Welcome to Nambu Camp…
The word “hospitality” is from the Latin “hospes”, meaning host, guest or stranger. This Latin term evolved into “hospitalitas,” which denoted the quality or practice of being hospitable.
There is something comforting about arriving at this camp and being greeted like a long-lost family member that immediately puts guests at ease.
Even though this is a return visit for me, I noticed that the staff reacted similarly to new guests who were arriving for the first time.
Wide open doors and welcoming public spaces enhance this feeling.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
This is one of the few spaces where there have been few, if any, changes. And why should there be? It is perfect as it is.
A combination of lounge and dining area that enables guests to mingle and find out about each other. I am always amazed by what can be learned from asking a simple “So where are you from”?
This downstairs area is the most recently renovated of the public spaces.
Tucked away under the main section of the camp, it offers privacy and comfort, all the while allowing easy access to both the pool as well as the dining room upstairs.
Don’t like the placement of the existing pool? Move it!
And that is exactly what the owner did! When asked why he undertook such a major transformation of the deck, he said that it was to give guests who wish to use the pool more privacy.
And moving it to the far end of the deck does exactly that.
Returning guests will be astounded by this transformation, while first-time guests will just enjoy the privacy the new placement allows.
Another view of the seating area under the main building.
The path less travelled?
There are a couple of ways that guests can access this seating area, and this seems to be the least utilised as it is sort of ‘hidden’.
Not to say that it is not visible from this angle, it is just that there is so much to see that it is obscured from immediate view.
On all the occasions that I have visited Nambu, I have seldom seen anyone sitting here. Not certain why, as the view is quite spectacular from this vantage point.
Almost time to eat.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here.
Should guests wish to eat alone, that can be arranged, but for the most part, all the guests enjoy the camaraderie of eating together.
Everywhere you look, there is seating of some description.
The stairs on the left lead from the upstairs lounge to the main deck and the new seating area on the left.
This is the way most guests gain access to not only the deck and the pool, but a variety of seating that allows them to look out over the vegetation that stretches as far as the eye can see in front of the camp.
Just one of the seating areas available for the enjoyment of the guests.
Want to be close to the pool, in case the urge to test the waters calls to you? Then this might be the spot for you.
Halfway between the pool and the lower lounge.
This area is used mainly at night, when guests can enjoy a drink and a chat around the fire before heading in for dinner.
At night, it becomes a warm(literally), inviting space.
And what would an evening in the bush be without a fire? It is all part of an African safari experience.
The lounge at night.
The soft neutral colours add a special quality to the overall ambience of the camp facilities.
The pool at night. Guests can utilise it in the dark as the camp is fenced and they will not be sharing this with any of the species that can often be heard vocalising in the darkness.
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Pecu, Rose, Judith, Joyce, Anthony, Lybon, and Rewald, thanks for making my final days in Balule memorable.
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Travel & Things is the proud winner of these prestigious awards from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife.
The awards are in the categories:
Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa
Best African Game Reserves & Lodges Travel Review Site 2025.
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