Game drives are the signature events while on safari. At Nkomazi, guides bundle enthusiastic guests into open vehicles and trundle slowly across unspoiled savannah grassland and extraordinary primordial landscapes where it feels as if time has stood still. Being out at sunrise is magical, the first rays of light coaxing the plains to life as birdsong heralds the new day. Equally intoxicating are late afternoon excursions, where, after surreptitiously observing the resident wildlife roam the plains, you can watch the day disappear into an inexplicably beautiful African sunset. Clear nights guarantee epic stargazing opportunities and as the inky sky sparkles above, your ranger will unveil the secrets and mysteries of the Southern Hemisphere. Back at camp, keen stargazers can take a closer peek at the glittering galaxy through the high performance Celestron telescope. 

As for other activities and indulgent delights, there are choices aplenty from birding safaris to guided nature walks, catch-and-release fly fishing, visits to bushman paintings on site, and rejuvenating pamper sessions at The River Retreat spa. For those who can’t resist a bout of retail therapy, the small boutique in camp offers a selection of locally sourced crafts, body products and branded merchandise, the perfect souvenirs to remind you of a time beautifully spent at Nkomazi.

Nkomazi Private Game Reserve re-opened in November 2020 after a multi-million Rand comprehensive refurbishment. The dining tent in the main lodge has sliding glass doors that lead onto a generous viewing deck. At mealtimes, tables are elegantly set in the shadow of the surrounding mountains, the sound of flowing water below and, if you’re lucky, a visit by Maurice, an opportunistic nagapie (bushbaby).  Dinners are also served in the open-air Boma and are convivial fireside affairs where guests come together to dine on delicious, homestyle fare that ranges from the traditional to the contemporary, and pizzas made in the newly built pizza oven that is sure to delight the children. All menus at Nkomazi are curated by Chef Nyoka who is passionate about presentation and delights in adding a gourmet touch to his safari cuisine. The Nkomazi team epitomises true hospitality and the service across the board is exemplary. 

The under-canvas accommodation at Nkomazi is luxurious – fourteen (14) handcrafted luxury tents that are either river or reserve facing, and two have been purpose built to accommodate families or parties of four. The décor is minimalist with a relaxed elegance and each has been tastefully styled, incorporating statement pieces reminiscent of the vintage safari era. All the tents are also conveniently equipped with South African and USB plugs and charger points for the modern traveller. Ten units have undergone a classical reimagining of the soft furnishings while four are completely new builds incorporating composite decking made from repurposed timber and plastic, the same as what has been used in the dining hall and outdoor area. 

The tents, linked via stone paths that wind through leafy riverine forest, weeping wisterias and water-wise succulent gardens, have been erected at a discreet distance from one another to ensure guests have maximum privacy without feeling too isolated. All units have air conditioning, a bathroom en suite, king and twin-size beds, an electronic safe and a writing desk. Outside, the private splash pool, outdoor shower and standalone Victorian bath complete the deluxe spoil.  Glass doors at the tent entrance allow natural light to flood in and ensure a gorgeous view as you luxuriate under triple thread count linen on those mornings that call for a lie-in. When the weather co-operates, the team invites the afternoon game drive guests to a full service al fresco long table ‘in the middle of nowhere’ says Ashleigh Dunn, the camp’s general manager who is adept at curating memorable experiences for visitors.

Nkomazi Private Game Reserve is a Newmark destination property. Driving from Johannesburg takes three-and-a-half hours, with a further twenty-five minutes to the lodge from the entrance gate, and transfers can also easily be arranged. Those wishing to travel by air can take a one-hour flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KIMA) via Johannesburg or Cape Town, or they can fly in by helicopter. Guests in 4×4’s and SUV’S can drive directly down to the lodge while those in vehicles with lower clearance level are collected from the main gate -Grand Valley- by prior arrangement. Children of all ages are welcome and it’s important to note that their supervision is the parents’ responsibility. Over 12’s are charged the full rate. To participate in the guided nature walks, the minimum age requirement is 16.  A R250 conservation levy applies per person per night, over and above accommodation expenses. 

Guests keen to explore the pulsating city of Johannesburg before or after their Nkomazi safari adventure should consider overnighting at the 207-room The Catalyst in Sandton, a Newmark hotel that launches mid-April 2021.

All Newmark hotels, residences, reserves and lodges are strictly Covid-19 protocol compliant.

To book your Nkomazi bush escape or to arrange a conference or special event, call Newmark Central Reservations on Tel: +27 (21) 427 5900 or Email: reservations@newmarkhotels.com.

For more information about the company visit: www.newmarkhotels.com

For Press assistance, contact Ian Manley of ManleySocial Pty Ltd via ian@publicity.co.za or call (+27) (0) 82 826 0456.

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NOTE TO EDITORS- ABOUT NEWMARK

NEWMARK is a leading hotel management company with a heritage spanning nearly half a century. Founded by Neil Markowitz, NEWMARK offers a comprehensive portfolio of hospitality management services covering sales, marketing, finance, revenue management, central reservations, operations, Information technology and human resources.

NEWMARK manages a bespoke collection of hotels, residences, reserves and lodges in South Africa, East Africa, Mauritius and most recently gained a foothold in Central Europe through acquisition of a number of boutique hotels in Portugal. The company’s portfolio includes independent, family-owned destination properties such as Cape Town’s iconic Victoria & Alfred Hotel, the deluxe Dock House Boutique Hotel, the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet, Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, Motswari Private Game Reserve in Limpopo Province and La Maison d’Été in Mauritius. Properties under construction include The Catalyst in Sandton, Johannesburg (opening mid-April 2021) and The Rockefeller on the Foreshore, Cape Town (June 1, 2021).