10 Years!
We are super excited about the fact that on the 29th 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 29th 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”.
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.
