« I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy »
Ernest Hemingway
Hidden away in the middle of Zulu country, this magnificent cliff-top Relais & Châteaux property overlooks the River Sunday. Elegantly decorated, each of the five independent suites has a panoramic terrace, inviting you to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes below. The Nambiti Reserve alternates between bush and savannah, plains and waterfalls, and is the only reserve in the region with such a high game population.
The Heart of the Lodge
Perched high on a cliff, Le Relais & Châteaux is a luxurious and exclusive African lodge, with accommodation for up to 10 guests in an idyllic setting. Overlooking the savannah, Esiweni Safari Lodge's 5 suites offer breathtaking views. A range of indoor and outdoor living areas including a boma, bar, patio, a beautiful terrace and an infinity pool offer endless opportunities for you to relax and unwind. Everything here is designed to give you a feeling of freedom that is so unique to Africa.
Restaurant
Creative cuisine, between modernity, tradition and products from African nature.
From breakfast to dinner, gastronomy is an integral part of your days at the lodge. It is sublimated thanks to unexpected flavors. From the Rusk (typical African biscuit) that you snack on before a morning safari, to muesli, to a healthy and light lunch. The restaurant offers local products, cooks with the herbs from the garden, and the meat comes from the butcher's shop on the reserve itself. Amazing and surprising meats on the plate, but entirely organic, local and respectful of the animal. Esiweni teams will be constantly be listening to your desires and preferences or intolerances to make the best out of it.
Our Suites
The lodge’s 5 suites are all inspired by Africa's wide-open spaces. Showcasing local craftsmanship, their refined style invites you to indulge in the tranquillity of your surroundings. Each suite is built into the side of a cliff, overlooking the Sunday River and offering spectacular views of the Nambiti reserve.
Elephant Suite
Size : 100m2 with a 50m2 terrace
Capacity : 2 adults and 1 child
Description : Double or twin beds, an extra bed can be provided upon request, bathroom with double washbasin plus outdoor shower.
View : Over the river and the plains
Rhino Suite
Size : 100m2 with a 50m2 terrace
Capacity : 2 adults and 1 child
Description : Double or twin beds, an extra bed can be provided upon request, bathroom with double washbasin plus outdoor shower.
View : Over the river and the plains
Buffalo Suite
Size : 100m2 with a 50m2 terrace
Capacity : 2 adults and 1 child
Description : Double or twin beds, an extra bed can be provided upon request, bathroom with double washbasin plus outdoor shower.
View : Over the river and the plains
Lion Suite
Size : 80m2 with a 50m2 terrace
Capacity : 2 adults
Description : Double or twin beds, inside bathroom and outside bathtub, sound system, coffee, fans
View : Overlooking the cliff
Leopard Suite
Size : 80m2 with a 50m2 terrace
Capacity : 2 adults
Description : Double or twin beds, inside bathroom and outside shower, sound system, coffee, fans
View : Overlooking the cliff
Amenities
Infinity Pool
Free Wifi
Panoramic view from the top of a cliff
Breakfast
Housekeeping
Warm bed in winter
Amentites Africology
Full Board (excl. drinks)
« Esiweni becomes fully off-grid »
Esiweni Lodge goes fully off-grid: a bold commitment to sustainable luxury and biodiversity protection
Nambiti Private Game Reserve, South Africa – October 2025
Perched on a cliff in the heart of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, Esiweni Lodge, member of Relais & Châteaux, has reached a major milestone: the property is now entirely off-grid, powered 100% by solar energy.
This initiative is fully aligned with the 12 commitments of Relais & Châteaux, particularly those dedicated to protecting biodiversity, reducing environmental impact, and preserving local heritage and communities.
"Becoming off-grid is more than a technical decision — it's a conviction. We live in the middle of the savannah, surrounded by nature in its most powerful and fragile form. It is our duty to protect it while continuing to offer an authentic, refined experience inspired by the French art of living."
— Ludovic Caron, Co-Owner of Esiweni Lodge
A commitment aligned with Relais & Châteaux and UNESCO
As a partner of UNESCO, Relais & Châteaux actively works to protect biodiversity and living heritage around the world.
Esiweni Lodge proudly contributes to this mission, being located within a UNESCO World Heritage area, celebrated for the richness of its ecosystems and the beauty of its landscapes.
This new milestone further strengthens the lodge's commitment to:
- Reduce carbon emissions through a cutting-edge solar installation.
- Operate autonomously in water and waste management to minimize its environmental footprint.
- Support local initiatives for wildlife conservation and community development.
Redefining the meaning of luxury
With only five cliffside suites overlooking the Sundays River Valley, Esiweni Lodge embodies a vision of intimate and responsible luxury — where French elegance meets the raw beauty of the African wilderness.
Now fully off-grid, the lodge represents a new expression of high-end hospitality: respect for nature as the ultimate form of refinement.
"Being off-grid means rediscovering silence, natural light, and the rhythm of the sun and the earth. It's a new kind of luxury — living in harmony with nature."
— Ludovic Caron