The Springbok Lodge 

Nestled in the heart of the historic KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, the Big 5 Nambiti Reserve and Springbok Lodge offer you a chance to unwind in a picture-perfect bush setting, 24 km northeast of uMnambithi. Well positioned off the N3, the main route between Johannesburg and Durban, our lodge is a four-and-a-half hour drive from the busy metropolis of Johannesburg and a mere three-and-a-half hours from the aromatic coastal city of Durban. The breath-taking mountains of the central Drakensberg lie an easy one-and-a-half hours’ drive away. Making the lodge even more accessible is the 1.2 km landing strip for light aircraft and helicopters can comfortably land directly at the lodge. 

Whether Springbok Lodge is your intended destination or the base from which to explore the surrounding Battlefields and Drakensberg you will be assured an exceptional stay and safari experience - the lodge continues to achieve its AA Superior Accommodation Accreditation since 2009. 

Our Accommodation 

While the Big Five experience alone is enough to attract visitors, all guests staying at our child-friendly Springbok Lodge leave with a different idea of “camping”… we call it glamping! 

Of our 21 luxury en-suite tents are 13 standard two sleepers and 8 family units (4 sleepers). In total we can sleep 58 guests offering 5-star equivalent opulence out in the African bush. In recent years whilst adding more tents and renovating some of the older ones we have gone with the option of replacing the canvas walls of the tents with brick and mortar. Of these newer tents there are five luxury standard tents and two luxury family units. 

Relax in the pool overlooking the bush or in the open-plan thatched guest lounge where you will also find the bar. 

Breakfast (sometimes even set up in the bush), lunch and dinner are provided daily. On fine summer nights and balmy winter evenings we will treat you to an outdoor buffet-style dinner around a crackling fire in our African boma, an experience which is sure to be one of many highlights of your stay. 

The Game Reserve & Activities 

Our Springbok Lodge is situated in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, a conservancy offering 22 000 acres of pristine, Malaria-free bushveld. The Reserve is home to the Big Five, as well as cheetah, hippo and over 30 species of plains game. Nature lovers will enjoy the area’s biodiversity, with Thornveld and majestic Acacia trees complementing extensive grasslands which mirror the plains of Central Africa. The abundant natural water system, with perennial rivers and the beautiful waterfall and cascades on the Sundays River, makes for a unique sanctuary, attracting several rare bird species and an enviable array of raptors and vultures. 

Feast your senses on the magnificent sights, sounds and smells of this untouched African bush. With every dawn, renew your bond with nature as you embark on a safari with your experienced and knowledgeable field guide. Other activities include guided Big 5 bush walks, self-guided walks within the lodge's fenced area, fishing, volleyball and croquet, board games and on prior arrangement a Zulu dance performance, battlefield tours, leisurely drives to the Drakensberg, golfing, a helicopter flight or hot air ballooning and more.