NYATI Safari Lodge

Join an eventful trip on foot, on the river and in open safari vehicles through Kruger National Park. The tour starts early in the morning with a safari walk through the bush, where one of NYATI's rangers tells about the flora and fauna along the way. The walk ends with a delicious breakfast cooked by NYATI's chefs in the bush at one of NYATI's beautiful view points. Continue by car to the dammed part of the Olifants River, where you arrive approx. in the middle of the day. Embark on an incredible river cruise offering close encounters with the South African wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos and elephants along the river banks of the Olifants River bordering and open to Kruger National Park. The river cruise is also a fantastic way to experience the rich bird life along the river. You will have lunch on the boat while you enjoy the sounds of the bush and the beautiful view of the wildlife.

After the boat trip another safari adventure awaits. You will be picked up by one of NYATI's open safari vehicles and go on an evocative sunset game drive through Kruger National Park with a good chance to see "Big 5". The safari experiences ends at one of NYATI's beautiful sundowner spots, where you can enjoy the sunset over the South African bush with cold drinks and snacks before going back to the lodge.

Please note that the tour is weather dependent. Lunch is included. Departure from the lodge early morning, return right after sunset. Minimum age is 8 years.

Price pr. person ZAR 1200,-

The south Africans do much to protect and preserve the wildlife, and The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) is recognized as one of the pioneering institutions in the conservation efforts of endangered species in South Africa. Visit this impressive rescue center and get an insight into the breeding, treatment and rehabilitation of endangered orphans and injured wildlife.

HESC is home to cheetahs, lions, rhinos, wild dogs, African wild cats, black-footed cats, sable antelope, ground horn bills and many other species in need of special care and rehabilitation. You will have a chance to get close to these residents in the center.

Price per person ZAR 900,- 

The price includes breakfast at The Deli@HESC.

To hover silently over the landscapes is a truly magical experience. The balloon ascends at sunrise, so you get to experience the awakening bush from high above. The tour will take you over the scenic, Lowveld section of the Blyde River offering stunning views of the Drakensberg Escarpment and the South African bush. Sparkling wine and snacks will be served after the balloon flight and a full breakfast will await you back at the Lodge.

The activity is highly weather dependent and will only be offered on days when the local balloon skipper believes it to be “balloon weather”. Departure from the lodge may be as early as 3 in the morning and will be confirmed the day before the flight (minimum of 4 participants).  

Price per person ZAR 4.200,-

Take a helicopter tour over NYATI's own land and experience the South African bush from above. The tour will take you past the safari lodge and up Olifants River offering stunning views of the bush. You might even spot the wildlife from above, e.g. elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos etc. The flight will last approximately 20 minutes. You will be flying with a certified pilot and security is paramount. Min. 2 participants, max. 3 participants.

Price per person ZAR 3.900,-

Take a tour in a small microlight aircraft and experience the best view of the landscape. With the wind in your hair and complete uninterrupted views, you get an intense and adrenaline-inspired safari experience from above. It almost feels like you are flying over the bush. The flight begins early in the morning and will last approximately 20 minutes. You will be flying with a certified pilot. The activity is highly weather dependant (minimum 2 participants).

Price per person ZAR 1500,-

A fantastic and different safari, where nature and wildlife sets the agenda. Experience the south African bush far from the beaten track on a quad bike. It is a four-wheeled motorcycle suitable for off-road driving.

A fun activity for the family and for everyone who wants to have another chance to get close to the wild nature and get the pulse up a bit. Because the trails are more about game viewing than quad biking, there are no daredevil stunts. The speed is slow and the animals always have right of way.

Guests are driven approx. 15 minutes up the terrain, from where the tour starts under the guidance of a local guide. The tours depart early morning before breakfast and late afternoon and lasts approx. 1,5 hours (2 hours incl. transfer to and from the lodge). 

Min. 2 participants and max. 3 participants per time. Minimum age 12 years. No experience required.

Price: ZAR 850/person

In March 2000, Tony and Shirley Joubert found a little starved orphaned baby hippo at the edge of Blyde River. The couple "adopted" the little hippopotamus, and therefore it has grown up among humans and domestic animals. Today, the tame hippo, named Jessica, is one of the biggest attractions in Hoedspruit, where both adults and children visit it. On this excursion you will have the chance to experience a day with Jessica, where she, for example, plays with the family's dog, gets feed from the hand and petted. Jessica is very affectionate and love beeing close to people.

Price per person: ZAR 750,-

Subject to Jessica's visit at that time.

South Africa also offers world-class golf courses and is in many ways a paradise for golfers. If you play golf, do not miss the opportunity to play golf among African wildlife. Approx. one hour drive from NYATI Safari Lodge you find Hans Merensky Country Club's 18-hole course designed by Bob Grimsdell. The course is medium-level and is located just on the border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Therefore, the wild animals have priority - also on the green. Giraffes, antelopes, monkeys and warthogs cross the fairway and remind you that you actually play golf at their home - the South African bush. Hippos and crocodiles reside in the ponds, so you should remember to bring spare balls. The area where the golf course is located was once part of the national park and is therefore an unusual golf experience in a fantastic setting. However, there are major water restrictions in the area, which unfortunately means that the quality of the golf course is not the best anymore. Remember, you can also practice at the driving range at NYATI Safari Lodge.

Price per person ZAR 1200,-

Rental of golf equipment at Hans Merensky Golf Course is additional ZAR 200 per person. Golf cart rental is additional ZAR 210.

NYATI Safari Lodge is part of the Central Lowveld Biosphere Reserve Initiative, which works on the important back-to-nature process to ensure the wildlife and their free movement. Hunting in the area is part of the natural game management and takes place under good conditions without posing any threat to the animal species. NYATI Safari Lodge can therefore offer guests to arrange hunting during their stay. Hunting must be booked no later than 6 weeks in advance, otherwise we can not guarantee our professional hunting supplier Wayne Wagner Safaris is available. Each hunt is planned individually, so you as a hunter can be sure that your wishes and preferences are met. You have a professional hunter who guides and informs - and the hunt takes place both on foot and in cross-country vehicles. Among other things you can hunt blesbuck, bushbuck, blue wildebeest, buffalo, duiker, moose, gemsbok, impala, kudu, nyala, red hartebeest, capricorn, tsessebe, warthog, wildbuck and zebra. You will be picked up by Wayne Wagner Safaris at the lodge and drive to the hunting terrain, which, according to your hunting wishes, can be up to a couple of hours drive from here. NYATI's chefs provide food for the hunt.

Price per person: ZAR 2.000,- in advance and ZAR 2400,- at NYATI Safari Lodge

The price is for one day hunting incl. rent of rifle, shooting and accompanying professional huntsman. The price for the game varies and the latest wildlife list can be ordered on request.

We recommend that hunting is ordered when booking the entire trip, however, min. 6 weeks before departure. We need the following information when ordering:  

• Name of hunter
• If you are more than one hunter we need to know whether you want to hunt 1:1 or 1:2
• Dates for your stay at NYATI Safari Lodge
• Desired hunting date
• Desired trophy / game

Please note that renting a rifle is included in the price and that it requires long preparation and permission from the South African police to bring your own rifle. In addition, you need approximately 3 hours in Johannesburg airport for admission with a rifle. Trophy repatriation etc. is organized on site with our hunting supplier Wayne Wagner Safaris.