We arrived at NAKO Safari Lodge under a soft, grey sky. The rain had just stopped, leaving the air fresh yet heavy—a sign that a seasonal shift was underway. Droplets clung to the leaves, and the smell of damp earth seemed to rise from the ground. Before we’d even unpacked, the bush made its presence felt; the air carried faint traces of wildlife, from the musky scent of elephants to the sharper, more acrid notes left by rhinos.
NAKO Safari Lodge, situated within the Dinokeng Game Reserve, strikes an effortless balance between the call of the wild and the comforts of a well-considered retreat.
The welcome at NAKO felt as easy as the breeze that followed us from the parking area to the main lodge. The dining area sets the tone, inviting you to linger over hearty meals while gazing out toward the untamed bush.
Just beyond it, the outdoor deck spills seamlessly into the pool, a favourite spot to watch the changing light of the day, or animals drinking water by the waterhole nearby, while keeping cool.
The boma area offers a different kind of gathering space—one where stories are shared around a fire, flames flickering against the backdrop of the darkened reserve.
Days here move at their own pace. Between game drives, the entertainment area keeps both adults and children busy, with table tennis, a pool table, board games, and even finger boards for the competitive at heart. When you need quiet, the rest area offers exactly that—a place to sink into a comfortable chair, perhaps with a book, while the surrounding sounds of the reserve filter in.
The rooms are designed with the bush in mind, each with an outdoor deck overlooking the wild. In the early morning, you might catch sight of impalas moving silently through the grass, or a lilac-breasted roller flashing its colours against the soft dawn light.
By nightfall, the lodge feels like it belongs entirely to the wilderness. The distant, chilling cries of hyenas and jackalas carry through the air, giving the night its own distinct character—one that is both humbling and unforgettable.
For those blending business with bushveld, the lodge’s conference centre offers a surprisingly versatile space. Equipped with modern AV technology and adaptable seating arrangements, it can host intimate strategy sessions of about 14 people. The views of the surrounding wilderness, ensuring that even the most intense meetings are softened by a constant reminder of where you are. Breaks can spill onto the nearby deck for fresh air, coffee, and perhaps the distant sight of a giraffe wandering past—proof that productivity and tranquillity can indeed coexist.
Wildlife encounters here are never staged, never rushed. A short drive from the lodge might bring you across giraffes browsing high branches, zebras grazing in loose herds, or elephants moving with slow, deliberate purpose. The reserve’s birdlife adds another layer to the experience, from the haunting call of the African fish eagle to the chatter of smaller, restless flocks. Every sighting, no matter how small, reminds you that this is a living, breathing ecosystem—and that we are only visitors passing through.