The Accommodation
The Living Spaces
Elite Residences presents N'Wambu Lodge a fresh take on the rustic sophistication of luxury bush accommodation with the homely feel synonymous with the brand's incredible properties. N'Wambu Safari Lodge is the result of Archi-studio Architect's interior and architectural vision, which saw the property not only as a space for luxury accommodation but as a series of experiences individually designed to captivate the essence of modern bush living, while providing an unforgettable stay for all.
From the moment of arrival one is exposed to a fantastic expression of rich textures which allows the lodge to grow from and blend with its natural surroundings. A thick stone wall guides you in through the rustic gates while raked plaster walls snake besides you opening to reveal the namesake of the lodge, a huge Milkberry Tree which fills the enclosed courtyard, rooting life within the foundations of the lodge and blurring the lines between inside and outside. On axis the beautifully carved front door offers a glimpse into what lies beyond. From the entrance lobby the rushing waters of the Crocodile River present themselves in a spectacular way, while the lodge itself rushes out along the river, flowing seamlessly in its open plan design to ensure each space enjoys its own views and experiences of the shimmering waters.
The main lodge, containing the lounge, dining, kitchen and separate scullery offers spacious living facilities which are cozy enough for small families yet versatile enough to cater for large groups and family gatherings. The lounge and dining open up completely to the river front offering a connection to the Kruger National Park even from the extreme comfort of these internal spaces. No matter the season, within the lounge there are facilities for any climate from passive cooling and fans for the hot summer days, to the warmth of a roaring fire within the lodge’s custom built fireplace for the cold bushveld nights. The lounge and dining are both designed to seat ten people comfortably within their African gallery-like spaces, rich with an interwoven tapestry of architectural texture, homely interior decorating and a vivid display of African art. The Dining Room with its double volume, high levels windows and huge wooden table offer the perfect venue for any eating occasion, be it banquet or braai.
Perched a couple of stairs above the dining room, the kitchen and gallery gain their own views out towards the river while simultaneously acquiring beautiful views out into the entrance courtyard, with huge sliding stacking doors that create the sense of cooking beneath the Milkberry Tree. The well-equipped modern kitchen connects directly to the scullery and four covered parking bays that makes clearing and stocking the kitchen extremely easy. The gallery space allows guests to relax whether in the kitchen or merely observing the spectacle of cooking within this culinary haven. Nestled within the heart of the lodge, the kitchen serves every area with ease and creates unique dining opportunities throughout, should it be eating outside, having a relaxed meal at the kitchen nook or entertaining at the dining table or games room facilities.
The Entertainment Room and Outdoor Spaces
Tucked within the privacy of the vegetated courtyard, the games room presents itself as a completely unique space within the lodge. Securely fenced in, the courtyard and games room provides a sense of safety to all, as adults and children can freely play within these spaces without worry. The room disconnects from the rest of the lodge to provide a centre for entertainment. A big screen TV equipped with DSTv and Blu-ray sound system hang from the incredible anthill like fireplace, encircled by the huge couch designed to create a cinematic experience beyond description. The Games table allows for an ideal space for both card and board games while the combination pool and table tennis table completes the perfect collection of entertainment opportunities within the room. With the thoughtful coziness and versatility of this entertainment centre one will be rooted here any time the need for entertainment strikes, be it sitting at the bar counter which grows from the floor or enjoying any one of the plethora of facilities provided.
Despite the splendor of the internal spaces of the lodge, there is no denying the importance of the river frontage and a guest's immersive experience with nature, for this reason N'Wambu Safari Lodge ensured that every meter of the river frontage was designed as an outdoor space with individual and unforgettable experiences unfolding before you. Dining outdoors has never been more appealing, with the rustic table that stretches towards the river, meals can be eaten with each guest having the most captivating views of animal life and the unforgettable beauty of the Kruger National Park. Even barbecuing takes on a unique feel with the Big Green Egg which allows one to cook immersed in nature. No bush experience is complete without an outdoor flickering fire in the dark of the night and within the N'Wambu Lodge's sunken boma such an experience has never been more unforgettable. The boma carves itself from the deck stepping down towards the river, as the roof peels away to reveal the vivid night skies of the bush, painted flawlessly with the light of the stars. The lodge sought to bring the river to its doorstep and it did exactly that with its lap pool, which flows along the length of the Crocodile River. Attention to detail and experience oriented design is conveyed even within the pool, containing a Jacuzzi and shallow seating areas from where the wildlife can be viewed while submerged on the hot Kruger days. Floating on the pool one can recline upon the covered daybeds which double as outdoor beds for the brave of heart.
N'Wambu lodge looks into every detail of the bush experience to provide the most unforgettable and comfortable stay one could imagine. No matter the event or activity, facility is provided to make each moment a memory. The Elite Residences' Team cannot wait to host you in N'Wambu Lodge its fresh and homely take on the rustic sophistication of luxury bush accommodation.
The Bedrooms
N'Wambu Safari Lodge does not view bedrooms as rooms within a house but rather as private luxury suites within which guests can lose themselves and find tranquility no matter the business of the day.
The lodge consists of three private suites connected to each other and the main areas by a rustic sleeper walkway, linking all spaces through the secured and well-lit central courtyard. Wrapping the sides of the walkways the rooms pull guests in to each of the private units. As you enter, the space grows and opens to reveal incredible views of the river through the beauty of a natural arch formed from two massive ironwoods. The rooms, a captivating collection of experiences, begins with the flowing softness of the mosquito net guarded beds, and billows out towards the private loungettes which double as bedding for young children who would like to stay within their parents room. The loungettes with sliding stacking doors allow the enclosure of the rooms to disappear as they step out onto private decks which line the pool, divided by rocky gardens. Each deck offers seating to its guests as well as a direct connection to the lodge’s river side pool. The living spaces of each room additionally offer guests a writing desk and baths, each positioned thoughtfully within the space. The bath positioned upon a pedestal within each room offers an incomparable bathing experience, as it peers out towards the river cradled within the gentle curves of the room. On the courtyard side of each unit the bathroom offers separated toilet and shower facilities. The entrance space of the bathroom offers large well-lit cupboards, large mirror and seating besides the vanity in order to ensure comfort while preparing oneself for the day. The shower divides itself in two offering both internal and external showering opportunities within the bathrooms private courtyard space. Nestled beneath the overhanging branches of the Milkberry Tree, these spaces offer an incredible experience even in the most ordinary of tasks.
N'Wambu proudly offers the ability to cater for large groups with its versatile design. The games room extends the lodges ability to accommodate groups needs by offering an additional four guests accommodation upon its two queen sized sleeper couches. Additionally the games room offers its own bathroom equipped with a shower to ensure convenience during ones stay. Both this space and the bedrooms offer guests climatic comfort with their air cons and fans that ensure the most peaceful rests no matter the season. Elite Residences is excited to host you in its take on a completely immersive bush experience, settle in to our private luxury suits and lose yourself in all the memories N'Wambu Safari Lodge has to offer.
Reviews
What a majestic experience! Our first time to Africa and to Kruger Park was made so welcoming and amazing with our stay at the elegant N'Wambu Lodge in the Mjejane Game Reserve.
Sharon from the United States of America
21 Reviews
