Komati Tented Lodge, South Africa

Nkomazi Game Reserve

Nkomazi Game Reserve

Situated on the vast 28,000-hectare (69-acre) Nkomazi Game Reserve near the border of Swaziland, the lodge provides an experience perfect for nature lovers and globe trotters alike.

Situated amidst a swathe of verdant landscape, including the undulating Barberton Mountains and the flowing Komati River, the Komoti Tented Lodge provides the perfect setting for exploring the great outdoors. The river's water attracts hoardes of animals and nurtures the second most diverse plant range in South Africa, whilst huge volcanic hills dot the picturesque lands.

Among winding pathways sit 12 tented accommodations: 11 ultra luxurious Noble suites and one Royal Suite. Each has a private viewing platform, outdoor tub and a plunge pool - perfect for taking full advantage of the stunning setting. Comfortable interiors are tastefully appointed with wood furnishings, king-sized beds, en-suite showers, plus heating and air conditioning for the hot days and cool evenings.

On safari at the Nkomazi Game reserve
Nkomazi Game reserve

From decadent chocolates placed on the pillows to whimsical animal tales on the nightstand, the lodge's attention to detail is impeccable.

From each suite, paths snake around the greenery to the main tent where meals are served. The lounge boasts oversized, plush furniture sprinkled with big pillows. It is the perfect place to relax or read after a long game drive.

On the afternoon drive that is organised by the lodge, our ranger, Hugo, navigates the Land Rover up, down and through the rolling savannah. Oryx, blesbok and zebras are plentiful. The wildebeests are doing their usual clowning around and 12 giraffes, not the least bit shy, stare at the truck for about a half hour. From a waterhole comes a loud, piercing sound: a tiny, loud-mouthed, bubbling casino frog is calling for a mate.

Later that evening, when a private candlelit dinner for two is set up on our viewing platform, we too feel love-struck by the romantic atmosphere. The sounds of the river fill the air and we sip wine as night quickly falls. Suddenly, amazing bolts of lightning streak through the sky, followed by hammering thunder. Our waiters quickly move our table into the tent. Torrents of water pour over the tent while we continue our meal in comfort, happily feasting on succulent steak.

We're staying at the Komati Tented Lodge during the beginning of the rainy season, so the downpour continues through the night. The next morning, it is too wet for a game drive, providing us with the perfect time to sample the Komati River Retreat Spa.

Relaxing at the Nkomazi Game reserve
Nkomazi Game reserve

The spa overlooks the river and individual treatment rooms open to reveal a stunning view of rocks and the river. While the water reverberates in the background, I have an outdoor shower and a cold lavender rub; then, I drift off during a languorous foot massage and rejuvenating body wrap. Inhaling the spectacular scenery and the sounds of the river is too good to miss.

After high tea, it's dry enough for an afternoon game drive. Rhinos, giraffes, a few elephants, impalas, zebras, wildebeests and a variety of antelope saunter around the reserve. There's no stopping to watch the sunset because once again, the clouds have darkened, and the rains of African are again upon us. When we arrive back to the lodge, the drenched staff greet us with extra umbrellas to take us back to our rooms, even amid the torrential rains.

Despite the weather, even the darkest rainclouds couldn't cast a shadow over the superb service and unforgettable experience provided by the Komati Tented Lodge.

Komati Tented Lodge
Nkomazi Game Reserve, South Africa
Website: www.nkomazireserve.com
Price start at R4375 - R5250 per night, including all food, lodging, game drives, taxes and local South African beverages.