The Nambu property has been in the Drinkwater family for almost 40 years, passed down through the generations. The name Nambu means ‘river’ in the local language of IsiThonga, and this unique lodge has many ties to the flowing waters of the Olifants River nearby. Tawny eagles soar above and herds of elephants drink down below our hilltop lodge.

Wanting to share their piece of paradise with the rest of the world, Nambu camp was created. The camp has a total of 6 safari-style chalets, all of which have double, modern bathrooms and an outside seating area.

During the heat of the day, relax by the camp’s poolside or bird watch from the lodge’s vast viewing platform before a mid-day brunch up at the main camp. There are two game drives per day, each taking advantage of the first and last light. From morning coffee stops to sundowners with canapes, Nambu always goes the extra mile in terms of hospitality.

You might even get the opportunity to enjoy a riverside dinner, or game of croquet at sunset as part of Nambu Camp’s added value.

Nambu Camp is located in the Big 5 Olifants West Nature Reserve in the heart of the Greater Kruger, 16.2 km outside of Hoedspruit. The Eastgate Airport is a short 45-minute drive away, making it easily accessible for fly-in guests, while many might choose to self-drive from Johannesburg, which is a scenic 5-hour drive away.

When entering Hoedspruit, turn left to Phalaborwa on R40. Travel 16.2 kilometers on the R40 to reach the Olifants West Nature Reserve Gate on your right. Turn right into the Olifants boom gate. The gate guard will ask your destination: Nambu Camp. You will be asked to fill in a visitor’s permit and to make a payment of R90 per car and R220 conservation fee (per person). Directly after the entrance gate, take a sharp left and drive along the fence for 890m. Keep right once you get to a road named Maroela Laan. Continue along this road for 5.7km until you get to a T-junction. Take a left, then an immediate right where you will see the Nambu Camp sign. Continue on this road for a short 40m and turn right up a slight incline for 80m. Take a left and follow a rocky road for 610m and you will reach the entrance to Nambu Camp.

Accommodation

Winding wooden pathways lead the way from the main camp, through the lush gardens and to the secluded rooms, nestled into the bush. There are a total of 6 safari-style bedrooms that can accommodate up to 12 people. Rooms have comfortable king size beds with modern bathrooms which overlook the rugged bushveld.

Rooms are well equipped for a stylish and comfortable stay in the bush, and are furnished in iconic safari-style decor with rustic finishes. A wooden balcony flows out from the rooms, each of which incorporates plenty of light. Each room has air-conditioning, overhead fans, tea/coffee making facilities, and luxury bathroom amenities.

Nambu is the perfect hideaway to cocoon yourself in luxury while falling asleep to the sounds of nature.

Facilities

6 safari-style, en-suite bedrooms

Accommodating up to 12 people, Nambu is a quiet and intimate safari camp

Framed scenic views from the upper deck and an open-air viewing platform below

Air-conditioning / overhead fans in all rooms.

Tea/coffee making facilities in each room

Bathroom products are supplied

Swimming pool located on lower deck with waterhole views

Shaded and comfortable lounge areas on both upper and lower wildlife viewing decks

There’s a lodge boma area and fireplace where fires are lit before the evening meal

Daily turndown service / laundry available upon request

Wi-Fi available at the lodge

Dotted among the trees, chalets make a statement with their bold exteriors. Interiors are more muted, and the rustic pieces used throughout pay homage to the surrounding environment. The outdoor patio is adorned with decking chairs and a seating area, making it ideal for taking in the sublime surroundings.

There are 6 luxury rooms, each with a variety of configurations. Rooms 1 and 2 have a private entrance and individual balconies, while the remaining rooms are adjacent with shared entrances (rooms 3/4 and 5/6).

Each room has King size beds that can be configured to twin beds. Modern bathrooms with sweeping bushveld views and expansive showers ensure there’s a maximum level of comfort throughout.

Added value services include: a daily turndown, laundry service upon request, and an array of high-quality bathroom products. Rooms have all of the creature comforts from home such as air-conditioning, ceiling fans, hanging space, and tea and coffee making facilities.

FULL BOARD RATE INCLUDES

A guided morning game drive complete with a coffee stop. A guided evening game drive with a sundowner stop and canapes. Access to information about wildlife directly from guides. Accommodation in thatched chalets with private balconies, 3 meals a day, with dietary requirements taken into consideration. Teas and coffees. Access to all facilities such as the pool, lounge, and boma area. A riverside bush dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

CHILDREN RATES

Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult rate.

Children aged 8 to 11 pay 50% of the adult rate when

sharing with parents.

Children ages 8 to 11 occupying own rooms pays 80%

adult rate.

RATE EXCLUDES

All beverages, transfers & additional activities not mentioned.

Gate fee of R100.00 per vehicle and Conservation levy of

R250.00 per person – payable at the gate upon arrival (cannot

be prepaid)

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

25% single supplement

CHILDREN POLICY

Children aged 8 to 12 are accepted at Nambu Camp

Children aged 12 and over pay full adult rate

ROAD TRANSFERS

The below camp transfers can be booked through our

reservations office in conjunction with a stay at Nambu

Camp. Road transfers are scheduled to tie in with

the flight arrival times into and out of Hoedspruit Airport.

Please note that these are scheduled road transfers and

not private road transfers.

Hoedspruit Airport to Nambu (vice versa)

1 PAX: R1250.00

2 PAX: R625.00

3 PAX: R420.00

4+ PAX: R320.00

Olifants Wes Gate to Nambu (vice versa)

R300.00 per person per way

Hoedspruit Town to Nambu (vice versa)

1 PAX: R1250.00

2 PAX: R625.00

3 PAX: R420.00

4+ PAX: R320.00

NOTES

Rates are quoted in South African Rands. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Rates include government taxes where applicable. If taxes increase, we reserve the right to increase the rate accordingly. We reserve the right to review rates at any given point without notice. Conservation levies and Gate Fees are subject to change without prior notice in the event of the Private Nature Reserves amending or adding levies due to budgetary needs.

Game Drives: Game drives comprise a 3 hour morning / 2 hour afternoon safari in a big five private concession in the Olifants West Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger. On drives, you'll learn about the flora and fauna of the African bush. Early mornings and late evenings are the best time for game viewing.

Sundowners and Coffee Stops: During the morning game drive, you'll stop for coffee in the middle of the bushveld. Evening game drives always include a sundowner, and canapes. If there's time, you can enjoy croquet or games down at the riverfront.

Riverfront Bush Dinners: Every Tuesday and Friday, a bush dinner will be served on the banks of the Olifants River. You can expect a full luxury set-up, complete with your choice of drinks.

Wildlife

Predators

The Olifants's undulating landscape means that there are many great vantage points on our traverse, perfect for spotting any movement below from iconic big cats and other scavengers. The flowing waters of the Olifants River run through the reserve, providing the perfect habitat for crocodiles.

It's not uncommon to spot crocodiles lurking in the water or basking in the sun. Leopards, lions, cheetah, servals, African wild cat, and African wild dogs are also spotted in abundance in the Olifants West Nature Reserve.

Mammals

Nambu Camp is built in the heart of the Olifants West Nature Reserve which is open to the Kruger National Park. This wild and diverse reserve is home to the big five and a vast array of other mammals. The camp itself overlooks a winding dry riverbed and bustling waterhole.

Animals are free to move and roam, especially elephant herds which are in abundance. From giraffe to rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and waterbuck, there's over 147 species of mammal to spot in the Olifants West Nature Reserve.

Birdlife

The Olifants birdlife is second to none with a huge variety of riverine species drawn to the winding waterway. The rare Pel's fishing owl has often been seen as well as kingfishers, herons, vultures and many eagle species. However, a perfect location to observe the birdlife is at the camp itself.

The camp is home to nesting tawny eagles, and vibrant sunbirds frequent the verdant gardens here at Nambu. Bird watching at camp is a true highlight, and there are over 250 species in the Olifants to see.

What to expect

Whilst staying at Nambu Camp you can expect:

Big five game drives conducted in the Olifants West Nature Reserve.

An authentic safari-style camp, completely surrounded by nature.

High quality, modern and simple cuisine.

Superlative views of the Lowveld landscape from the main area of camp.

Scenic sundowners paired with canapés, sunset views and games down by the river.

Excellent bird watching from the pool deck and the camp's lush gardens.

Friendly and welcoming staff / knowledgeable guides