a perfect day at ndaka safari lodge
What does a perfect day in the middle of the South African bush look like? Evelyne was part of the Ndaka team while completing her half-year internship at Ndaka Safari Lodge as a field guide. and to this day, Ndaka Safari Lodge feels like the second home to her.
Evelyne dreams of exploring every inch of the wild, witnessing wonders like a happy lion hunting at sunrise, observing red-billed buffalo weavers building their nests or matabele ants on a mission - whatever comes to sight, her biggest wish is to encourage you to go outside and be part of it!
The perfect day as a guest at Ndaka begins early, when you press the buttons on your alarm clock, snuggled warmly in soft, cozy blankets, and grumble softly to yourself. Wait — was that really your grumble? And where are you again? Slowly, you realize that you just heard the deep roar of a nearby lion pride — perhaps for the very first time in your life. Excited, you sit up straight in bed, listening intently. You hear the soft chirping of crickets and the distant laughter and splashing of a hippo. You pull the curtain aside. It’s still dark, but the first lines of the horizon are already visible in the slightly reddish sky. Wispy clouds drape like a gentle veil around the stars, heralding the start of a beautiful day.
Quickly, you turn on the coffee machine provided in your room and savor the delicious homemade cookies available in your spacious and stylishly African-decorated tent. From the roomy wardrobe, you gather your clothes, hat, camera, and binoculars, and, still a bit sleepy, make your way to the lobby.
Warm, amber lamps illuminate your path along the natural walkway. On your way, you encounter the first nyalas, who have also made themselves comfortable in the camp. Mother and calf cuddle closely together, adding to the peaceful ambience. At the entrance, you are warmly greeted by your personal guide.
“Good morning! Did you hear the lions? I have a hunch where they might be. Grab a warm drink and some traditional South African rusks. Once you’re ready, we can start our morning safari.”
Cheerful and well-prepared, your guide drives you and your group towards the rising sun. The game viewer accommodates 9 to 10 guests, though it is often not filled to capacity. “Good morning, everyone. I hope you all slept well. I briefed you on the safety measures during safaris yesterday. Please remember to follow them today as well. What are your wishes for this morning?” A lion pride on the hunt, a herd of elephants bathed in the red glow of the dawn, a group of zebras grazing peacefully by the road, or perhaps a rare small bird with a unique story. No matter what you wish for, the bush and your guide will surely surprise you. I have never spent a day in the Nambiti Game Reserve without being awestruck by nature’s beauty. Every day is unique. Every day holds unexpected wonders. Every day, you will learn something new from your guide. You will take away more from each drive than you ever imagined. Embrace it, and you will discover so much about yourself out there.
“You will take away more from each drive than you ever imagined. Embrace it, and you will discover so much about yourself out there.”
nambiti game reserve is full of diversity
After an extensive drive full of surprises, your guide stops at a picturesque spot in the heart of nature for warming coffee and tea with delicious pastries. It’s time to stretch your legs, and if you’re lucky, some giraffes might be grazing not too far away from you. With many more wildlife encounters and newfound knowledge about your surroundings, your guide drives you back to the lodge, where the delicious aroma of a hearty sweet and savory breakfast awaits. Every day, new delights are prepared to surprise you upon your return. The generous breakfast buffet offers a wide selection for you to choose from, and you can eat as much as you like. If you have special requests, please inform Ndaka before your trip. The lodge goes to great lengths to provide you with the best possible experience.
After the sumptuous breakfast, you have plenty of time to yourself. Whether you spend it on a leisurely walk around the camp, quietly in your personal tent, or lounging by the pool in the sun is entirely up to you. There is so much to discover, and if you seek a thorough break, Ndaka even offers a spa with soothing massages. For the young explorers, there are many creative activities while the African wilderness enjoys a midday nap in the shade of the trees. Soon, delightful aromas waft from the kitchen. The sun umbrellas on the sun terrace are set up, and your lunch is ready. Each day, you can expect a varied and balanced lunch. From homemade pizzas and creatively composed salads to hearty stews and typical South African delicacies, including delicious desserts, Ndaka's creativity will amaze you.
"Are you ready for new adventures?" your guide asks with a friendly smile. "I’ll pack our sundowners. What would you like?" Ndaka boasts a well-stocked bar that offers each visitor a new favorite drink. After all, it serves the very best gin, homemade directly in Nambiti, that I have ever tasted. In the gentle afternoon breeze, you head back into the pure wilderness. By the water, a large herd of elephants with their babies enjoys a bath. A few meters away, a large buffalo bull rests under an acacia tree, and on the opposite slope, two rhinos are on the move. Your guide finds the perfect path to get closer to the rhinos and shares many fascinating facts about these animals. You learn about poaching and why rhinos need special protection.
“Naturally, you can ask your guide anything that interests, excites, or astonishes you. Ndaka has the absolute best guides I have ever met, and I have learned so much from them.”
a beautiful cheetah taking a rest during afternoon time
The sun now hangs low on the horizon. On a sunny rock ledge high above the valley, your guide stops the game viewer. “Time for a break!” he announces cheerfully and hops out of the vehicle to scout the area. “You can get out,” he declares, and before you can take in this breathtaking setting, your chosen drink and a delicious snack are ready. Together, you savor the sunset with all your senses. Then, the journey continues. Soon it is dark. Your guide takes out a spotlight to illuminate the surroundings, ensuring you don’t miss any nocturnal inhabitants of the bush. And then you see the glowing eyes. “Stop,” you call out, wide awake and full of adrenaline. “Were those...?” you think. But before you can finish your sentence, two full-grown male lions circle your vehicle, their heads held curiously high. Their stomachs empty, they are on the hunt. “Let’s go,” your guide announces with pure passion and carefully follows the lions with your vehicle. They are swift and muscular, working together as a formidable team. With your own eyes, you watch as they bring down a warthog for dinner and feast voraciously.
“The cycle of life in Africa. Everything has its role here, but what is ours?”
Your stomach now growls as well, and it’s time for the most exclusive dinner you’ve ever seen. In a three-course meal that you chose yourself at lunchtime, the guides and staff of Ndaka serve your food with great skill. The menus are crafted by highly talented and acclaimed chefs. Even now, my mouth waters at the memory of this delicious food. By the fire, enjoying a fun game with others, or at the bar, you end your day, tired and full of impressions that will help you sleep soundly. Ready for a new day, bringing new surprises.
ndaka safari by night - the tables are ready for dinner
with 🐘 by evelyne (and frank)
useful information
Ndaka safari lodge: https://ndaka.co.za - for bookings and informations about the lodge
nambiti game reserve: https://nambiti.com - for informations about the game reserve
further informations: https://www.tripadvisor.ch/Hotel_Review-g1055401-d4610830-Reviews-Ndaka_Safari_Lodge-Ladysmith_KwaZulu_Natal.html
