Nkomazi Game Reserve

Nkomazi Game Reserve, meaning 'the place of water' is a private unspoilt game reserve of 17,000ha with an impressive array of plains game as well as lion, elephant, rhino and the elusive leopard. Being on higher ground, the reserve is malaria-free.

Nkomazi Game Reserve is also an ecological Aladdin's Cave of natural science - its ancient mountains, dramatic boulders and impressive grasslands guard some of the most fascinating geological discoveries in recent years. This area has some of the oldest rocks in the world with the oldest and largest meteorite impact deposit on earth discovered here. It is often referred to as the holy grail of geology!

Nkomazi Game Reserve doesn't easily fit into as single category - it isn't just a game reserve, it isn't just a stunning area of natural beauty, it isn't just a geological paradise, it isn't just a perfect arena for star-gazing. It ticks all of these boxes in a delightful melange for your senses.

Komati River Lodge

Its lodge, Komati River Lodge, has a stunning Kloof setting alongside a fast flowing river with twelve 'Africa Campaign' styled tents positioned to blend into the natural bush and overlooking the tumbling river. Furnished with luxury campaign style furniture, the tents have a traditional 1920's safari ambience. Each has its own private deck with private plunge pool and Victorian outdoor bath. The tents are very spacious with en suite bathroom with shower and separate toilet. Each is well-appointed with comfort cooling/heating, ceiling fan, telephone, tea/coffee facilities, minibar, safe, hairdryer. The Royal Suite also has a private lounge tent and a separate firepit.

The main lodge at Komati River Lodge comprises a dining tent and a separate majilis lounge tent with viewing deck. There’s a stunningly-situated River Retreat Spa with two treatment rooms and an outdoor massage deck right next to a waterfall as well as an outdoor boma dining area.

Activities at Nkomazi Game Reserve revolve around morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 landrovers (with a maximum of six guests per vehicle), bush walks, rock art and geological walks as well as star gazing in the evenings. There’s even mountain biking for the more adventurous.

The reserve contains plenty of wildlife and rare flora such as the Barberton Daisy. Nkomazi Game Reserve lies between Johannesburg and Swaziland/southern Kruger. It’s approx 3 hours drive from Johannesburg and 2 hours drive south-west from the Kruger Airport. We recommend that you combine it with a Kruger Safari for a complete change of landscape and wildlife. Alternatively it makes the perfect place to stop for a couple of nights between the Kruger and northern KwaZulu Natal (as an alternative to travelling through Swaziland).