How do I get to Nyumbani Estate?

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International guests, arrange to fly to Johannesburg OR Tambo international airport.
Situated off the R40, the nearest town is called Hoedspruit, taking the main R40 road sign posted for White River,  our main entrance gate is located a few meters from the Eastgate Airport road.  The Google Maps pin location is provided via a WhatsApp, to all confirmed guests, prior to their arrival.  Route planning guidance, location details, and directions is shared to enable our guests journeys to be safe, timely, and enjoyable, We also arrange to meet our guests off the main entrance and escort them onto the Lodge site.

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You have a few choices to arrive at Nyumbani Estate:

1.  From O R Tambo International Airport we can arrange a private charter King Air 8 seater plane transfer for R 7 000 per person return or R 3 500 pp one-way. 

2. We can arrange private driver with vehicle to meet you at OR Tambo International Airport and drive you, your guests, and your luggage the 6 hour drive to Nyumbani Estate.  R 1 500 pp (minimum charge R 3 000)

3. You can self-drive by arranging your car hire when you book your flight. All the major car hire companies are at OR Tambo international airport. Allow 6 hours for the drive and we would recommend you take a day-time and not a night-time drive. If your flight lands in Johannesburg late, make prior arrangements to stay overnight at a local airport hotel, or nearby hotel with free shuttle service to and from the airport (approx 10 or 15 min drive). Nyumbani Estate is just an hour away from Hoedspruit, 

4. Internal domestic flights from Johannesburg OR Tambo are regular and cost approx R 3 500/R 4 000 per person one-way. The journey takes approx 1.5hrs. SA Air Link operate domestic flights. (this is correct at the time of writing this information and updating the website and remains subject to a range of changes beyond the control of Nyumbani Estate).

5. Shuttle by road using a private transfer company. The road transfer takes approximately 6.5 hours but you need to check the leaving times to see if this tally’s with your flight arrival otherwise, you may have to make arrangements to stay overnight in Johannesburg and take the shuttle the next morning. Nyumbani Estate can assist you with any in-country arrangements, on request.​

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What are the contact details for Nyumbani?

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E-mail: enquiries@nyumbani-estate.com
Phone: South Africa +27 (0)78 789 4095
Phone: UK +44 78 1000 1238
Emergency: +27 (0)78 789 4095 – Maxine / +27 (0) 76 020 4669 – Ian +27 76 020 4669

Nyumbani Estate
PO Box 1672
Hoedspruit 1380
Limpopo, South Africa

Mail takes at least 8 / 12 weeks to be delivered to/from our post box, we would not recommend using Post Office mail for this reason.  If you require postal service, we strongly recommend you engage a courier service.

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Can I use a cellphone?

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The key benefit of the bush is leaving behind modern distractions, the cell phone is one of them and signal reach tends to be limited for this reason. However, on the Estate, yes, there is free wi-fi available in the main camp area, limited elsewhere on the Estate with some strong spots in some areas where you can send and receive an SMS or sometimes even make a call. If you wish to purchase a local sim card, you need to plan for this before you leave your home Country. Arrange for your phone to be unblocked for use abroad or with a different network provider, this is essential. Then make sure whilst you are at Johannesburg airport you can check if it is possible to purchase a local sim card (MTN or Vodacom).  Just remember, most will work in Johannesburg, but not in the Hoedspruit or other rural areas.  It is so simple and easy, you just show your passport to obtain the sim. The most efficient network providers for our area is Vodacom and MTN as they have the best coverage on the Private Reserve. Alternatively, you can also use a tri-band phone with an international roaming sim to provide communication.

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Recommended Items

• Vest tops & T shirts

• Shorts

• Long trousers

• Fleece/Jumper

• Casual clothes for dinners and excursions

• Hat, gloves, scarf and a warm jacket and long trousers for autumn and winter (May to October)

• Waterproofs – Jacket & trousers

• Good walking boots or strong outdoor thick sole trainers (if you intend to book any bush walks)

• Sock protectors/ankle gaiters (for bush walks or hiking)

• Sandals/flip flops/comfortable shoes for leisurely use around camp and on outings etc

• Sun hat (wide brimmed or baseball cap)

• Sunglasses

• Sun cream (high factor recommended)

• Insect repellent

• Plug adaptor for South African round 3 pin system

• Camera (with batteries and charger)

• Swim wear (we have a small dip pool)

• Binoculars

• Stationary/notebooks and pencils/pens (if you wish to journal your trip)

  Note: You will have the opportunity to purchase Nyumbani t-shirt, golf shirt and/or baseball cap on arrival or fleece at the Camp (all major debit and credit cards accepted).

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What is the time zone @ Nyumbani?

South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

 

Do I need a VISA?

Most nationalities are granted a free 90 day tourist visa on arrival in Johannesburg. Please make sure you check the current requirements for the passport you hold with South African Home Affairs.  When you are at Passport Control, they will ask you how long you intend to stay in South Africa.  It is very important for you to provide your dates as they will stamp your passport with the permitted days allowed, and usually no more than 30 consecutive days.  Please remember to check this and to comply with the permitted days granted.  Failure to do so may result in your prosecution and deportation.

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Do I need to take anti-malaria protection?

Yes, it is well advised to always protect yourself from a mosquito bite.  Various creams, sprays, oils are used but we always advice our guests to seek the advice from their local Travel Clinic.  It is much better to prevent the bite than to administer the cure!  Always have cool long sleeves and long pants for the evenings.  If taking oils, creams, or sprays, remember to cover all skin areas, especially the 'soft' areas and the feet, tummy, arms, and neck.  

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Do I need sun protection?

Yes, the spring and summer seasons can easily stay in the high 40's, mid 50's.  It gets hot in the Lowveld!  Sun protection is essential.  Suncream, sun hat, good sun glasses, sun block.  Especially on game drive where you are so focused on the wonderment of safari, you forget just how powerful those sun rays are!  In the winter the sun is still strong during the day with temperatures of approx. 20's - 30's.

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What type of clothing do I need to pack?

Layers, every time.  Any kind of outdoor pursuits gear is great for Safari.  Those lightweight, water resistant pants (those with half-way zips to create shorts - are great).  vest tops, t-shirts, light long sleeve tops.  All are good to pack.  In the winter months, it gets cold in the Lowveld.  Days tend to stay relatively warm, but temperatures drop rapidly at night.  You will need a good fleece, good warm jacket, beanie hat or balaclava, gloves, scarf, warm trousers, socks, closed trainers, walkers.  Always best to be able to layer up or layer down on Safari, the weather these days, globally is variable!

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