We’ve had the most amazing sightings of elephants walking down the pathway, inspecting the trees in the boma and drinking from the swimming pool.  We also have some of the smaller animals like rock hyraxes, squirrels and small spotted genet around the lodge, not to mention the zebra, kudu, klipspringer and various other antelope that frequent the watering hole.

But every once in a while, we are lucky enough that the King of the bush graces us with his presence as well.  Nothing more majestic like seeing a lion strutting down the road!

Recently we had just this – a male lion casually strolling up our access road towards the lodge.  Then to be able to watch him with a cup of coffee in hand, as he decided to show up at the start of breakfast.  He could be seen from the lodge, lazing in the grass, where upon our ranger rounded everyone up into the game viewer to drive a few meters to get all those perfect photographs.

The lion was around the lodge for a bit during the morning and then slowly making his way down towards the West gate.

So amazing!

This is also why we always ask our guests cooperation in the evenings when it is dark, that one of our guides walk them to and from the rooms.

Hence the pathway is such a great source to see what ambled by during the night, so next time let your ranger point out some tracks.

Maybe it will be a lion, leopard or a hyena?

Anyone who has been to Nedile, will tell you that nothing comes close to our freshly baked bread.

This is also one of our best kept secrets at the lodge…

The story of our famous bread starts with Francina Magagane, who had a real passion for baking.  All her knowledge and love for the craft she passed on to her daughter – Mapula Magagane.

As Mapula reached High School, her mom decided that now she is ready to master the traditional family recipes, among them the famed bread recipe.

And so this recipe got passed along from one generation to the next and for the last 23 years Mapula has perfected her bread recipe, the last 10 years of those at Nedile Lodge!

She ended up sharing this recipe only with one other person – Minky Thwala, whom has also been with Nedile for over 10 years.

Without giving away our recipe, we can let you know what the secret ingredient is in all our food – a pinch of love!

Current team 2013

We are super excited about the fact that on the 29^th January 2013, the lodge has been open and running for 10 years already!

How time flies when you’re having fun…

The first group of guests we hosted at the lodge arrived on the 29^th of January 2003.  They were a group of Product Analysist’s who worked for the company, SHL.  They came out to Nedile for a strategical meeting and found that you can achieve so much more in the tranquility that is the Lodge’s setting.

Now 10 year’s later, only 2 of the original group still works for this company and 3 of them have moved on to start a new company called TTS.  They still visit us regularly, as Nedile is favourite spot to have their “bush meetings”.

First guests – 29 January 2003

A glance over the last 10 years shows the lodge as 5 star graded almost since the start and every year was a success with the American Express Accommodation Awards / AA Travel Guides: Best Game Lodge.  2006 Finalist, 2007 Winner, 2008 Highly Commended, 2009 Winner, 2010 Highly Commended, 2011 Highly Commended & a Steady Star award, 2012 Winner.

An exciting new product we have  introduced is Rungu massage, which is an ethnic massage and offer this in the privacy of your room or on the veranda looking out at the glorious  view.

Of the original team who opened the lodge Minky Thwala and Mapula Magagane is still with us and still cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

We’ve had great sightings at the lodge itself – one morning a couple never showed up for game drive, so the ranger went to knock on their door to see if they would still like to come along, to find them comfortably in bed with coffee, watching the lions on their veranda!  Elephants have been drinking from the pool, ambling up the pathway every now and again – so much that one afternoon an elephant was casually nibbling on a tree when guests walked up the pathway, she screamed,  ran for the room and he darted for the bar and ordered a double brandy.  The elephant wasn’t even disturbed by all the ruckus and continued with his lunch.

We’ve also seen the reserve mature in the last 10 years, animals have become used to game viewing vehicles and visitors and are now relaxed which makes for great game viewing.

We scoured our Guest Books for some comments that explains the essence of Nedile:

2003       “And we live at the horizon line, where the earth touches the sky”

-Mark Trafeli

2004       “Nedile Lodge is indeed the Jewel in the crown of the Waterberg.  Thank you all for the most wonderful holiday.  You have made us so welcome.  It has been 2 weeks of sheer delight.  We came as guests, we leave as friends and return to Scotland with Treasured memories.”

-Mike & Madeleine Tinson

2005       “Better than in any film!  Thank you for a beautiful time…”

-Schute

2006       “An experience – best medicine to destress, unwind and become human again.  Excellent service, great food and beautiful environment and scenery.  Next time we’ll stay longer!  Best food for the soul!”

-Hannelie Bernado

2007       “Majestic – Exceptional, Exquisite, Extraordinary, Superb, Wow!!!”

-Darryl & Jackie Salk

2008       “What an exciting experience!  Wonderful game drives with such views!  Wonderful meals & a delightful setting.  All in all a class act!!!”

-Myron & Muriel Girvan

2009       “A little slice of Heaven… Thank you for your humble hospitality and dedication for creating a simply decadent dream escape….”

-Adam Summers & Diana Chatfield

2010       “A spiritual uplift in fabulous surroundings.  Paradise!”

-Jane & John

2011       “Lessons from Africa:  Love thy neighbours, set your boundaries, the darker the night the brighter the stars.  Thanks for a wonderful time to reflect & relax”

-Davelene

2012       A+  Wonderful treat to be able to experience the African bush in this amazing setting!  Thank you so much to all the staff and to superb drives!

-Nicola Tatham

In 2013 we still strive to give you that ‘home away from home’ feeling.  The excellent food, fun and memorable game drives all coupled with the comfort and attention to detail that cannot be found anywhere else.  This is how we started in 2003 and still carry forward today, everyday into the future.