Elevated above the landscape and built on an old anthill lies Nambu Camp, a 6-bedroom safari lodge located in the heart of the Balule Game Reserve. Overlooking a winding dry riverbed, bustling waterhole and the Drakensberg Mountain range.
The Nambu property has been in the Drinkwater family for almost 40 years, passed down through the generations and home to many memories with both family and friends. The name Nambu means ‘river’ in the local language of IsiThonga, and this unique lodge has many ties to this natural source that flows through the traverse, from the family name to the flowing waters of the Olifant’s River nearby. Tawny eagles soar above and herds of elephants drink down below; this hilltop lodge is certainly a wildlife haven surrounded by nature.
Wanting to share their piece of paradise with the rest of the world, Nambu camp was created. The camp has a total of 6 safari-style bedrooms, all of which have double, modern bathrooms and an outside seating area.
During the heat of the day, relax by the camp’s poolside or bird watch from the lodge’s vast viewing platform before a mid-day brunch up at the main camp. Here at Nambu there are two activities per day, situated in a big 5 reserve. Head out on foot or on safari and explore this vast and diverse landscape, you never know what you may find here in South Africa’s true wilderness.
Nambu Camp is located in the big five Balule Private Game Reserve in the heart of the Greater Kruger, 16.2 km outside of Hoedspruit. The Eastgate Airport is a short 45-minute drive away, making it easily accessible for fly-in guests, while many might choose to self-drive from Johannesburg, which is a scenic 5-hour drive away.
Directions from Hoedspruit-
When entering Hoedspruit, turn left to Phalaborwa on R40. Travel 16.2 kilometers on the R40 to reach the Balule – Olifant’s West Gate on your right. Turn right into the Balule boom gate. The gate guard will ask your destination: Nambu Camp. You will be asked to fill in a visitor’s permit and to make a payment of R90 per car and R220 conservation fee (per person). Directly after the entrance gate, take a sharp left and drive along the fence for 890m. Keep right once you get to a road named Maroela Laan. Continue along this road for 5.7km until you get to a T-junction. Take a left, then an immediate right where you will see the Nambu Camp sign. Continue on this road for a short 40m and turn right up a slight incline for 80m. Take a left and follow a rocky road for 610m and you will reach the entrance to Nambu Camp.
The Sun Destinations portfolio is a growing representation of some of Southern Africa's most coveted, yet preserved wildlife areas; a careful selection of authentic bush camps and supreme safari lodges to be discovered. From riverside boma fires, to uninterrupted views of the stars, our lodges are selected based on their location, their owner-managed intimacy, and excellence in wildlife encounters. This is the home of marketing and reservations for a collection of Africa's Hidden Secrets.
