Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge

Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge is a hidden gem, nestled at the top of a cliff, on one of the most beautiful private reserves in South Africa. Relax and observe the herds of zebra, wildebeest and impala as they graze in the valley below. The raw serenity of the great outdoors is balanced with the superlative comfort and privacy of the accommodations here. Five luxurious suites overlook the Sunday River and offer exceptional views of the savannah. Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Nambiti Reserve, between Johannesburg and Durban, this authentically African lodge hosts a maximum of 10 guests in ideal surroundings. Friendly staff provide service and attention at all times to ensure a magical and memorable experience.

Enjoy traditional French joie de vivre whilst dining under the stars, gazing out over Sunday River, and encountering the Big 5. Listen closely and you will hear the heartbeat of Africa.

Accommodation

Five luxuriously appointed suites dot the landscape here. Each feature private decks and large windows to ensure game viewing does not end after the safari drive. Choose to escape in a Luxury Suite, Family Suite or Honeymoon Suite.

Facilities

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

Sipping cocktails after an indulgent massage is a wonderful way to wind down. Guests can choose from a range of relaxing Maison PAYOUT treatments that are offered in the peaceful privacy of their guest room.

Evenings 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 Esiweni’s chef masterfully conjures up dishes to delight every palate.

Three meals are served daily starting with a hearty breakfast in the Main Lodge, followed by lunch and then dinner in the traditional boma (weather permitting).

After a leisurely dinner, relax by the fire and recount the perfect safari day.

Activities

There is no end to the daily activities one can enjoy at Esiweni Lodge. Action-packed game drives, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting or golfing… These are just a few of the ways one can take advantage of the area.

Game Drives

Take part in true adventure at sunrise and sunset aboard an open-air 4X4 safari vehicle.  Accompanied by an experienced ranger, guests are assured complete safety as he explains how to follow animal tracks and successfully spot them hidden in the bush.  Scout the Big 5, as well as other animals such as the endangered cheetah. Plant- and bird-life are also in abundance so all facets of this wild world.are discoverable.

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.

Horseback Riding

A horse ride through the heart of the Reserve offers a majestic view of Africa. Climb mountains, cross rivers, and gallop in the vast plains of this World Heritage UNESCO site.

Rafting

Adventure seekers will love the adrenaline rush of the Sunday River rapids.  If a relaxing swim in the pristine waters is preferred, a guide will lead guests to a multitude of refreshing natural pools.

Golfing

The stunning Drakensberg Mountains, just one hour from the lodge, with cliffs and valleys offers an outstanding game of golf. Cathedral Peak is a 9-hole course, while Champagne Sports Resort Golf Club boasts 18 holes and is ranked as one of the most beautiful in South Africa.

Mountain Biking

Hire a mountain bike to get up close and personal to Nambiti’s rich flora and fauna.