Discover the Flowers of Elephant Rock Game Lodge, Nambiti Private Game Reserve
Spring and early summer bring the South African bushveld to life — not only with bird calls and wildlife activity but also with bursts of colour from the many indigenous plants and flowers that flourish around Elephant Rock Game Lodge and throughout Nambiti Private Game Reserve.
These blooms don’t just add beauty to the landscape; many hold fascinating traditional stories and uses passed down through generations. Here are some of the remarkable plants you might encounter during your safari stay.
Crinum Bulbispermum | Orange River Lilly
Part of the Amaryllis family, the Orange River Lily is a striking flower often found in damp grasslands and near seasonal pans. Its large pinkish blooms and strong night-time fragrance make it a delight to encounter on an evening walk. Traditionally, parts of the plant were used to treat colds, rheumatism, and sores — a true example of nature’s pharmacy in the South African bushveld.
Strelitzia reginae | The Crane Flower | Bird Of Paradise
Perhaps one of South Africa’s most iconic plants, the Crane Flower is easily recognisable by its bold orange and blue petals resembling a bird’s head. Thriving in sunny spots, it brings a touch of tropical beauty to the reserve. A favourite among sunbirds and photographers alike, it stands as a symbol of elegance and endurance in the wild.
Lessertia frutescens – The Scarlet Balloon Pea (Kankerbos)
This hardy shrub, with its bright scarlet flowers, adds a vibrant splash of colour to the bush. Known in traditional medicine as Kankerbos, it has long been used in herbal remedies and is celebrated for its healing properties. Its resilience and striking beauty make it a wonderful sight for guests to enjoy.
Thunbergia atriplicifolia | The Natal Primrose (isiPhondo esincane)
Soft yellow flowers and lush green leaves make the Natal Primrose a cheerful presence in the grasslands. Traditionally, its green fruits were used as a natural hair wash — a reminder of how local communities have always lived in harmony with the land and its plants.
Lippia javanica | Fever Tea (umSuzwane)
This aromatic plant, commonly known as Fever Tea, is well known in traditional healing. Infusions made from its leaves have long been used to treat coughs, colds, fevers, bronchitis, and other chest ailments. Its fresh, herbal scent often fills the air after rain — a soothing fragrance that adds to the sensory delight of a bushveld safari at Nambiti Private Game Reserve.
Adding to its uniqueness, umSuzwane harvested from the reserve is also infused into the signature Nambiti Gin, bringing a true taste of the bushveld to life with every sip — a reflection of the land’s natural richness and flavour.
Gladiolus dalenii | The Parrot Lily (isiDwiesibomvu)
With fiery orange and yellow petals, the Parrot Lily adds dramatic flair to the landscape. Also called the African Gladiolus or Natal Lily, this striking flower stands tall among the grasses — perfect for visitors capturing the colourful essence of Nambiti Private Game Reserve on camera.
Cotyledon orbiculata | Pig’s Ears (Ipewula)
This hardy succulent is instantly recognisable by its thick, rounded leaves. Its clusters of orange-red flowers attract sunbirds, bringing life and movement to the rocky areas around the lodge.
Gerbera piloselloides | Small Gerbera (ubuLawu)
A member of the Daisy family, this charming flower has been traditionally used to treat earaches, headaches, and coughs. Its delicate petals bring a soft touch of beauty to the open spaces of the reserve — a reminder that even the smallest blooms have an important role in the bushveld ecosystem.
Ocimum obavatum | Cat’s Whiskers
This aromatic herb, belonging to the basil family, is easily identified by its fine, whisker-like blooms. Found in sunny, open areas, it carries the familiar scent and healing associations that make South Africa’s indigenous herbs so treasured.
A Celebration of Nature’s Colour Palette
At Elephant Rock Game Lodge, every drive through Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers a new discovery — from the fiery petals of the Parrot Lily to the soothing scent of Fever Tea. These wildflowers of the South African bushveld are more than just beautiful; they are storytellers of the land, each with its own role in the ecosystem and its own place in local heritage.
Next time you join us for a game drive or a gentle stroll around the lodge, take a moment to look down as well as out — you may just spot one of these floral treasures blooming in the wild, making your safari experience at Nambiti Private Game Reserve truly unforgettable.
