A luxury safari lodge in the beautiful Lapalala Game Reserve, Noka Camp escorts you and your bush clan on a unique journey into the South African wilderness.
Settled on 50,000 hectares of unbridled bushveld in the Waterberg region of Limpopo, where the awesome eight freely roam – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, rhino, pangolin and African wild dog – Noka Camp is a unique gateway to a secluded pocket of paradise, where sustainability sits at the helm of your safari. The Reserves’s conservation efforts of protecting the area’s biodiversity and neighbouring communities are stitched into your stay. Fostering the land’s future, and its bountiful bird and wildlife.
Venturing to this part of South Africa exposes you to an untamed terrain that’s as raw and rugged as it is luxuriously pacifying. Roosted atop a cliff, like African fish eagles surveilling the land, resting in the canopy of the trees, Noka Camp comprises of a cluster of tented, clifftop villas, all overlooking the vast landscape of the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve. Contemporary in their build yet sympathetically constructed so as not to disturb the environment that they occupy, each villa – four lavish suites for couples and one larger family dwelling – stilt their heels into the rock face that gently cascades down to the flowing Palala River below. The views are nothing short of spectacular from whatever vantage point you are engaging.
If you’re a couple, or small group of friends wanting to occupy the suites, you’ll be gifted with a generous space of tranquil living, reclining, resting and bathing areas that maximise on those views. A private infinity plunge pool, double indoor and outdoor showers, a sunken bath for extra romance. Interiors that sing with colour and inspiration, yet never deterring from the language of the landscape. Every detail has been consciously considered and panders to the distinguished traveller, that knows a thing or two about luxury in the bush.
Should you be travelling as a clan of as many as five, and wish to all be under one roof, the expansive spaces of the family villa will have you all comfortably ensconced in safari splendour. Two ensuite bedrooms with an abundance of indoor and outdoor living and reclining spaces, a large heated infinity swimming pool and of course the dreamy sunken bathtub and double showers all speak of inimitable luxury.
All five of the villas – the smaller suites intended for couples and the larger one for families – provide a seamless flow of outside streaming in with the slide-away glass doors that draw you out into the landscape and its pungent African air. Should you wish to up the romance, a star bed can be arranged on the glass-panelled deck, that exposes you to the night sky, its sounds and invigorating atmosphere.
With your stay comes the obligatory safari feasting around the clock, the game drives and guided walks, river cruises and fishing expeditions. It’s your time, your stride and your preferences as to how you wish the day to unfold. Depending on the size of the clan and their appetites, you can brunch at the lodge or picnic in the bush after the morning drive. You can recline by the pools or retreat to the suites for some massage therapy with one of the masseuses. You can meander around the lodge with one of the resident guides, learning all about the conservation efforts, the magnificent birdlife and diverse flora. Explore the nearby ancient bushman paintings or perhaps do a little workout in the gym and yoga studio. There are a plethora of activities to get involved in, whatever your safari clock warrants.
What we love!
- For those times when you’re not out on the bush trails, tracking the wildlife and spotting the birdlife, taking in the incredible surroundings of the 50,000-hectare reserve, then it’s simply sublime to relax in the villas, swimming, reading and resting as you take in those unbeatable views.
- Sleeping on the star bed that’s perfectly prepared with a mosquito net and all of the comforts you’d require, snoozing beneath the African skies.
- Enjoying a cooked breakfast following an invigorating game drive at the lookout deck in the bush. Maybe a picnic beneath the trees, savouring muesli pots and hot, fresh frittatas. And the braai-style dinners that are elegantly served, yet authentically flamed.
What you need to know…
- If you would like to stay at Noka Camp, exclusively, the lodge can accommodate as many as 12 guests.
- Your team of hosts and rangers will assist you with a variety of excursions and activities. If you would like to employ the services of your own private guide, this can be arranged prior to your arrival.
- The lodge is located only a 10-minute drive from the south gate of the Reserve. Your vehicle will be left at the gate and you will be transported to the lodge.
- Should you wish to also dine in your own suite, in-room dining can be arranged at your request.
- Noka Camp unfortunately does not cater to children under the age of 10.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie