“Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best”.
This was drummed into me as a primary school pupil by our principal and has remained buried in the recesses of my mind to be trotted out on appropriate occasions.
Of course, it was not that educator who penned the phrase, but St Jerome (342 – 420AD)
As an aside, his feast day is celebrated on the same day as my birthday, June 15th.
He was the patron saint of archaeologists, Biblical scholars, librarians, students and translators.
So now you know.
In the case of Nambu Camp, the owners have taken what was good and made it excellent.
A view from on high. Looking out over the reserve from the deck outside the main lodge building.
There is a waterhole in the clearing in the middle of this image that attracts a lot of wildlife.
From this vantage point on the deck, I have witnessed elephants, hyenas and plains game going about their daily business without interference from either vehicles or humans.
This quiver tree stands proudly in the space where outdoor functions are held.
According to the owner, he has big plans for this area and given the changes that have been made since my previous visit, I am certain that those changes will keep the essence and spirit of the camp.
I was at the camp at the same time as a foreign guest who had visited on several previous occasions and we were comparing notes on the changes that we noticed.
The space under the deck had been enlarged, giving guests a quiet place to relax and read a book or perhaps even doze.
The space in the foreground is where the pool USED to be. This was by far the most significant change I observed in the public areas.
The pool has been moved to the left-hand side of the deck, to a new spot that gives more space for visitors to relax and privacy to those who want to use the pool.
Room 1, which was to be my ‘home’ for the night had been totally renovated.
Although there is a lack of wall art and trinkets on every flat surface, the word minimalist would be incorrect as the room is welcoming, just as it is.
It was here that I found the BEST reading lights! Small high-powered spotlights, mounted on the wall that could be adjusted to allow those who wanted to read the opportunity to do so with strain or squinting.
A great use of available space. Lodges, unlike urban dwellings, often do not have the facilities to do ground-up renovations for a variety of reasons.
Hence they often rely on the conversion of interior spaces and soft furnishings to effent meaning upgrades.
Here at Nambu Camp, that ratio has been carefully considered giving new energy to the accommodation while not compromising the space available.
It might seem strange to have a wash-hand basin in a ‘bedroom’ but why not?
The window above the bedroom looks into the shower… should you wish to do that.
Not many people might notice this change, but I did and commented about it to the owner.
The shower taps are set slightly away from the shower head. This allows guests to adjust the water temperature without having to stand under the shower.
Getting frozen or burnt in the process.
A small upgrade, but a well-considered one.
For privacy in the shower, this blind can be lowered.
The toilet has a hand-shower fitting for those whose culture requires it.
Again, a small, thoughtful addition.
The use of polished cement gives the accommodation as well as the facilities a modern look, which gives the interior a cool feel that will be welcomed in the warmer months.
The lounge at night. This space has remained the same since my previous visit.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
A welcoming feel that first-time as well as returning guests enjoy.
Nambu Camp is in favour of the long table when it comes to meal times. A wonderful way for guests to get to know each other.
And if language is a problem, then you can try the ‘smile and wave’ technique that the penguins in the movie Madagascar utilized.
It works…trust me.
As the movie seems to be universally known, the mention of “smile and wave” elicited a friendly response on most occasions.
From the deck looking up to where dinner was being served.
Although it was too cold to test the waters, it was warm enough to sit here quietly in the dark, tuned into the sounds of the bush emanating from beyond the fence that encloses the camp.
Well done to all involved with the upgrades and changes. I know that there are more plans afoot and I look forward to seeing those as and when they are completed.
To find out more about the camp, click on the logo.
Travel is the proud winner of this prestigious award from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife. The award is in the category Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa.
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