Staying at Nima Lodge in Wilderness, South Africa

Wilderness is the most beautiful part of the Garden Route.

Fight me.

No, actually don’t fight me. I’ll cry.

But jokes aside, the Wilderness is spectacular. 

There are so many jaw-dropping places to visit, hiking trails to conquer, lazy beach days, and sunset spots to add to your itinerary.

But before you jump into your car to start exploring this magnificent part of South Africa, you need somewhere to stay…

…Introducing: Nima Lodge.

Located 20-minutes from the center of Wilderness, hidden behind twisting mountain roads, and bordering the Garden Route National Park is where you’ll find unparallel beauty and serenity.

If you’re in the mood for a road trip and you’re all about swapping the sounds of traffic for the singing of birds and trees gently rustling, keep reading for my full review of Nima Lodge.

Psst…Want more accommodation inspiration in South Africa? Check out these other posts:

• The Ultimate South Africa Travel Guide
• An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)
• Staying at Teniqua Treetops in Knysna
• Staying at Whispering Oaks in George, South Africa
• 10 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Knysna, South Africa
• Mo & Rose Review: A Delightful Countryside Escape in Robertson

How to Get to Nima Lodge

Nima Lodge is tucked away in the Garden Route and is the perfect excuse for a road trip to one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa.

From Cape Town, hop into your car and drive 5-hours along the N2 until you reach the Wilderness.

If you’re coming from elsewhere in South Africa or want to cut down on your travel time, the fastest way to get to Nima Lodge is to fly into George Airport.

The lodge is only a 36-minute drive away, and there are flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT), OR International Airport (JHB), Lanseria International Airport (HLA), and King Shaka International Aiport (DUR). You can rent a car from George when your flight lands.

Once you arrive in the Wilderness, do any last-minute shopping before driving to the lodge. There are no nearby shops, and you’ll have to come back into town (which is about 20-minutes away) for anything you need.

Read More: An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)

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The Chalets

I spent two glorious nights at Nima Lodge in their Sunset self-catering chalet. With only three on the property, you’ll have all the space and privacy you need to relax and unwind.

Each chalet has incredible views over the landscape with a private deck for sundowners, sun salutations, or curling up with a good book.

Oh, and there is a swing! When was the last time you stayed somewhere that offering that?

Inside the chalet, you have a fully equipped kitchen (induction stovetop, fridge, and convection oven included), a king-sized bed, a massive bathtub with exquisite views of the property, and a shower.

The Amenities: The Cliffnotes

• 1x king-sized extra length bed
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Bluetooth speakers
• Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
• Private deck area
• En-suite bathroom with a shower and bathtub
• Outdoor shower
• Outside day bed
• Sitting area
• Swing
• Complimentary tea and coffee

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The Communal Lapa

The Lapa at Nima Lodge is an inviting communal space. Picture floor-to-ceiling windows, a wrap-around balcony overlooking the hills in the distance, a plunge pool, boma, and a cosy fireplace for the chilly winter nights.

During your stay, you can come here to cool off from the summer heat, read a book, eat a delicious breakfast prepared by a chef (more on that below), or buy some snacks and drinks.

With no shops nearby, this is perfect for travellers like me who are lazy and love convenience. You can grab chocolates, packets of pasta, and other small items without having to drive into Wilderness. 

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The Food at Nima Lodge

Nima Lodge is self-catering, but if you’re not a fan of cooking on holiday, you have options.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, you can book a 3-course vegetarian meal for two people. It costs R400.00, and you’ll need to confirm your reservation the day before. Breakfast is served at the Lapa, and all you’ll need to do is show up and feast!

For lunches and dinners, Nima Lodge has partnered with Wildnerness Picnic. You can buy curated locally sourced baskets delivered straight to your chalet. The baskets start from R380.00 for two people.

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What to Do in Wilderness

Here are * some * of the things you can do in Wilderness while staying at Nima Lodge.

Waterfall Hike from Nima Lodge

You don’t need to leave Nima Lodge to experience the beauty of the Wilderness. The property has a 45-minute hike to a nearby waterfall that’s part of the King Fisher Trail.

Rent a Canoe

While in the Wilderness, don’t miss out on a half-day canoeing experience with Eden Adventures. It’s self-guided (you only need to pay for the canoe rental), and you’ll glide up the Touw River to a hidden waterfall.

Go Abseiling

Want something with more adrenaline? Eden Adventures also offers half-day abseiling and canyoning. You’ll hike to the top of a waterfall and abseil down right into the river before landing on the boat.

12/10 would recommend!

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Staying at Nima Lodge: The Final Word

Nima Lodge is the place to stay if you’re after tranquility. It’s a place where you can forget the rest of the world exists and re-connect with nature.

Come here as a group of six, and you can have the entire lodge to yourselves! It’s something I would love to do for my birthday or a girls’ getaway to the Garden Route.

For couples, it’s an unforgettable romantic getaway in South Africa. You’ll have a gorgeous space to explore, plenty of things to do, and with only three chalets spaced out on the property, privacy is something you won’t lack.

Plus, there are cats! You can’t go wrong with a place that has cats as your personal welcoming party.

Thank you to Nima Lodge for inviting me to their property! As always, all opinions are my own.

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