Nambu Camp - Balule Game Reserve - Kruger Private Reserves

Originally a family home, Nambu was built on an old anthill overlooking the landscape. The architecture of this unique building truly makes the most of the spectacular views it has in front, perfectly framing this wilderness scenery. 

Nambu’s spacious viewing platform overlooks a dry riverbed and waterhole where many of the bushveld’s inhabitants come to visit, from herd of elephants, towering giraffes, to the nocturnal and elusive predators. Spend the afternoons cooling down in the swimming pool, relaxing on the sun loungers or bird-watching around the camp's gardens.

Located on a big five reserve, Nambu Camp is truly on the doorstep of nature. Head out on safari and go in search of the bushveld's inhabitants, from the big cats to the birds. This hilltop lodge is certainly a wildlife haven surrounded by nature.

Sabi Sands Reviews

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us


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September 23, 2026 GB Website
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  
Annelize Taylor    September 23, 2026   GB    Website   
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Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!

Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.

Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!

Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  

Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly

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September 23, 2026 ZA Website
Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  
Andrew W.    September 23, 2026   ZA    Website   
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Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.

The best safari oasis  

We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see

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August 19, 2026 Cardiff, UK Website
The best safari oasis  
Mandy H    August 19, 2026   Cardiff, UK    Website   
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We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience

100% Recommended  

Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%

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July 26, 2026 CL Website
100% Recommended  
Sven Gysling    July 26, 2026   CL    Website   
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Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.

Best in the bushes  

What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone

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May 6, 2026 ZA Website
Best in the bushes  
Candice Tehini    May 6, 2026   ZA    Website   
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What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.

From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.

Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.

Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.


Nambu Camp - Image Gallery

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nambu camp bedroom sabi sands lodges reservations
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Nambu Camp – Balule Game Reserve

The Nambu property has been in the Drinkwater family for almost 40 years, passed down through the generations and home to many memories with both family and friends. The name Nambu means ‘river’ in the local language of IsiThonga, and this unique lodge has many ties to this natural source that flows through the traverse, from the family name to the flowing waters of the Olifant’s River nearby. Tawny eagles soar above and herds of elephants drink down below; this hilltop lodge is certainly a wildlife haven surrounded by nature.
Nambu camp has a total of 6 safari-style bedrooms and can accommodate up to 12 people. The rooms are well equipped for a stylish and comfortable stay in the bush, each room has air-conditioning and overhead fans as well as tea/coffee making facilities.
Comfortable king size beds with modern and stylish bathrooms which look out to the bushveld behind. Winding wooden pathways lead the way from the main camp, through the lush gardens and to the secluded rooms, nestled into the bush.
During the heat of the day, relax by the camp’s poolside or bird watch from the lodge’s vast viewing platform before a mid-day brunch up at the main camp. Here at Nambu there are two activities per day, situated in a big 5 reserve. Head out on foot or on safari and explore this vast and diverse landscape, you never know what you may find here in South Africa’s true wilderness.
Nambu is home to a wide range of different animals, which are free to move and roam. You may come across herds of elephants down at the river, towering giraffes to the bushveld's most elusive predators.
The Balule birdlife is second to none with a huge variety of riverine species drawn to the winding waterway. The rare pel’s fishing owl has often been seen as well as kingfishers, herons, vultures and many eagle species.
Children over the age of 8 are welcome here at Nambu Camp.
Directions from Hoedspruit-
When entering Hoedspruit, turn left to Phalaborwa on R40. Travel 16.2 kilometers on the R40 to reach the Balule – Olifant’s West Gate on your right. Turn right into the Balule boom gate. The gate guard will ask your destination: Nambu Camp. You will be asked to fill in a visitor’s permit and to make a payment of R90 per car and R220 conservation fee (per person). Directly after the entrance gate, take a sharp left and drive along the fence for 890m. Keep right once you get to a road named Maroela Laan. Continue along this road for 5.7km until you get to a T-junction. Take a left, then an immediate right where you will see the Nambu Camp sign. Continue on this road for a short 40m and turn right up a slight incline for 80m. Take a left and follow a rocky road for 610m and you will reach the entrance to Nambu Camp.

What to pack:

- Comfortable light clothing for summer months, including a swimming costume.
- A very warm jacket for game drives during winter – conditions can be chilly!
- Walking shoes and socks.
- Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen (the African sun is harsh for the unprotected body).
- Camera and plenty of film/ memory space.
- A good book.

Nambu Camp - Wildlife Gallery

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Nambu Camp - Video

Price Includes

Authentic safari accommodation - Three meals daily - Two game drives per day - Optional walking safaris

Enquiry Form - Nambu Camp