Lodge of the Week - Komati Tented Camp, Nkomazi Game Reserve

Something new, something different

One of the latest additions to the Mantis Collection is the Komati Tented Camp situated in the Nkomazi Game Reserve. This ultra-luxurious tented camp is situated on the thickly vegetated banks of the Komati River in the Barberton Mountains. All the suites are spacious, superbly furnished and adequately positioned for privacy. Guests can enjoy a dip in each unit’s private plunge pool or have an outdoor bubble bath overlooking the river. The service is of a high standard, the food is excellent and there is a pleasant variety of dining venues. In addition the ‘River Retreat’ is a lovely Spa next to the river where guests can enjoy a variety of treatments whilst harmoniously listening to the rapids churning below.

The Nkomazi Game reserve provides guests with ample opportunities for game viewing. The eastern side of the reserve is dominated by open grassland and this provides the basis for good general plains game viewing. Crossing the river, the terrain becomes mountainous and thicker vegetation prevails. Having substantial tracts of open grassland and a prime riverine ecosystem in the valleys and mountains on the reserve, results in a healthy variety of different wildlife species occurring on the property. Lion, cheetah, elephant and rhino have all been recently re-introduced to the reserve. Buffalo are to be re-introduced at the beginning of 2011. Although there are healthy numbers of general game, some of the animals are still fairly skittish around vehicles (this will improve over time) but this is more than compensated for by large open areas where visuals are uninterrupted. High concentrations of giraffe occur on the property which provides excellent viewing opportunities of these unique creatures. The reserve is a geologist’s dream. With some of the oldest rocks on earth the mountains are a very special place. A number of traditional Sotho and San tribes lived in this area centuries ago. There are a number of cultural and archaeological sites on the reserve which make Nkomazi an interesting destination all round. Furthermore, there are various activities such as fly-fishing (for indigenous yellow fish), mountain biking and star gazing instead of the usual game drives and walks.

The reserve is malaria free and only a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg. Nkomazi’s Komati Tented Camp is especially ideal as a 2 night stop over for intimate parties and small adult groups travelling from Kwa-Zulu Natal, Swaziland or Johannesburg & Pretoria to the Kruger and Lowveld region.

To read more and see other ratings, please visit The Game Lodge Index

RATINGS BREAKDOWN
Core Ratings:	Sun Rays
Lodge and Camp	7.9
Safari Experience	6.8
Service	8.0
Facilities	7.4
Unique Rating	4.9
Conservation	4.1
Social involvement	3.7
OVERALL RATING:	8.0

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