Umzolozolo Safari Lodge

Situated in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, surrounded by stunning biodiversity, the discerning traveler will find luxury and adventure at the 5 Star Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge.

A safari experience like no other, Umzolozolo is an intimate, luxury game lodge where visitors can relax in refined solitude. Service is professional and personalized, yet retains a familial flair.

Enthusiastic rangers lead daily drives in open Land Rovers, tracking the Big 5 and sharing their vast knowledge of the flora and fauna, found in abundance on Nambiti Private Game Reserve.

Whether on a romantic weekend getaway, honeymoon, anniversary celebration or small group sojourn, the secluded safari lodge will deliver the South African Bush in all its majestic glory. In addition to the unrivalled views, the Drakensberg Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for an unforgettable retreat.

And it’s all waiting only four and a half hours drive from Johannesburg; just under four hours from Durban.

Accommodation

Five luxuriously-appointed suites dot the landscape here – three Chalets, a Honeymoon Suite, as well as a Presidential Suite. All are free-standing and secluded. Each feature private decks, large windows and outdoor showers to ensure the game viewing does not end after the safari drive. Relax and observe the herds of zebra, wildebeest and impala as they graze in the valley below.

Deluxe Chalets

Cozy and chic, the chalets have one large master bedroom and a generous lounge area boasting modern décor with African accents. In addition, stunning views can be had from both the private deck and the bathroom. Perfect for couples, however families can be accommodated with pull-out beds. It is also possible to turn the chalets into twin rooms upon request.

Luxurious Suites

Set high on a hilltop, each luxuriously modern suite has its own deck with breathtaking views of the valley below. A spacious bedroom and bathroom envelop guests in relaxed elegance. Sip champagne in total seclusion as the sun sets to native birdsong.

Honeymoon Suite

Immersed in African splendor and romance, couples enjoy complete privacy in the Honeymoon Suite. A large bedroom and a spa bathroom provide the perfect space to unwind at the end of the day, while their private deck provides a vantage point over the activity in the valley below.

Presidential Suite

Truly lavish, the Presidential Suite is the ultimate in South African style. Designed to maximize comfort and the surrounding views, guests can soak up the beauty of the African bush. Quite literally, as an extravagant stone bath sits under large open widows, and a Jacuzzi completes the private deck.

Facilities

At the Main Lodge, guests experience magnificent panoramas from the expansive wooden deck and its rim flow pool.

Sipping cocktails after an indulgent massage at Tulana Spa is a wonderful way to wind down. Guests can choose from a range of relaxing treatments that are available either in spa studio, or in the privacy of their guest room.

Evenings at Umzolozolo often mean congregating in the enclosed boma. Here, a blazing fire and twinkling stars provide the soundtrack as everyone recounts the events of the day. Enveloped in the unique sounds and smells of Africa, one may even hear the majestic roar of a lion calling his pride, or the whoop of a hyena proclaiming a kill.

Dining

A superb culinary experience awaits as Umzolozolo’s chef masterfully conjures up dishes to delight every palate.

Four meals are served daily and include a pre-morning drive spread, followed by a full English breakfast. In addition, savory snacks are provided during the afternoon game drives.

Guests choose to enjoy a generous buffet lunch either in the dining room, or on the viewing deck where the pool sparkles and beckons an afternoon swim.

After a leisurely dinner, cognac and cigars complete the perfect safari day.

Activities

There is no end to the daily activities one can enjoy at Umzolozolo. Action-packed game drives, fishing, visits to the Battlefields and the Drakensberg Mountains, or a Midlands Meander… These are just a few of the ways one can take advantage of the area.

Game Drives

Upon arrival, guests are introduced to a personal tracker who will lead two game drives every day in an open 4×4 vehicle. Umzolozolo’s professional guides possess in-depth knowledge on African wildlife, and are always ready to indulge particular interests in any species.

Bird watching

With almost 200 species of birds, the Nambiti Private Game Reserve is a bird lover’s paradise. Umzolozolo guides are available to guests if they wish to head out on a bird watching walk.

Fishing

Sitting on the banks of the Sundays River, or any of the well-stocked dams, fishing on Nambiti Private Game Reserve is an idyllic way to spend any afternoon. Note that fishing is catch and release.

Battlefields

Situated in the heart of Battlefields country, where the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars were fought centuries ago, Umzolozolo offers tours of the area where these decisive battles took place. A historian recreates those turbulent times with such skill that one can almost hear the troops and sense the trepidation.

Drakensberg Mountains & Golfing

Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge is a mere 45 minutes drive from the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, and one of South Africa’s top golf courses. Trips and rounds of golf can be arranged for departure after breakfast; returning in time for a spectacular late afternoon game drive.

Midlands Meander

The foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains offer an 80-km long meandering route that stretches towards Pietermaritzburg. Many years ago, a community of local crafts people came together to create the Midlands Meander, which is now a picturesque trail consisting of more that 160 stops to shop, eat and enjoy the day.