Africa is not just a destination,
it's a feeling
Staying at Esiweni Safari Lodge means soaking up the great outdoors, discovering the varied landscapes of KwaZulu Natal and enjoying that uniquely African sense of freedom. We offer a wide range of experiences to complement your stay at Esiweni.
Safaris
Esiweni invites you to set off on an adventure in the Nambiti reserve. You will leave at sunrise or sunset and travel in a completely open 4x4 vehicle allowing you to experience your safari to the fullest.
You will be accompanied by an experienced ranger who will explain how to follow animal tracks and successfully spot animals hidden in the bush or savannah. He will not only help you spot the lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo and leopards that make up the "Big Five", but also other animals such as cheetahs, who are at risk of extinction in the wild. Learn more about the reserve’s flora and birds as your ranger tells you tales about his life in the bush while showing you every facet of this unspoilt region.
Discover the Drakensberg by helicopter
Come and discover vast stretches of this spectacular World Heritage Site that few others have experienced. Take an hour-long flight, and sip a glass of champagne at the top of the peaks... All you have to do is let your imagination run wild and we'll take care of the rest.
Fly over the savannah in a hot-air balloon
At sunrise, take in the breathtaking views of the Drakensberg... we’ll arrange for a hot air balloon to fly you over the reserve, allowing you to see the wild animals running through the African savannah beneath your feet.... This is a truly unforgettable experience !
Yoga into the wild
Once a year, Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge hosts a 6-night programme where you can reconnect with yourself, focus on inhaling and exhaling and follow nature’s rhythm. Turn off your phone and computer for a one-to-one experience brimming with beauty and authenticity. Enjoy our fresh fruit juices and healthy seasonal foods every day during your stay. Recharge and tone up with yoga sessions by the infinity pool or in the heart of nature. Each evening, we will take you on a journey to discover this wild and unspoilt region.
Activities
Fly fishing
In the Nambiti Reserve you’ll find a number of well-stocked ponds where you can fish accompanied by one of our guides.
ATV
Hire a mountain bike and get up close to Nambiti's rich flora and fauna. Ride through the reserve's extraordinary landscapes and soak up the beauty of the African savannah.
Golf
Just an hour away from our lodge, the beautiful Drakensberg Game Reserve, with its lush cliffs and valleys, promises an exceptional round of golf on either the 9-hole Cathedral Peak course or the 18-hole Champagne Sports Resort Golf Club, rated one of the finest in South Africa.
Riding
A horseback ride in the heart of the Drakensberg will take you to a majestic Africa that is as wild as it is authentic. You'll climb mountains, cross rivers and gallop across the vast plains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rafting
The region offers several exceptional white water rafting trips. The variety of landscapes as well as the abundant fauna and flora will make this experience unforgettable (weather permitting!)
Drankensberg Zipline
Enjoy an exhilarating and scenic ride.. You'll walk along an easy platform to access the cable, it's accessible to the entire family. This adrenaline-pumping activity is a thrill for the whole family. Kids ride in tandem with an expert guide
Cultural tours
This area is steeped in history and you won’t want to miss out during your stay at Esiweni Safari Lodge.
Mandela capture site
Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 near Howick, Natal, South Africa. He spent the next 27 years of his life in prison. The Nelson Mandela capture site commemorates this important moment in history with a world-class visitor’s centre and sculpture.
Battlefield Tour
Esiweni Safari Lodge is situated close to the historic Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer battlefields. The Elandslaagte battlefield and memorial are situated on the edge of the reserve's Memorial Gate.
The Drakensberg caves
This is an intricately painted cave, although it has been altered over time. There is also a life-size Bushman model scene illustrating the life of a Bushman family. It is thought that Bushmen used this cave until the 1880s.
