Nkomazi Game Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours

⁰

Nkomazi Game Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 6 hours

Situated in the Barberton Mountainlands of Mpumalanga, Nkomazi Game Reserve encompasses some 15,000 hectares of rugged terrain along the Komati River, combining both Highveld and Lowveld ecosystems for exceptional biodiversity. It protects some of the planet's oldest rock formations—dated at over three billion years old—and features traces of ancient San rock art, underscoring its global geological significance. Nkomazi's name, meaning "place of water", reflects its lifeblood: the Komati River, around which rich riverine forests, wide grasslands, and rocky outcrops foster habitats for Big 5 mammals, endangered cheetah, and over 300 bird species. The reserve is run as a conservation-focused destination under UNESCO World Heritage stewardship, with scientific wildlife-management programmes including reintroduction of apex predators, population monitoring, and collaboration with major conservation agencies. Visitors stay in luxury tented suites—complete with private plunge pools and river views—where twice-daily 4×4 game drives, guided bush walks, horseback safaris, birding outings, stargazing, and catch‐and‐release fly‑fishing are led by expert guides. This unique blend of geological heritage, biodiversity, and immersive yet sustainable visitor experiences helps position Nkomazi as a premier location en route from Gauteng or Kruger Airport, offering both cultural and natural enrichment.

Operators offering tours in South Africa

Attractions in South Africa

Kruger National Park

Cape Town

Garden Route National Park

4.6

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

4.6

Addo Elephant National Park

4.6

Blyde River Canyon

Drakensberg

4.8

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park

4.8

Reviews of Nkomazi Game Reserve

Maria Berdanis

4
Reviewed: 2025-01-07

The lodge is beautiful and so are the rooms, I have been to many bush lodges and the room was definitely one of my favorites.the actual reserve was beautiful and our ranger amazing. The staff are extremely friendly however the management of the whole place not the greatest. For a 5* lodge there are certain things you as a guest shouldn’t have to tell the cleaning staff to do. The food was my least favorite (dead average) the main reason why I would hesitate to recommend. It felt like whatever left overs there were in the kitchen were put together to eat. For what you are paying to stay there you do expect something a bit better. I’m not saying fine dining just a bit more thought needs to go in the menu.
Ashleigh Jacobs

3
Reviewed: 2024-11-13

Noticeable decline in service quality over the last few years we have visited. Nkomazi (hotel) has lost its sparkle, feels like its run on standard commercial practices, bland and impersonal. Very sad as it used to be our favourite place on earth. Food and wine menu, super average. Facilities and location of the actual game reserve are still great though. Unfortunately not sure we will revisit again.
Aimée Michelle Capuzzimati

5
Reviewed: 2024-09-06

We had a wonderful time celebrating out 5 year wedding anniversary at Nkomazi. Amazing staff. Thomas was our game ranger. Great knowledge and an overall wonderful person. The tents felt incredibly luxurious and well equipped with everything you might need. Game viewing was incredible. Saw lion, cheetah, elephant, Buffalo and more. We're not experienced fishermen but we decided to try something new. Thomas took as to a great spot and showed us the ropes. While we were fishing, we saw a leopard crossing the river about 100m away. Once in a lifetime experience. Food was delicious. Nkomazi is only 3 hours away from JHB. We'll definitely be going back.
Hannboqueb

5
Reviewed: 2024-08-16

The Game Reserve Nkomazi was a brilliant choice and fantastic experience. The whole staff is very well organized and showed us the way into the reserve by following them by car. Our tent was exeptional and had everything you could wish for. The view and terrace were our highlight, we were able to see and experience monkey and hippos close up. Our guide Sabelo was very knowledgeable and showed us how to find traces of animals in a, regarding the nature, very respectful way. He was able to track down different animals trough different methods and we were able to see amazing and beautiful wildlife which we will never forget. Thank you Sabelo!
Scheryl Booyjens

5
Reviewed: 2023-12-27

My visit was an end of year getaway with my husbands company. The attention to detail and professionalism of staff was an absolute pleasure! The accommodation is absolutely amazing. Real luxury, with the most amazing views of the bush, river, and even some curious giraffes. The game drives were phenomenal, and so were the sundowners. I would definitely recommend it.