Naledi Game Lodge – Luxury in the Wild

 

After traveling to 35+ countries and 7 continents, trust me when I say that Naledi Bushcamp is exceptional. This was my favorite part of my entire trip in South Africa. Book your flight, bring your passports, and get ready for one of the most memorable experiences in your life.

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Snapped my first photo right by the private plunge pool. Lead Wood Suite.
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Warm welcome on arrival – flower petals, nice touch!

What makes this place unique?

Located in the Balule region of Kruger National Park, this privately owned reserve allows guests to enjoy an exclusive lodge and five star amenities. Lush green trees extended for miles and beautiful flowers were arranged along the path way.  Naledi Game Lodge is comprised of only three suites, which guarantees an intimate, personal experience.  I stayed in the Lead Wood Suite, which consisted of two bedrooms, a private plunge pool, outdoor sitting area, and bar/dining room.

Video Tour of the Lead Wood Suite

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Private plunge pool on the deck

 

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The Lead Wood suite has two showers – complete with robes, toiletries, and pool towels.

Naledi has a wow factor. There are many places to relax and enjoy the sights. My favorite part was the observation deck, where I could see giraffe and antelope grazing from a distance.

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Fire pit and plenty of lounge seating. Great for entertaining.

IMG_8598 360 degree observation deck, which overlooks the pool, fire pit, and water holes. Great place to relax and see wildlife.

Quality Game Drives:

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Michael, our guide, was very informative. He was the first and only guide that informed us about the origin of the term – “The Big 5.”

  • Lion
  • Rhino
  • Hippo
  • Leopard
  • Buffalo

I’ve always wondered why so many travelers have the big five on their bucket list. It’s a clever marketing pitch from PR game hunters – the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. I learned at Naledi that there is a lot more to the safari than the big 5. I enjoyed learning about all the animals from the birds to the elephants. I appreciated Naledi’s wildlife conservation efforts. They constructed several water holes to ensure animals migrated properly.  I also learned that not all hunting is bad, and it even contributes to the conservation efforts of the ecosystem.

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Cape Buffalo grazing the land
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Black Rhino – one of the most endangered species in Africa

I was on the edge of my seat, as we approached a pride of lions: one pride during the day and the other night.

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Video Clip of Lions Prowling at Night –  Game Drive

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My favorite snack at the sundowner were these beef patties. So good!

The Food

If you love food, stay here. The chef and the kitchen prepare their food with love, yet a masterful presentation.

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Breakfast is served! Fried egg in an avocado served with sausage.
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Tender game meat with couscous
Dinner
elegant local decor

How to Get There: 

The lodge offers a pick-up and drop-off service from the lodge from any local airport.

  • Hoedspruit – Eastgate Airport – 45 Minutes drive from the lodge
  • Phalaborwa Airport – 1 hour from the lodge
  • Nelspruit (KMIA) – 2.5 hours from the lodge

You can book online directly with Naledi. The owner’s name is Kjell. I met him on my first day – very friendly and approachable. No task is too big or too small for the staff. The morning of my departure, they packed a breakfast bag to go, so we wouldn’t be hungry on our journey. I can’t wait to return, especially for my honeymoon.

Enjoy your stay!

-Dating With Passports

 

20 comments

  1. Very informative post, beautiful photos. This place will be on my list on my return to South Africa for sure. Great job! Looking forward to your future adventures! 🙂

  2. Wow, from the room to the food to the views, this looks absolutely stunning! I am salivating! I would love details on how to pursue this in the future! Cheers!

  3. What a phenomenal review. You definitively took me on a trip there before I’ve even planned my own. I will definitely look them up on my visit as they seem to have everything covered.

    Question: How many days did you stay there, and how many days would yo recommend?

  4. Awesome job on this post! I never really trust a company’s pics because you hear of such horrible “bait and switch” stories :-/ However, having someone who has actually visited puts my mind at ease. You make me want to go!!!!

  5. Yum! I love the decor and the attention to detail for dining. A safari is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Americans in particular only get to experience wildlife in zoos, which are of course poor substitutions for emulating a natural environment for the animals.

  6. Wow, I wouldn’t have thought as South Africa as a honeymoon destination, but you may have me convinced! That food! That room! And plenty of adventure I love it!

  7. This is awesome !!!I would love to travel like you one day
    The food looks amazing south Africa looks like a great place to Vist.. please post more love it ..

  8. Definitely, I will check this place out. Before a couple decides to move to the next level, it is really they take a vacation together. I believe you really learn about someone when you are isolated with them.

  9. Beautiful pictures! Naledi’s definitely going to be on my list when I go to South Africa in the future!

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