South Africa, Mpumalanga, 4 May 2022; LOCATED on the banks of the Komati River in Mpumalanga, surrounded by towering mountains and impressive grasslands, lies the Nkomazi Private Game Reserve, managed by NEWMARK Hotels & Reserves.

This untouched tract of land, south-west of the Kruger National Park, stretches over 15 000 hectares and is home to a vastly diverse ecosystem, a plethora of animal species and an abundance of birdlife.  Now, the introduction of horseback safari experiences at Nkomazi means that visitors to this luxe glamping lodge, which is known as the ultimate safari offering, can enjoy up-close-and-personal five-star game experiences. Guests will be able to potentially spot the Big 4 – lion, leopard, elephant and Cape buffalo – as well as the endangered cheetah, and a multitude of plain game. There are also over 300 bird species on the reserve.

The horseback safaris are operated by The Horse Safari Company who are based on the reserve. Owner and hands-on operating manager Tamlyn Whitebread explains that the safaris are best suited to experienced riders who can look forward to a bucket list experience. “On a horseback safari, you go from being a spectator to an active part of the landscape and nature. Riders get off-the-beaten-track, following trails made by the herds into wilderness areas that visitors in vehicles cannot access – allowing for some exciting and intimate wildlife sightings.”

The horseback safaris operate throughout the year and groups of no more than six riders are treated to a two hour (average, depending on sightings) unforgettable horseback experience that meanders through Nkomazi’s continuous beauty of open plains, hills, rocky koppies, rivers and mountains.

Accommodation at Nkomazi is presented as 14 luxury tents which are either river- or bush-facing and all boast air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, king or twin-size beds, an electronic safe and a writing desk. Outside, the deck with private splash pool, outdoor shower and standalone Victorian bath completes this deluxe African experience.

Driving from Johannesburg takes three-and-a-half hours, with a further twenty-five minutes to the lodge from the entrance gate. Those travelling by flight can take a one-hour flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport via Johannesburg or a two-hour flight from Cape Town, or they can fly in by helicopter. Guests in 4x4s and SUVs can drive directly down to the lodge while those in vehicles with lower clearance level are collected from the main gate.

“An untamed and unique African experience awaits at Nkomazi Private Game Reserve,” says Mike Vroom, Newmark Executive Director – Africa. “We are pleased to be able to partner with The Horse Safari Company to offer guests an unforgettable African safari at one of the premier reserves in South Africa.”

The Nkomazi Private Game Reserve horseback safari experience is priced are from R5 215 per person sharing, per night and includes accommodation in the luxurious tented camps, breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, all horse riding and optional game drives with refreshments (there are two three-hour game drives scheduled per day at Nkomazi). Horse safari bookings can be made directly with Tamlyn, via tamlynsafari@icloud.com

Other offerings at Nkomazi include game drives, birding safaris, guided nature walks, catch-and-release fly fishing, visits to bushman paintings on site, and rejuvenating pamper sessions at The River Retreat spa. Keen stargazers can take a closer peek at the glittering galaxy through the high performance Celestron telescope. For those who can’t resist a bit of retail therapy, the small boutique in camp offers a selection of locally sourced crafts, body products and branded merchandise.

For more information about NEWMARK Hotels & Reserves, visit www.newmarkhotels.com.

About NEWMARK Hotels & Reserves 

With a heritage spanning two dynamic decades, NEWMARK Hotels & Reserves provides extensive experience in managing prestigious and distinctive properties matched by its passion to assist owners realise their business goals. This is made possible by a highly focused, motivated and skilled executive team, led by industry visionary, Neil Markovitz. The team’s collaborative proficiency enables the company to offer a comprehensive range of hospitality management services, specially tailored to suit each property. Newmark’s forte lies in identifying the unique attributes of each property and bringing these to the marketplace’s attention through a bespoke, tailor-made model.  This dynamic company’s singular approach, which involves first establishing solid infrastructure before pursuing other goals, has driven its success.

The company’s portfolio includes a curated collection of luxury hotels, reserves and lodges in South Africa, East Africa, including Zanzibar, as well as Mauritius. NEWMARK’s portfolio includes the Cape Town signature addresses of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, the deluxe Dock House Boutique Hotel, the five-star Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House and the Onyx Boutique Hotel and the Rockefeller Hotel, both on the city’s Foreshore. Further into South Africa’s interior, the collection includes the Eastern Cape’s historic Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet as well as the nearby legendary Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve. Motswari Private Game Reserve in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and the Nkomazi Private Game Reserve in Mpumalanga complete the lodge and reserve collection. NEWMARK recently cemented a presence in South Africa’s financial capital, Johannesburg, with the launch of The Catalyst Hotel situated in Sandton.

NEWMARK has most recently opened The Winchester Hotel on Cape Town’s sunset strip, Beach Road.

Beyond South Africa’s borders, NEWMARK represents and manages the boutique hotels of La Maison d’Été in Mauritius, Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge in Zanzibar and Serengeti Sojourn in Tanzania.

Current new projects include the much-anticipated Blue Amber property development on an idyllic tranche of Zanzibar’s sun-washed coastline that encompasses the beach chic Shirazi Resort & Villas – set to open in 2024.

For Press and Media assistance, contact Ian Hamilton Manley of ManleySocial via email ian@publicity.co.za or +27 (0) 82 826 0456.

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