"I was just blown away by the level of excellence and attention to detail! How the staff was humble and friendly and how they served us! The welcome was beautiful and they bring out the beauty in the African culture! The Lodge is just exquisite. It is clean, luxurious and just breathtaking with a view over the river and valley below. I would go back 100 times over! The location is amazing and we were lucky to spot 4 of the big 5 in just 2 game drives. The rooms are beautiful and so spacious! I love how they prioritize game drives for the guests and the staff who take you are so knowledgeable about the bush and the animals it is just so enjoyable! Never a dull moment. It is peaceful at the Lodge and I cannot explain what you feel being there but just an overwhelming sense of peace!"

"My wife and I spent three nights at Esiweni and it exceeded every expectation we had. I had been on safari once before, and it honestly paled in comparison to this experience. The lodge itself is stunning. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Sundays River, it’s one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed. Nambiti Private Game Reserve is the perfect size. It feels wild and untouched, but it’s not so massive that you’re driving for hours without seeing anything. We saw elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and so much more. Every game drive felt different from the last. What made this trip so special, though, were the people. Pemba was our ranger for our twice daily game drives, and he was the highlight of our stay. He is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, funny, and just a joy to spend time with. By the end of three days, it felt like we were out with family rather than a guide. He made every drive exciting while teaching us so much about the animals and the reserve. We can’t imagine a better person to experience safari with. Sophie and Vic, the owners, have created something truly special. You can tell this isn’t just a business to them. They welcomed us into their home and made us feel like old friends from the moment we arrived. Their kindness and hospitality are impossible to fake, and it sets the tone for the entire lodge. Myriam took care of us for much of our stay and was always warm, attentive, and genuinely pleasant. Then there’s Chef Nandi. Wow, wow, wow. The menu leans French, and every single meal was outstanding. There were several dishes we had never tried before that ended up becoming some of our favorites. Everything was incredibly fresh, beautifully prepared, and absolutely delicious. You can tell she takes enormous pride in what she creates. Without giving too much away, the team also surprised us with a few special touches throughout our stay that made an already incredible experience even more memorable. We left talking about when we could come back, which says everything. If you’re considering a safari in South Africa, I can’t recommend Esiweni enough. It’s a beautiful lodge with an incredible team, unforgettable wildlife, and an atmosphere that makes it feel like you’re staying with family rather than at a luxury hotel."