New Year On Nambiti Game Reserve
New Year’s morning at Springbok Lodge, nestled in the heart of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), began with a cool, damp freshness—a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable South African safari experience. Guests gathered with anticipation, eager to see what wonders awaited on this guided safari drive in KZN with Mlu, one of our experienced rangers.
How It Began…
As we set out, Mlu immediately began reading the signs of the bush. Right outside the lodge, he noted a significant presence of wildlife that hadn’t been there the day before. “Something has shifted,” he explained, theorising that a predator like a lion or cheetah might have been nearby.
It wasn’t long before Mlu’s instincts were proven right in more than one instance. While tracking fresh cheetah prints, we received a radio call that a female cheetah had been spotted. Heading to the location, we were treated to a fleeting but breathtaking view of her moving gracefully before disappearing over the ridgeline.
As we attempted to relocate her, Mlu noticed something in the distance: a commotion back near the lodge. Wildebeest were running, clearly startled. “Something is chasing those wildebeest,” he remarked, and we changed course to investigate.
Just as we approached, a second radio call confirmed the sighting of two male lions hunting near the lodge. We arrived in time to witness these magnificent predators walking with purpose, their movements both graceful and powerful. Mlu positioned the vehicle perfectly multiple times, giving guests unparalleled views of these majestic creatures as they went about their hunt.
All-In-All…
The magic of the morning didn’t stop there. The drive continued with sightings of giraffe, zebra, and hippo, each encounter more captivating than the last. To top it all off, we encountered two cheetah brothers relaxing and grooming in the long grass. These stunning moments embodied everything a traditional tented accommodation like Springbok Lodge promises—a front-row seat to nature’s most dramatic performances.
At Springbok Lodge, every safari is about more than just the wildlife sightings. It’s about experiencing the untamed beauty of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KZN in a way that’s both exhilarating and serene. Whether it’s the thrill of tracking a predator or the peaceful observation of a giraffe silhouetted against the horizon, each moment is carefully curated to create an authentic Big 5 safari experience in KwaZulu-Natal.
Kickstarting the New Year with such incredible encounters was a reminder of why Springbok Lodge—Your True Safari with a Purpose continues to be a favourite for those seeking a sustainable, family-friendly safari in KZN.
