A weekend at Ndaka Safari Lodge proved to be the ideal family getaway. Ndaka is in the heart of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, a 21 000 acre, Big 5, malaria-free game reserve just outside Ladysmith. It is an easy two hour drive from Hilton and the directions Ndaka supply are accurate, giving landmarks along the way so you have no doubts. The trip takes you through the Battlefields so you can stop and take in some of the sights en-route.
We arrived to a warm and smiley welcome from the Ndaka team. The accommodation was absolutely perfect, comfortable and homely. Within minutes we were ready to chill with feet tucked up on the couch while we waited for the first of a series of delicious meals to be presented. The chef at Ndaka surpassed expectations, each meal was fresh, delicious and varied, served outdoors in the lapa. Dinner at night in the lapa and the view of the mesmerising view of the stars were five star plus.
Our guide proved to be tenacious and we were fortunate to sight five of the nine lions at Nambiti. Four lions had brought down a zebra earlier and three lay with bulging tummies while one continued to crunch through his meal when we viewed them. Our guide took the best care of us and excelled at finding a great view of all sightings.
A huge highlight was spotting a lone lioness who had not been seen for over two weeks. We watched her size up a giraffe and after following her a bit we heard on the radio that she had taken down an Eland. We drove to the kill location and managed to see the kill in the final stages. We returned later to find her still on site protecting her meal.
Besides the lions we saw three more of the 'big 5'; Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. We will have to visit again, especially to spot that elusive Leopard. We also saw warthog, zebra, impala, eland, waterbuck, mountain buck, duiker, kudu, guinea fowl and giraffe and many bird species. A cheeky kudu doe woke us at 3.00am on the first night when she came right into the lodge garden to feast on a lemon tree outside our window. It was worth waking to find her right there.
Mark and Tracey Marshall have clearly fallen in love with the lifestyle available in Nambiti and their course is set for success. They have harnessed the strength of a great team in the perfect location at really good prices and we wish them many years of happiness as Ndaka Safari Lodge fulfils their African dream.
Enjoy the slideshow below of photographs by Luca Baurusse.