Spotting the Big 5 on a Luxury Safari at Nedile Lodge, South Africa

Spending two nights at Nedile Lodge felt unreal. Somehow, time both stood still and slipped through my fingers. It’s the kind of place where you forget what day it is, where you wake up with the sun and go to sleep under the stars, and live entirely in the moment. Hard to achieve for a serious planner like me, always living six months ahead.

Located just three hours north of Pretoria, Nedile is tucked into the Welgevonden Game Reserve, part of the Waterberg Biosphere. It feels remote and wild, yet accessible. From the moment we arrived, I felt like the team knew exactly how to make guests feel cared for without being intrusive. They struck that rare balance between luxury and genuine hospitality. The welcome feels personal—almost as if you were going back to family after months abroad.

I stayed in one of the five private thatched-roof suites, perched on a slope overlooking the endless African bush. The first thing that caught my breath? The view. From the bed, and even the bathtub, you can spot wildlife. I had so much fun looking at the zebras walking just down the terrace as I held my breath, trying to stay still, completely absorbed by the sight of them. At night, a hot water bottle tucked into the bed and a crackling fireplace made the room feel like a cocoon. It’s these little details that level up the stay to true luxury.

Bathtub views at Nedile lodge

Each suite is a blend of rustic charm and elegant comfort: large glass doors that open onto a private deck, an indoor and outdoor shower, and Wi-Fi...just enough to send a few envy-inducing pictures before returning to your book and binoculars. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches: coffee and tea delivered to my door before our early game drives, and a turn-down service that felt more like a ritual than a routine.

The main lodge feels more like an African home than a hotel: Warm woods, natural textures, and panoramic views set the tone for slow, mindful living. I spent an afternoon curled up with a book from their small library, sipping rooibos tea and listening to the crackle of the fire. There’s also a bar that feels straight out of a classic safari novel: leather-bound stools, vintage maps, and a bartender who always seems to know what you need before you ask.

View from Nedile lodge

Outside, the rock pool overlooks a nearby watering hole, where we watched animals gather at dusk while floating in the cool water with a gin and tonic in hand.

The food at Nedile deserves its own chapter—it’s beautifully plated and made with care. One evening, we dined under the stars with lanterns lighting the path to a fire pit. My personal highlight? The homemade malva pudding that I still dream about. The portions were generous, the wine pairings local and thoughtful.

Over the course of our stay, we spotted all the Big Five and so much more. Highlights included hyenas, lions chasing zebras, an elephant walking toward our car, and cheetahs making breakfast out of an impala. I was not expecting to see so much in such a short period of time. Our guide, patient and incredibly knowledgeable, adjusted each drive based on what we wanted to see and what the bush had to offer. Choose the time of the year wisely, as this can make the difference for your trip.

Zebras fighting

White rhino at Nedile Lodge

Elephant encounter at Nedile lodge

Giraffes at Nedile lodge

What sets Nedile apart is that it only hosts a maximum of 10 guests at a time. This meant we never felt rushed, crowded, or like we were on a theme park ride. It was intimate, quiet, and respectful of both the wildlife and the guests.

Nedile isn’t flashy, and that’s the point: it’s refined, intimate, and centered around authenticity. For me, this trip was about slowing down, breathing deeper, and reconnecting with the rhythm of nature. It’s not just a lodge—it’s a feeling.

If you’re looking for a true luxury safari experience close to Johannesburg, with incredible wildlife, warm design, and personalized service, I can’t recommend Nedile Lodge enough. Just don’t be surprised if two days feel like both a lifetime and not nearly enough.

• Route to get there: You should you come with a rental car. Make sure it’s a 4x4.

• Wi-Fi is available everywhere on the property.

• Should you come during the winter season, get the right gear, as morning drives can be chilly without a hat and scarf.

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