nKaya Game Reserve in Thornybush
nKaya Game Reserve has a capacity of only four exclusive suites and offers the discerning guest the very best in privacy and is the ideal destination for a quiet, peaceful safari. Set on the crest of a hill that overlooks the Drakensberg mountain range and shaded by tall trees, nKaya Game Reserve boasts spacious double suites each with private lounges and twin en-suite amenities.
The lounge, bar and verandah are decorated in warm earthy tones and indigenous woods and allows guests to spend their time in between game drives to relax in total tranquility while catching up with some reading or sampling some of the lodge’s award winning wines.
At the end of each day, the focal point of nKaya Game Reserve becomes the enormous fireplace in the lounge where guests can listen to the crackle of the fire and the night sounds of Africa as the animals come to drink at the floodlit waterhole.
N’Kaya essentials: Four suites (eight guests) Eight singles can be accommodated if required Pool Boma Wine cellar Air-conditioned En-suite bath and shower Children can be accommodated on request
nKaya Game Viewing
N’Kaya Game Lodge offers unique exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the “Big Five”, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination.
A typical day
The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After your early morning wakeup call. Shortly after, you depart in your open landrover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.
After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter. In winter, we keep our guests warm on the vehicle with hot water bottles & warm blankets.
After a sumptuous Breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.
Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region & to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.
Our Shangaan trackers will enthrall you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.
The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities that we offer, with a late lunch served around 3.00pm. Lunch is followed by the afternoon game drive and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.
Once again, you will break somewhere out in the bush, in a remote, scenic spot to watch the sunset, where Sundowners and snacks are offered to guests whilst you once again stretch your legs. Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge – guests can socialize with a cognac, single malt or cigar around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day’s adventure.
Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest.
