Nkomazi Game Reserve by Newmark

An excellent stay in luxurious accommodation, in a beautiful setting. Service was exceptional from all the team. We were fortunate to have Sabelo as our guide/ ranger - he was very experienced, a good communicator and great company. The reserve has an amazing variety of landscapes to enjoy.

During breakfast I was asked what bread I would like with my eggs, to which I replied: rye. We only have Sasko, the waiter replied. If you don't know what Sasko is, I don't think you'll necessarily enjoy this resort. Don't get me wrong; the people are lovely and the property is superb. But the service and in particular the food really doesn't hold up to quality I've gotten used to at game reserves in this part of the world. It was poor for a supposedly 5 star property, which is a shame. And they certainly tried, and promised when I made the booking whether I had any dietary requirements. The very fact that they asked me that made me think they would certainly honor it, but they didn't. My spouse has a low-carb, low-sugar diet, so I asked whether it could be accommodated. They said: of course. To our surprise our first meal consisted out of caramelised sweet potato and breaded chicken in a wrap. The braai that night was perfect, which included my first taste of crocodile, but the sides really didn't live up to my South African expectations. As a South African I know that something like a malva pudding is very hard to mess up. The desert wasn't good, and the custard very obviously came out of a box. I'm not saying you need to cater to foreigners, but when I drive out from the city for a weekend away, it would be nice to have a good treat like a good malva, or even a potato bake which at the very least includes cooked potatoes. I can't recall when last I had potato bake which is why I was so looking forward to it. That's the food, now the game drive. Our guide was kind and tried his best to find us a lion but he wasn't very communicative. As South Africans we're spoiled for choice since we're so close to nature. But when you're owned by Newmark, sell yourself as a five star property, I think the food and service needs a drastic upgrade. The location and facilities are wonderful, but at this price point I can have a much better stay at a property closer to the Kruger.

Very nice, modern lodge with the best rooms( tents) of our whole journey. Very nice food and a great, service-minded staff. Existing and present management. Very good cleaning service and perfect maintained environment. Good place to relax beside game drives.