South Africa Blog

The newly built Nguni River Lodge is situated in the Greater Addo Elephant Park within the newly established 17 000 hectare Nyathi concession. An area well known for its high concentration of elephants together with its conservation efforts to re-introduce species lost in the past. Capturing the essence of five star luxury, the impeccably appointed Nguni River Lodge offers a true experience with the word “experience” being the fundamental goal of the team at Nguni River Lodge.

The lodges have been built high up on a ridge overlooking the plains with magnificent views, extending onto the Zuurberg mountain range. Our newly created waterhole on the plains below which attracts game from far and wide and the viewing can be enjoyed from the comfort of your deck …

The Lodges:
Suites : There are 8 luxurious suites with en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, private balcony, fireplace, stone bath and private plunge pool. The modern amenities which include coffee making facilities, air-conditioning, wine rack, full in-room bar facility and exclusive guest amenities provided by the Maria Garcia collection.

Main Lodge :
The lodge comprises of two separate facilities which include a library, bar and lounge area, viewing decks, dining area, curio shop and both an indoor and outdoor boma experience. Nguni River Lodge is about a blend of Africa with Manhatten interiors. Sophistication yet simplicity, boldness yet balance, perfect harmony, exclusivity, sensitivity and private.

Cuisine & Dining:
The Eastern Cape is steeped in tradition and culture and the aim of Nguni River Lodge is to emphasize these concepts. The menu items are based on a fusion of cultures, rich with the heritage of the people and local ingredients. The open plan stainless steel kitchen lends itself to interactive cooking and services thus making one feel like home.

Activities at Nguni:
The activities programme has been developed to enhance the guest’s safari experience by enabling the guest to tailor-make their stay with us at Nguni River Lodge. The activities are also offered in a flexible and convenient environment. Game drives are conducted in specially customized open vehicles, providing one with a quiet and safe safari experience. The Nguni River Lodge safari’s take place over 17 000 hectares of unspoiled, untouched wilderness, and strict regulations are in place to minimize pressure on both the game and the habitat in the reserve.

Activities included in the daily tariff are: Open vehicle game drives, Day trips into the Addo Main Camp, Bush breakfasts, Bush walks, Wildlife lectures, Bush Dinner and Astronomy lectures.
Additional activities available but not included in tariff: Elephant back safaris, Township tours, Boat cruises to St Croix islands, Overnight tours to Darlington Lake Lodge to have a Karoo wildlife experience.

The Wildlife at Nguni:
Characteristic species included Elephant, Black Rhino, Buffalo and a variety of antelope including Eland, Zebra, Gemsbok and Hartebeest.

Related Pages:
Addo Elephant Park Accommodation
South Africa Lodges

Karkloof Canopy Tours - by Brian Kemp of Halls Country House, Drakensberg

They call this an eco-experience. But a Karkloof Canopy Tour on the Midlands Meander in KwaZulu Natal is more than that. This is adventure. This is adrenalin. This is like your first time on a red or a black ski slope. You’re thinking, “This is too fast. This is too dangerous. I’m gonna die”. So what’s the skinny? Using state of the art climbing and safety equipment, they suspend you on a pulley attached to a steel cable 30 metres above the Karkloof indigenous forest floor. And then it’s “Goodnight Vienna”.

What and where is the Karkloof Forest? The Karkloof Forest is in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. It is pristine. And when you see the size of the trees, you’ll know. They’re old. It is also home to the Karkloof Blue butterfly, which inhabits a few hundred square metres of the forest. And it’s found nowhere else in the world.

And Karkloof Canopy Tours? Well they’re the psychopaths that make a living out of jumping your adrenalin level to the point where it’s practically squirting out your ears. Sure it’s a big rush. But don’t think these guys aren’t serious about safety. The kit is “state of the art”. The whole thing’s been designed with the strictest civil engineering standards in mind. You begin with a safety briefing. Your harness and gear are checked and double-checked by the lead guide. And then you’re off! “Off” means you’ve managed to screw up your courage, closed your eyes, muttered a prayer, and leapt off the first of seven platforms high up in the trees. Catch your breath, calm your heart rate. You’ve got eight slides, the longest of which is 170 metres long as you whiz and zigzag, down the pristine indigenous Karkloof forest valley.

By the way, did I mention that they call this an “eco-experience”? You did notice the 20-metre waterfall you zoomed over, the river you screamed your way across, the beauty of the forest, the extremely rare bird-life, the Samago monkeys? You did notice these things, didn’t you?

No? Then you’d better go back and do it again tomorrow!

Karkloof Canopy Tours is a member of the Midlands Meander Association which regulates and markets the Midlands Meander - the largest arts and crafts ramble in South Africa. It’s not only Arts and crafts, as you’ve probably gathered. It’s jam-packed with a variety of accommodation establishments and things to see and do. The symbol of Midlands Meander in KwaZulu Natal is the Karkloof Blue butterfly. Bear it in mind, the next time you’re travelling to South Africa.

Related Links:
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Halls Country House, Drakensberg
Karkloof Canopy Tours

Hiring a Car in South Africa – To hire a motor vehicle in South Africa you must be in possession of a valid drivers license and carry it with you at all times. Any valid driver’s licence is accepted provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English. Everyone who is going to drive the car must be named and must show their licence. There are age limitations when renting cars in South Africa. While some rental car companies will accept 18 year olds, many will not rent to anyone under the age of 25.

Planning to hire a car in South Africa?
Make sure you know these important facts about driving in our country …
1. Vehicles are right hand drive and travel on the left hand side of the road.
2. All distances and speed limits are in kilometres.
3. Wearing a seat belt is compulsory.
4. Watch out for animals on the road in rural areas.
5. Petrol stations are not self-help. It is customary to tip the attendant R5.00 – R7.00 (R15.00 on long trips where tyres are inflated, windows washed, oil checked etc. etc).
6. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal (use a hands-free kit).