Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tucked away in the centre of the picturesque Nambiti Private Game Reserve, a 21,000 acre, Big 5, malaria-free game reserve, lies Ndaka Safari Lodge. Located in central KwaZulu-Natal near Ladysmith, just 40 minutes from the Drakensberg and close to the Battlefields, in the heart of the wild, the lodge is the perfect halfway stop between Johannesburg (3,5 hours) and Durban (3 hours). Ndaka Safari Lodge has been converted into a family style getaway. Ndaka is a relaxed, "home away from home", family friendly lodge where children of all ages are welcome making it the ideal getaway for families and friends. The large lapa is home to the dining room, bar & comfy lounge area as well as a lovely deck with a stunning rim-flow swimming pool. Being family-friendly there is a large fully fenced-in indigenous garden, an outdoor playground as well as an indoor playroom for children to enjoy. The Lodge has seven spacious en-suite luxury tented suites for couples & young families as well as three double luxury tented suites with 2 en-suite bedrooms & a shared lounge in the middle for families with teens or 4 children. Close to the main lodge are three standard lodge rooms for the budget conscious and those wanting to be close to the lapa and pool .
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Ndaka Safari Lodge has garnered acclaim for its well-appointed and expansive rooms that offer both comfort and luxury, complete with breathtaking views and impeccable cleanliness. The lodge's array of amenities, including a spa, pool, and exciting game drives, cater to both relaxation seekers and adventure enthusiasts, making it a family favorite.
The intimate atmosphere of the lodge, adorned with beautiful decor and thoughtful touches, creates a welcoming environment that guests cherish. Service at Ndaka Safari Lodge is frequently lauded for being attentive and personalized, with the friendly staff delivering exceptional hospitality that enhances the overall experience.
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Comfortable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Luxurious
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I am from Nrw Zealand and Ndaka was recommended to me by a close friend and I was not disappointed. It was a truly wonderful 3 nights I had at the lodge. From the moment I arrived at the gate until the dreaded time to leave, I enjoyed every moment of my time there. All the staff, and I mean, all the staff were friendly, extremely helpful and not one let me down on any request I made. My room, Impala, was stunning with ideal privacy for a shower in the outdoor facility or the huge bath to lie in and look out over the savannah. The same view from the huge king size bed. The food was absolutely beautiful and a different menu every meal. Then the game drives were excellent with our ranger, Angus, so entertaining as well as informative. His sense of humour coupled with his knowledge had me going back for each game drive with extra enthusiasm. A breakfast one morning on the river and sundowners every evening drive were a treat. We saw 4 of the big five as well as 2 cheetah. Only the leopard eluded us. Who could ask for more? I cannot say enough about this wonderful lodge which is not luxurious but extremely tastefully decorated and furnished at reasonable prices for the average wild animal enthusiast. Some reserves are ostentatious and overpriced. Not Ndaka. It is perfect whether travelling solo or as a family or a group. I sincerely hope to return one day. I am from Nrw Zealand and Ndaka was recommended to me by a close friend and I was not disappointed. It was a truly wonderful 3 nights I had at the lodge. From the moment I arrived at the gate until the dreaded time to leave, I enjoyed every moment of my time there. All the staff, and I mean, all the staff were friendly, extremely helpful and not one let me down on any request I made. My room, Impala, was stunning with ideal privacy for a shower in the outdoor facility or the huge bath to lie in and look out over the savannah. The same view from the huge king size bed. The food was absolutely beautiful and a different menu every meal. Then the game drives were excellent with our ranger, Angus, so entertaining as well as informative. His sense of humour coupled with his knowledge had me going back for each game drive with extra enthusiasm. A breakfast one morning on the river and sundowners every evening drive were a treat. We saw 4 of the big five as well as 2 cheetah. Only the leopard eluded us. Who could ask for more? I cannot say enough about this wonderful lodge which is not luxurious but extremely tastefully decorated and furnished at reasonable prices for the average wild animal enthusiast. Some reserves are ostentatious and overpriced. Not Ndaka. It is perfect whether travelling solo or as a family or a group. And on top of this they laid on perfect westher!! I sincerely hope to return one day.I am from Nrw Zealand and Ndaka was recommended to me by a close friend and I was not disappointed. It was a truly wonderful 3 nights I had at the lodge. From the moment I arrived at the gate until the dreaded time to leave, I enjoyed every moment of my time there. All the staff, and I mean, all the staff were friendly, extremely helpful and not one let me down on any request I made. My room, Impala, was stunning with ideal privacy for a shower in the outdoor facility or the huge bath to lie in and look out over the savannah. The same view from the huge king size bed. The food was absolutely beautiful and a different menu every meal. Then the game drives were excellent with our ranger, Angus, so entertaining as well as informative. His sense of humour coupled with his knowledge had me going back for each game drive with extra enthusiasm. A breakfast one morning on the river and sundowners every evening drive were a treat. We saw 4 of the big five as well as 2 cheetah. Only the leopard eluded us. Who could ask for more? I cannot say enough about this wonderful lodge which is not luxurious but extremely tastefully decorated and furnished at reasonable prices for the average wild animal enthusiast. Some reserves are ostentatious and overpriced. Not Ndaka. It is perfect whether travelling solo or as a family or a group. I sincerely hope to return one day. I am from Nrw Zealand and Ndaka was recommended to me by a close friend and I was not disappointed. It was a truly wonderful 3 nights I had at the lodge. From the moment I arrived at the gate until the dreaded time to leave, I enjoyed every moment of my time there. All the staff, and I mean, all the staff were friendly, extremely helpful and not one let me down on any request I made. My room, Impala, was stunning with ideal privacy for a shower in the outdoor facility or the huge bath to lie in and look out over the savannah. The same view from the huge king size bed. The food was absolutely beautiful and a different menu every meal. Then the game drives were excellent with our ranger, Angus, so entertaining as well as informative. His sense of humour coupled with his knowledge had me going back for each game drive with extra enthusiasm. A breakfast one morning on the river and sundowners every evening drive were a treat. We saw 4 of the big five as well as 2 cheetah. Only the leopard eluded us. Who could ask for more? I cannot say enough about this wonderful lodge which is not luxurious but extremely tastefully decorated and furnished at reasonable prices for the average wild animal enthusiast. Some reserves are ostentatious and overpriced. Not Ndaka. It is perfect whether travelling solo or as a family or a group. And on top of this they laid on perfect westher!! I sincerely hope to return one day.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visited Ndaka after Comrades on our way back to Johannesburg. The experience was perfect and unforgettable from the amazing staff, so friendly and kind, to the delicious food and off course the unforgettable game viewing. The lodge is spotless, rooms exceedingly comfortable with game viewable from your bed as you sleep and Nyala walking around the camp. We took our 5 year old with us and this place is perfect for kids, with kids food menus, ice cream a plenty and endless patience for kids h and their unpredictability. What made our experience truly unforgettable was the amazing staff. They were always so happy, wanting to join in a laugh and game and were there to attend to our every need. Our guide Themba found us the amazing game viewing, 2 male lions fighting, elephants chasing away lions, cheetahs hunting just to name a few. Ndaka is an amazingly special place and we are so thankful to you all for an amazing vacation.
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Date of stay: June 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Marshall, Owner at Ndaka Safari Lodge
Responded 24 Jun 2024
Thanks so much for choosing to stay with us post Comrades. We are so chuffed that we seem to have ticked so many boxes for you & that child friendly Ndaka was the right fit for you all. Wow - It's also really great that Themba treated you to those incredible sightings. We hope to welcome you back for another dose of Ndaka TLC when you are next in need of a family bush getaway. Our warmest regards from us all, Team Ndaka
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Ndaka far exceeded my expectations. I have been fortunate enough to go on a number of safaris in southern Africa, but this lodge is one of the best I’ve stayed in. The arrival from Siya and the team was very warm and welcoming; I was particularly impressed that Fana knew my name before we had even spoken. That attention to detail continued throughout my stay. The safari tents were luxurious and spacious. They are very large, with an area to relax as well as indoor and outdoor showers, and have everything you could need including homemade biscuits (if you can find room for them after all of the other delicious food!). The resident nyala family are relaxed enough to drink from the water bath just outside the tent. The food at every meal was varied, delicious, plentiful and catered to all tastes. I particularly liked the chef station at breakfast where things like omelettes were made to order, and the variety of fresh salads at lunchtime. The staff were attentive and nothing was ever too much trouble. We also had an amazing bush breakfast one morning next to the river. There are a few hours to relax in the middle of the day and I would highly recommend a massage in the spa. I had two during my stay as they were so good! Finally the game drives and safari guides were all excellent. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, accommodating, considerate and had a good sense of humour. They found great spots for morning coffee and sundowners (I’d highly recommend the Nambiti Sunset gin). We had some wonderful animal encounters, although sadly didn’t see any of the elusive leopards- just another reason to go back again! On this occasion I was travelling without my family, but I am already planning a return trip with them. I know our children will absolutely love it. Thank you once again to Siya and the whole Ndaka team- it really was an epic few days.
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Date of stay: July 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our fourth visit to Ndaka and we will definitely go again. Everything was just great. The tented accommodation (real glamping) is very comfortable, with lovely luxury touches such as an outdoor, as well as an indoor, shower. The food was very tasty with a good choice for vegetarians. And the view out to the savannah when you are eating is just beautiful. Our guide, Bongani, was very knowledgeable and took care to ensure that everyone felt safe and comfortable, whilst at the same time giving us wonderful game watching experiences. This was much appreciated by some of our party who were quite nervous. Two of the highlights were seeing buffalo having a bath and a teenage elephant playing with water. My husband even got to see his first leopard. The staff are brilliant. Friendly and professional, they manage to create a truly welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. We have recommended Ndaka to friends and colleagues as a really special place and will continue to do so.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Marshall, Owner at Ndaka Safari Lodge
Responded 16 Mar 2024
Our sincere thanks to you for choosing to return to Ndaka again & again. We are so grateful for this review as well as all the recommendations & referrals to so many. We are delighted that your most recent stay at Ndaka did not disappoint. And we're sure that seeing the leopard was the "cherry on top" of a magic stay. Bongani & the rest of the team really appreciate your very kind compliments across departments too. Sending our warmest regards from the bush, your Ndaka family
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From start to finish this was an incredible experience. The smiling staff took the time to learn and remember everyone's names and quite quickly it felt like we had known them for ages - an impressive feat for a group of people we had just met!
Our guide Hala was informative, punctual, friendly and just a lekker guy. Purity made sure we arrived on time for our sunset couples massage by meeting us at the gate in the golf cart so as not to impact on our dinner experience later. It's the small yet seemingly effortless initiatives like this that we experienced from all the staff that really set this experience apart from others we have had - and a reason we'd recommend Ndaka to anyone and everyone.
The reserve itself appears extremely well managed with well equipped vehicles, thoughtful touches on keeping us warm on game drives in the early morning and generous well laid out snacks at viewpoints. Amarula coffee for the win!
Game viewing was really quite superb and the policy of limiting groups at special sightings meant we never felt like we were intruding on the animals.
Food was excellent with a clever menu that had options for all tastes and dietary requirements. We especially loved the little touches like beaded animals representing each safari unit adorning our tables indicating where they'd seated us. The bar and wine selection in particular was really very good and clearly some thought has gone into this.
You can't go wrong at Ndaka. Everything is just so right.
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Date of stay: August 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Stay longer
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warm, welcoming smiles greet you as you disembark from your vehicle. From the moment your feet touch the Soil at Ndaka, you are cared for with the most impressive attention to detail. All staff take the time to familiarize themselves with your names ( a personal touch I was most impressed with), it made us feel like we were old friends and extremely welcome. Our game drives were exceptional - Themba was extremely knowledgeable and patient, tending to all our questions and understanding the challenges a toddler brings to a game drive. not to mention the delicious food! Honestly amazing!
Overall I cannot recommend Ndaka enough - The perfect bush getaway for a family! The staffs' engagement with my son had him smiling for days. Memories we will most certainly treasure for a lifetime!
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Marshall, Owner at Ndaka Safari Lodge
Responded 22 Nov 2023
Thanks so much for this super review & for choosing family friendly Ndaka for your bushfix! We are so grateful for your very kind feedback & are delighted to hear that we seem to have ticked so many boxes for you. We hope to make more memories with you someday. Our very best wishes from Themba & the rest of us at Team Ndaka
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THE best in hospitality!!! Ndaka manage to make you feel 1000%comfortable whilst maintaining their professionalism. It is the ultimate treat to be a guest at Ndaka - from game viewing to food to comfortable rooms to a brilliant spa experience.
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Date of stay: February 2025
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If I could rate Ndaka 10 stars, I would! Ndaka has to be one of the best game lodges I have ever been to. From the moment you step off the vehicle, you are greeted by name by the friendliest faces that will make you feel like family your entire stay. The rooms are stunning, the food is absolutely delicious, the staff and owner are incredible and the game drives are pure bliss with a game guide that is so full of knowledge, you walk away with such appreciation for the bush, the animals and the lovely people that made your trip that much more special. A drink by the gorgeous overflowing pool whilst watching the animals at the watering hole right infront of you is something you must experience. I couldn't recommend Ndaka enough. Will definitely be returning with many friends and special occasions in the future.
Thank you Ndaka Team
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Marshall, Owner at Ndaka Safari Lodge
Responded 29 Jan 2024
Huge thanks for this incredible review & recommendation. We are really chuffed that you enjoyed your bush getaway with us so much - it's great to hear that you felt special as well as at home throughout your visit. We look forward to making lots more memories with you & celebrating milestones in the future. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead & sending our best regards until next time, Team Ndaka
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From the minute you are picked up by your ranger, you know this is going to be good. At Ndaka, you are known by name. The staff are super friendly and accommodating. This is a family orientated lodge, but so much detail goes into every booking. We have been a few times, never have we had the same ranger, which makes each safari very different. The meals are an experience not to be missed, A lot of effort is made in sourcing the right ingredients locally, and we absolutely love the rooms. They really do know how to look after you. The spa is a relatively new addition, and Purity and her team makes it a great experience. The owners, Mark and Tracey, are doing something very right. Their team is awesome. I am looking forward to seeing the completion of their Vegie Garden. Until next time.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Ndaka as a group of 12 (3 families of 4, including 6 teenagers).
From the moment we arrived we were met by friendly and helpful staff, nothing was ever too much to ask during the entire stay. Everyone seemed to know our names and took time to understand our preferences.
The accomodation was fun - my family stayed in the Lion double tent. 2 lovely sized rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 outdoor showers in addition to the bathroom and a lounge room in between the bedrooms. Only addition I would ask would be a small fridge in the rooms so drinks can be kept cold.
The main dining hall was spacious and could accommodate several large groups all staying at the same time. Buffet breakfasts and lunches offered plenty of choices and includes heaps of lovely salads. Dinners were 3 course a la cart and the food lovely at each meal. Special mentions include dinner under the stars on evening and breakfast under a Bedouin tent just outside the Ndaka perimeter fence.
The game drives were phenomenal. We were fortunate to have Ben and Bongani as our guides - they worked extremely well as a team and each bought deep knowledge of the animals, their behaviour, the local terrain and plants which kept us all interested and entertained. We had the best of luck sighting the lions on multiple occasions as well as elephants, zebra, giraffe, cheetahs, a serval, and plenty of Kudu / Impala etc.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Make sure you arrive in time to attend the game drive on your check in day
Set you alarm and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ladysmith, South Africa5 contributions2 helpful votes
Hello there! We are really close to the Drakensberg so it can be very cold. Honestly the weather patterns have been so bizarre these past few months so it's really hard to predict with certainty. But usually, early June is lovely during the day. And our pool will be heated too!
There are more places to choose from in the Ladysmith area.
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalLadysmith
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
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