in warmer months. :coat:
Communicate Dietary Needs Early
Inform the lodge of any dietary restrictions or allergies well in advance of your stay. :forkandknife:
Listen to Your Ranger
Your ranger's knowledge is key to spotting wildlife and understanding the ecosystem. Engage with them! :ear:
Embrace the All-Inclusive
Enjoy the included meals and drinks, but confirm any exclusions to avoid unexpected costs. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve offers a luxurious all-inclusive safari experience with plush accommodations and attentive staff for many guests. Positive reviews highlight friendly service, knowledgeable rangers, and beautiful surroundings. However, some recent feedback points to inconsistencies in food quality, particularly for dietary needs, and a perceived decline in game viewing compared to the past. Concerns have also been raised about the presence of a macadamia nut farm impacting the natural environment.
"We had the most wonderful weekend. All the staff is so friendly and helpful. Our guide on the drives was Derrick. He made every drive a new experience with his knowledge and his friendly interaction with everyone on the vehicle. To be honest, if it was possible I would give you a 10☆ rating. Thank you to each and everyone for an unforgettable weekend."
Marilea van Staden
"Everything from the food (thank you Head Chef for accomodating to our dietary requirements), to the waitering staff who were super friendly, the Ranger (Layla) was superb and very knowledgeable and who stopped at every sighting no matter how small, the General Manager (Deb) was very friendly and helpful, and the facilities were incredible. It was such an awesome trip that we are still buzzing from! We want to go back already!
Thank you, from room 12 (Francesca & Matthew)
P.S do not read into the negative reviews as we are two international guests who have never been to South Africa before, and had an incredible experience! We cannot fault anything - thank you to everyone for making us feel so welcome."
Frankie D
"We chose Nkomazi for our baby-moon and we had an okay experience. We are fortunate enough to have a family home in greater Kruger and to have been on a fair few 5-star tented experiences. We came for the experience and to be treated. Our tent was faulty - read below in room section.
Our guide was Derek on the 1st day. Great guy, great knowledge, heard we liked birds so stopped at birds and gave us lots of information. He had to suddenly leave. Next we had Lyla. In all our experiences we have had on these safaris, never have we had such a terrible guide. She had absolutely no concern for the guests experience- she was in control and stopped for what she wanted. She doesn't talk to the guests while driving, has no knowledge about birds (when we asked to stop and look at birds), and just doesn't care about customer service. We had small international children on the vehicle and they would say "giraffe" or "zebra" and she'd just continue driving, never stopping. Didn't have enough blankets on the vehicle - my husband and I had to share - and it was FREEZING on these night drives. We asked her not to give us a wake up call as we want to sleep in, reminded her TWICE as we got off the vehicle, 05:30am we had the wake up call. During 1 night drive, the wind was awful- she chooses the highest mountain where it's exposed and more windy to stop and have drinks. Everyone was freezing and it was a terrible experience - just lack of customer service and care. Derek the previous day, changed the route so that we can find a more sheltered area for drinks. Stopping for the animals that she wants, and then never giving any proper information about them. We learned NOTHING from Lyla. Boma evening, all the guides are present, chatting to their guests and serving them drinks. Lyla stood to the side, not engaging with ANY of her guests. On the last day, we had breakfast at 9am and asked staff to bring our luggage and car around - this is Lyla's job. We finished breakfast at 10am. Went to check out, and of course, our car isn't ready. The reception lady tried to call her and couldn't get hold of her. We waited another 20 minutes for her to show up with our stuff. Doesn't even apologise. We were so disappointed with the lack of service, concern and knowledge from Lyla and felt truly sorry for international guests who has come on this experience and had her as a guide. She has a lot to learn and an attitude adjustment to make.
The food was very average for a 5-star reserve. All desserts were really bad and tasteless. The staff were okay - again not on par for what should be expected at these lodges. I worked on 6-star cruise ships for nearly 7 years and know all about customer services. All previous 5-star tented safaris we've been on, had excellent service, staff knew everyone's names and treated you out of this world. The staff here were average, not going the extra mile, ever.
Overall experience was okay- because we love the bush and we could make it great ourselves. We don't come for the big 5 (or 4 on this property), we come for the experience. We definitely won't be back to Nkomazi and really felt like with a faulty tent, that it's extremely over priced. This tent should not be sold to guests, and maybe upon arrival guests should be informed of what to do in case of electricity outages."
Anna Kane-Berman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve is typically accessed by road. Many guests opt for self-drive or arrange transfers from nearby airports like Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP). The drive can take a few hours, so plan accordingly. Some reviews mention additional fees for collections after 1 PM, so confirm transfer times and costs.
Nkomazi is located in a more remote area, offering a true bush experience. It's a significant drive from major cities like Johannesburg, so it's often combined with other destinations or flown into via a regional airport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The reserve operates on an all-inclusive basis, typically covering accommodation, meals, and select drinks. Game drives with experienced rangers are also a core part of the experience. It's advisable to confirm the specifics of your package upon booking.
While all-inclusive, some guests have noted potential extra charges for certain premium beverages or activities outside the standard offering. There have also been mentions of fees for late collections from the gate. Always clarify what's included in your rate.
Standard check-in times usually apply, but it's best to confirm directly with the lodge. Some reviews indicate that late check-ins or collections might incur additional fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big 4 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo). While some reviews mention lower game densities compared to previous visits, you can still expect to see plains game and predators.
Yes, all game drives are guided by experienced rangers who are knowledgeable about the local wildlife and environment. They aim to provide an enriching safari experience.
Accommodation consists of plush tent-style suites, often described as sleek and luxurious. Many feature private plunge pools, offering a comfortable and indulgent stay amidst the bush.
While the reserve offers a luxurious experience, some reviews suggest it might be more geared towards adults or couples seeking a tranquil getaway. It's worth inquiring about specific family-friendly amenities or activities if traveling with children.
The primary activities revolve around morning and evening game drives. The lodge also offers opportunities to relax and enjoy the amenities, such as the plunge pools in the suites.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining is a significant part of the all-inclusive experience. While many guests praise the food and accommodating staff, some reviews mention that the quality can be average for a 5-star establishment, with specific criticisms about desserts and limited lunch choices.
The lodge aims to accommodate dietary requirements, with some guests reporting positive experiences with their Head Chef. However, other reviews strongly advise against Nkomazi for those with strict dietary needs, citing a lack of substitutes and poor handling of requests. It's crucial to communicate these needs well in advance and follow up.
Select drinks are typically included. However, some guests have noted a decrease in the variety of included soft drinks, with bar fridges often only stocked with water. You may need to request soft drinks separately.
📸 📸 Photography
The early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best light for photography, often referred to as the 'golden hours.' This is when animals are most active and the light is soft and flattering.
Bring a good zoom lens to capture wildlife from a distance. Be patient, as wildlife sightings can be unpredictable. Listen to your ranger, as they often have keen eyes for spotting animals.
Yes, the private plunge pools offer a unique vantage point for relaxing photos of your accommodation and the surrounding bush. However, wildlife sightings from the suites are not guaranteed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Some reviews mention that rangers might not always stop for animal sightings if children point them out, which could be disappointing for younger guests. The focus on a high-end, serene experience might mean that the pace of drives or the types of wildlife sought might not always align with a child's attention span. However, the opportunity to see wildlife can still be magical for children, and the plush accommodations offer comfort.
💰 Budget Travelers
Travelers looking for a more budget-conscious safari experience might consider other lodges or self-drive options in nearby public reserves. However, if Nkomazi is within your budget, focus on maximizing the included amenities and game drives to get the most value. Be sure to clarify all inclusions to avoid unexpected expenses, as some premium items or services may incur extra charges.
💍 Couples & Honeymooners
The serene atmosphere and the opportunity for private moments amidst the African bush are highly appealing. Game drives provide shared adventures, and the lodge's amenities are designed for comfort and relaxation. While some reviews mention service inconsistencies, the overall ambiance and the potential for stunning wildlife sightings make it a memorable destination for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nkomazi Experience: What to Expect
However, recent guest experiences reveal a mixed picture. While many praise the friendly staff and the beauty of the reserve, some reviews point to inconsistencies in service and a perceived decline in game viewing and overall quality compared to previous years or other 5-star establishments. Concerns have also been raised about the presence of a macadamia nut farm within the reserve, which some feel detracts from the natural bush experience and impacts water resources.
It's important for potential visitors to manage expectations. While Nkomazi offers a beautiful setting and the potential for incredible wildlife encounters, it's wise to clarify all inclusions, communicate any special requirements well in advance, and be aware of the varied feedback regarding the current operational standards.
Navigating Wildlife Encounters
While the reserve is home to diverse wildlife, some recent reviews suggest that game densities may have decreased over time, or that sightings can be inconsistent. This is a common variable in safari tourism, as animals roam freely. Rangers play a crucial role in maximizing sightings by utilizing their knowledge of animal territories and behavior patterns. Guests are encouraged to communicate their interests, such as birdwatching, to their ranger, who can then tailor the drive accordingly.
It's also worth noting that the presence of a macadamia nut farm within the reserve has been a point of contention for some visitors, with concerns raised about its impact on the natural environment and wildlife. Despite this, the reserve continues to offer opportunities for guests to connect with nature and witness the wonders of the African bush.
Dining and Dietary Considerations
However, a significant number of reviews highlight concerns regarding the consistency and quality of the food, particularly for those with specific dietary requirements. Some guests have reported that vegetarian or vegan meals lacked substance or substitutes, essentially just meat being removed from dishes. There have also been criticisms of limited lunch options and disappointing desserts. If you have strict dietary needs, it is strongly recommended to communicate these in detail well before your arrival and to follow up with the lodge management upon check-in.
The beverage selection within the all-inclusive package has also been a point of discussion. While some drinks are included, guests have noted that bar fridges may only contain water, requiring requests for soft drinks. It's advisable to clarify the full scope of included beverages to avoid any misunderstandings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit