Nako Safari Lodge

Wow, a big wow to Nako lodge.Truly the best experience we had. Tania runs the lodge seamlessly.She is a great cook you will not be disappointed.Accomadation was superb with great little touches which made it extra special.Kurt is the Game driver,he will do everything possible to try and find all those wonderful wild animals, of course that can be difficult as the reserve is large and the animals may be deep in the bush.Saying that we were lucky by staying 2 nights to give us the best chance in viewing them, yes we saw all. I would recommend this Lodge to anyone who has never experienced this holiday before.

It is very rare in life to find the perfect blend of passion, genuine care, and professionalism, all seamlessly woven together without ever losing authenticity. Naku Safari Lodge is exactly that. It is a place where you go to rest, experience a true bushveld adventure, and leave overwhelmed not only by the beauty of nature but also by the warm and sincere embrace of exceptional hospitality. It is with great pleasure that I write this review as a small thank you to the people who made our trip truly unforgettable. So grab your binoculars, buckle up, and let's explore the Big Five categories that make a destination truly exceptional. Hospitality From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth. Every interaction felt personal rather than rehearsed, creating an atmosphere that immediately made us feel at home. It is clear that hospitality at Naku is not simply a service they provide; it is part of who they are. One would think that being deep in the bush would limit access to fresh ingredients and quality supplies. Somehow, Naku never got that memo. When it comes to the food and dining experience, the only word that comes to mind is *superb*. The chef and kitchen team not only know their craft but also have the creativity to combine flavours that complement, elevate, and inspire. Every meal felt thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. It was, without question, a genuine five-star dining experience. Accommodation Normally, when you think about staying in the middle of the bushveld, surrounded by elephants, rhinos, and lions, luxury and comfort are not the first things that come to mind. Instead, you imagine roughing it in the wilderness. At Naku, nothing could be further from the truth. The rooms are beautifully designed to capture the spirit of an authentic African safari. Every detail reflects the surrounding landscape through carefully selected materials, textures, and finishes. Sleek black accents paired with warm earth tones create a space that feels both luxurious and calming. Each room has been thoughtfully designed to meet every need, often before you even realise you have one. From the climate control that keeps the room at the perfect temperature to the wonderful amenities and beautifully designed bathroom, every detail has been carefully considered. One of our favourite features was the private outdoor shower, a unique touch for those wanting an even more immersive bush experience. The room we stayed in comfortably accommodated four people, making it an excellent option for families. Everything was immaculately clean and maintained to an exceptionally high standard. Without exaggeration, it is one of the finest places we have ever stayed. Adventure Adventure is something Naku has in abundance. While there are exciting plans on the horizon, including guided bush walks, the true crown jewel has to be the game drives. Over the years, we have enjoyed game drives across South Africa, but these were undoubt

From pick up to to drop off back in JNB. We had the most magical experience at Naku Lodge. The hospitality and drives surpassed my expectations. The accommodation was of an extremely high quality, every detail thought through. The drives were exciting and very informative, we were in safe hands. We were welcomed back to the Lodge with a lovely dinner or a bountiful breakfast. All of the staff were welcoming. I will be going back with family and friends. I can’t fault anything.

Oh my goodness NAKO you really do deserve 5 stars if I could rate it higher I would. Tanja, Choert and team are amazing and nothing is too much trouble they make you feel so welcome. We were so incredibly lucky to get to see all of the big 5. Choert knowledge of all the animals is amazing and you will love all the game drives. I must also mention the food at NAKO which is incredible and you certainly will not go hungry, its worth just going for the food and then relaxing at the waterhole, it is truly mesmerising. Once again many thanks team Nako for making our time a truly memorable experience. I really wanted to give you a 1 star rating because I wanted to keep NAKO a secret. Lol. Can’t wait to return.

Here is a refined version with corrected, natural English, while preserving your tone and narrative flow: ⸻ What expectations do you have when choosing a lodge in this price range? Is it the room and bathroom, with their furnishings and views? Is it the food? Is it the lodge itself, with its shared spaces? Or is it — in this case — the genuinely warm pool? We are a blended family from South Africa and Switzerland, and we have visited many lodges and private reserves. Time and again, we come to the same conclusion: it is the UNEXPECTED that makes a lodge truly special. It’s not about meeting expectations, but about the experiences you didn’t even know to expect. At Nako Safari Lodge, we leave with a wealth of wonderful memories. It begins with the lodge’s management — a very warm and welcoming host couple, Tanja and Choert, together with their son Junior — and their attentive staff. The interaction with other guests was equally enjoyable; this is one of the advantages of a lodge with only a few rooms. But it is also about the many unexpected encounters with nature. Some are beautiful, some are brutal — just as nature is. Everything we saw was enriched by Choert’s vast expertise. He has an extraordinary depth of knowledge about birds and animals, along with a wealth of anecdotes and stories. His energy in bringing nature to life for his guests is remarkable. Over eight game drives, his focus and enthusiasm never seemed to fade. He tracked animals, observed subtle details, listened intently, and shared insights — even going so far as to, for example, lure a small owl right up close. He seems to speak many “animal languages.” Did we see any big cats? Absolutely. Lions (several times), cheetahs (also several times — including with newborns), and a leopard. We also saw a black rhino with its calf, along with many other animals that were simply impossible to miss due to their size. But there were also those truly unique moments: the remains of a kill — the legs of an impala hanging from a tree, left there by a leopard. An impala with a broken leg, its fate sealed. A chameleon spotted by Choert at night from a moving vehicle. A python basking in the sun. Because Choert enriches every sighting with fascinating insight, each encounter becomes more than just an observation — it becomes a deeply engaging and memorable experience.

This lodge was a superb location to experience our first safari. Excellent hosts,accomodation and experience. Tanya,Choert and the whole team are fantastic. Nothing too much trouble and a great high end experience at a great price. Saw all the big 5 several times too

What an absolutely stunning place. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that every little detail had been thoughtfully considered. The lodge itself is beautiful, but what truly makes the experience special is the incredible team. The staff are so warm, friendly, and genuinely accommodating, you feel welcomed and cared for at every moment. The best place to spend time was in front of the waterhole. It’s mesmerising. Animals come and go throughout the day, and you can easily sit there for hours just watching nature unfold in front of you. The game drives were unforgettable. I honestly couldn’t get enough of them. A special mention to Coert, who is simply incredible. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to mimic animal sounds make every drive exciting, and he goes above and beyond to try to find the Big Five for guests. My only regret is not staying longer. Thank you, NAKO, for such a magical experience. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for something truly special—it’s a mesmerising safari escape that will stay with you long after you leave.

A fantastic experience from start to finish. Excellent transfer from the Airport by Isaac in a brand new air conditioned vehicle. A warm welcome by Tanya, who amongst her many skills, is an excellent chef. A stunning venue with all the rooms very comfortable indeed. All the other staff, Andrew, Stella and few whose names we didn’t get were faultless throughout. And finally some brilliant Safari guiding from Choert. By coincidence we met the owner, Gary, who wanted to know what would make the experience better… Very little we thought. Try NAKO Safari Lodge, you won’t be disappointed.

Our four days and three nights at Nako Game Reserve were nothing short of exceptional. The Nako Team made the experience truly memorable: Choert’s patience and remarkable skill in finding the most breathtaking sightings, Tanya’s exquisite cuisine—beautifully presented and full of flavour—and Andrew’s professionalism, hospitality, and genuine warmth all stood out. Every moment felt thoughtfully crafted, and the combination of wildlife, comfort, and heartfelt service made this stay one we will treasure. We will gladly recommend Nako to our friends and look forward to returning whenever we are in the area.