New game reserve offers luxury leisure in South Africa

Opening 1st April 2009, Nkomazi Game Reserve, known as the place of water, is a destination of outstanding scenic beauty. Situated in one of the malaria-free areas of Mpumalanga province in South Africa, Nkomazi defines the ultimate in luxurious tented accommodation for those who appreciate and seek the very best of luxury leisure.

It is an ecological Alladin’s Cave of natural science, from towering ancient mountains to broad river valleys and impressive grasslands with countless animals such as lion, elephant, white rhino, leopard and buffalo and rare flora such as the Barberton Daisy within. It is blessed with interesting geomorphic features including ancient meteorite impact deposits, the oldest sedimentary rock on earth, the first ancient river valleys, Barberton greenstone and many other natural wonders. This area is often referred to as the holy grail of geology and it offers a treasured haven to all who choose to visit.

The reserve lies partly within a rugged tract of land famous worldwide as the Ancient Barberton Mountainland, and partly in the grasslands of the Great Komati River Valley. In South Africa, Mpumalanga is regarded by many as the true symbol of Africa – the ‘real Africa’ with its vivid scenic beauty, dramatic landscapes, thunderstorms, rolling savannah, bushveld, wildlife, massive beasts, relaxed atmosphere and fascinating cultural history. Here, plateau and valley, mountain and savannah, water and soil weave together a world in which so many kinds of life prosper in harmony.

Accommodation

Nkomazi Game Reserve offers the exclusive luxurious tented accommodation, namely Komati Tented Camp, set on the banks of the Komati River. Each of the 12 private luxury tents (11 Noble Tents & 1 Royal Tent with separate lounge tent and private outdoor fire pit) overlook breathtaking views of its many natural wonders allowing guests to experience the quietness and solitude of this unique reserve.

There is also the River Retreat, with two treatment rooms where you can unwind and relax before or after game drives, an outdoor boma dining area for supper under the stars, a dining tent and a Majilis lounge tent with viewing deck.

A Wildlife Haven

Nkomazi has been restored to a wildlife haven. Here where great natural beauty and the 3.7 billion years of history meet, the Nkomazi conservation project has celebrated the return of wild animals to a region where they can once again roam in great abundance.

The reserve represents a kaleidoscope of Africa’s habitats in its ability to support both highveld and lowveld game on the high-lying grassland and low-lying bushveld areas, supporting an ecological balance including the Big 5.

The Barberton Mountainland has a plant biodiversity higher than that of the entire Kruger National Park and second only in South Africa to the Cape Fynbos and succulents. It is home to the well-known Protea, South Africa’s national flower, as well as the Barberton Daisy.

It also offers protection to the oldest fossil of life on earth and preserves the tracts of grasslands, the biome that is recognized today as the most threatened in the world.

Guest Activities

Game drives at Nkomazi can last up to three hours each and are available to guests twice a day in open vehicles with a maximum of six guests per vehicle. Other activities available include nature walks, fly fishing, bird watching and rock art viewing, all of which can be combined with game drives. Star gazing at night is also a must!

General Information

Close to the picturesque town of Barberton, the Kruger National Park, Pilgrims Rest, the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and other wonders of the escarpment region.

Access Nkomazi by road through a pleasant 3 hours’ drive from Johannesburg or a quick flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) via Johannesburg (approximately 1 hour) or via Cape Town (approximately 2 ½ hours).

2009 rates at Nkomazi start from R4000 (£357) per suite. Price includes all meals, game drives and selected beverages, tourism levy and VAT. For reservations or more information visit Mantiscollection.com.