Explore UNESCO’s Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains from Nkomazi

The beautiful Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, located in north-east South Africa, have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region boasts one of the world’s oldest geological structures and represents the best-preserved succession of volcanic and sedimentary rock that dates back more than 3 billion years.

Nestled within this unique UNESCO site is Nkomazi Private Game Reserve. This reserve forms part of the Newmark Hotels & Reserves portfolio of South African game lodges. Here, at Nkomazi, guests can take in the beauty of towering mountains, broad river valleys and impressive grasslands in a malaria-free environment just three hours from Johannesburg that spans 15 000 hectares.

Guests visiting the lodge enjoy a luxury safari experience and game viewing on the reserve of four of the Big 5. The reserve is also home to a wide variety of antelope, giraffe, zebra and cheetah.

RECOGNISED BY UNESCO

Game drives also focus on educating visitors about the area’s unique geology. Here, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, guest can view some of the oldest, most diverse and best-preserved volcanic and sedimentary rocks that existed on early Earth. These outcrops provide key insights into early Earth processes including the formation of continents, surface conditions 3.5 to 3.2 billion years ago, as well as the environment in which life first appeared on our planet. These geosites reveal the early chemical composition of our oceans and atmosphere and allow visitors to view some of the best-preserved deposits of the hottest lavas ever to have flown on earth. They also provide us with a lot of information into how Earth’s continents were originally formed. 

As this UNESCO area does not have a conventional buffer zone, Nkomazi safeguards it privately as a reserve, keeping away the threat of mining that the region is under due its rich mineral resources.

Visiting this area provides unique insight into the environment, surface conditions, meteorite impacts, volcanism and continent-building processes of early life on the planet.

Connect with Nature in a Luxurious Setting

At Nkomazi Private Game Reserve, you can enjoy out-of-Africa style glamping, tucked away into the natural landscape. Step out of your tent to see the crystal-clear Komati River flowing past.

Inside your tent, you have a king size or twin bed, air conditioner, private outdoor shower, or bathtub. Each tent’s interior is designed with welcoming decor that embraces the natural environment, taking care to leave a gentle footprint.

Family tents can sleep two adults and two children. At the main tent, you can recline in the lounge or enjoy a continental breakfast, hot dishes, and African-inspired dinners and drinks. Dine under the stars in our outdoor boma, weather permitting.

Bring true meaning to your next vacation. Book a stay at Nkomazi Private Game Reserve with Newmark Hotels and immerse yourself in untamed nature while having all your favourite modern amenities and luxurious comforts at your fingertips.