Nselweni Bushlodge Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, KZN
Brand New Nselweni Bushlodge
Surprise, is the first reaction guests experience on arrival at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park’s newest addition – Nselweni Bushlodge. The bushlodge, curled inside a curve of the Black Umfolozi River, is a world-class new expression of bush accommodation. While the name ‘Nselweni’ has been on Park maps for years, this newly designed bushlodge, officially opened on the 10 December 2009, is a fresh departure from the traditional bush accommodation we have come to expect.
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Innovation "Bushlodges using local material such as reeds, poles and thatch for structures, were a local innovation by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (then the Natal Parks Board). However Nselweni’s structures," as Dr Bandile Mkhize, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s CEO points out, "are a radical departure from our traditional styles although it does still retain that essential ‘bush’ feel with the combination of brick, glass and canvas”.
With R3 million from the Community Levy (a percentage of each rand paid by visitors to the Park) and an additional R4 million from the National Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism, building and business plans were drawn up and work began in 2008. The result is a first – a community-funded lodge within the boundaries of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Strung along the outline of circular paths are eight self-contained units, a communal living area and a boma. While the structures, with their earthy coloured walls feel rooted in Africa and sensitive to the environment, the whole bushlodge feels contemporary and carefully considered.
Investment Careful thought has not only been given to style but also to the lodge’s ownership structure. The building of the new Nselweni Bushlodge presented the opportunity to include the ten communities neighbouring Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. These communities are beneficiaries of a trust fund set up so communities bordering KwaZulu-Natal’s protected areas can gain some benefit. Over the years these funds have grown through the Community Levy – a percentage of each rand paid by visitors to the Park. Initially when this money was made available for projects, the communities bordering Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park made a ground breaking decision. Communities asked that the money should rather be held in trust until there was enough to fund an entrepreneurial enterprise, one that would provide people with employment. The redevelopment of Nselweni proved to be the ideal opportunity. With R3 million from the Community Levy and an additional R4 million from the National Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism, building and business plans were drawn up and work began in 2008. The result is a first – a community-funded lodge within the boundaries of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Zipless tent Commissioned to design the new Nselweni, architect Jeremy Steere explains that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s original brief was for tented accommodation. “People love sleeping under canvas.” He goes on to say that while reed and thatch are popular, KZN Wildlife stipulated that this bushlodge must be low maintenance. Top: Interior view of a new unit at Nselweni. Middle: View from the comfortable communal lounge looking towards
the deck and the Black Umfolozi River.
Bottom: The deck is made from durable recycled materials.
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Opposite page top: Nselweni Bushlodge is the first community-
funded lodge within the boundaries of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Funds partly came from the Community Levy monies due to the Zungu, Mandlakazi, Hlabisa, Mpembeni, Mdletshe, Mpukunyoni, Mhlana, Somopho, Obuka and Ximba communities. Community members shown here are: (front row left to right) Sindisiwe Sithole, Phakamile Shabalala, Nonhleahla Mdletshe, (back row left to right) Mthokozisi Ngcobo, Lindinkosi Mkhwanazi and Sbusiso M Dlamini. Left below: Going green Nselweni
Bushlodge has an impressive array of solar panels and cleverly hidden below benches are batteries, making the bushlodge self-sufficient from an energy perspective. (Right below) View towards the boma.
When asked about the Steering Committee’s departure from the traditional bushlodge materials, Jeremy goes on to describe what he labels his ‘zipless tent’ design. “The bathrooms and kitchens of the units are built out of brick but they sit like two bookends on either side of the tented bedroom area.” This description is apt. There are no zips – the structures have canvas but also glass and aluminium doors and windows, (wide views into the bush during the day, and a comfort at night when that hyena is sounding a little too close.) It is also the perfect compromise between the permanence of brick and mortar with its low maintenance and the joy of a transient tent. The result is an upbeat mix of fun and luxury. The tented units are laagered in a wide half circle under the cooling shadow of uMthombothi (Tamboti or Jumping Bean) trees. While the eight self-contained two-bed units are set back from the river, they do offer a quiet, intimate space within the woodland, a chance to sit on your patio and spot a solitary buck gingerly weaving between the trees. In contrast, guests can gather on the expansive deck of the open plan lounge/ dining area with its full river frontage and watch a herd of elephant coming for a drink. Alternatively, guests can socialise in the large boma area encircled by the tented units.
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Self catering luxury: Bedroom, sleeping two, adjoined by kitchen and bathroom with outdoor
braai facilities.
Nselweni Bushlodge’s layout is ingenious in its versatility. The accent is on comfortable ‘indoor/outdoor’ living. Even when the bushlodge is full, guests have the choice of being private or public. Its ideal for corporate ‘getaways’, small weddings, groups of families or friends, or even a couple who just want a weekend break in the bush. Another aspect of the bushlodge’s adaptability is that the entire setup, not just one or two rooms, is wheelchair friendly.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is going benefit. As Dr Bandile Mkhize, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO explains, “We are particularly pleased with this new development that really does cement our positive relationship with our local communities”. He goes on to say that the bushlodge is part of KZN Wildlife’s suite of public facilities. “We are confident that it will become a popular addition to the facilities we offer in the magnificent Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park”.
Going Green
And finally guests are going to benefit. Nselweni is a refreshing new take on the bushlodge experience. Bookings are now open.
The most exciting feature of Nselweni is hidden – its green architecture. The bushlodge is almost entirely self-sufficient from an energy perspective, with an impressive bank of solar panels. Cleverly hidden beneath benches are banks of batteries. Stoves, showers and fridges are fired by gas. Wherever possible, consideration was given to sustainable materials. The expansive deck is a case in point – made from mostly recycled materials that will not need maintenance and will be there to enjoy for years to come.
Win-win and win situation There is no doubt Nselweni is a ‘winner’. The communities are going to benefit from their investment in the lodge. Being a community-funded initiative, local folk will get preferential access to employment opportunities at the bushlodge.
WILDSIDE FACT TRACKER NSELWENI BUSHLODGE Where: In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Enter through Nyalazi gate and check in at Mpila Resort before traveling to Nselweni Bush Lodge. Accommodation: Self-catering. Eight units which each sleep two. Units have kitchens and en-suite bathrooms. Lodge also has a communal kitchen, lounge, dining area, viewing deck and boma. Cost: R550 pppns Contact: KZN Wildlife Reservations Tel: +27 (033) 845 1000 Fax: +27 (033) 845 1001, email: webmail@ kznwildlife.com, Postal: P.O. BOX 13069 Cascades 3202 KwaZuluNatal South Africa
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