The place of Adventure, Discovery and Celebration
"We offer a safe place for people to explore the great outdoors and discover who they are outside of their comfort zones, to connect with nature, partake in adventure, to appreciate life and to celebrate love".
Nyala Pans River Camp is situated in the heart of the Umkomazi River Valley in KwaZulu-Natal. We are only an hours drive from Pietermaritzburg, and 1 1/2 hours from Durban.
Our camp is made up of 2 separate camps located on the Aadnesgaard Family farm, a 3000ha commercial Game and Cattle Ranch. The farm is bordered by a further 7000ha of bushveld (including another 3 lodges) that is leased by farmer Dave Aadnesgaard from the local community to provide an area where wildlife can be protected from poaching, and create employment for the local community whom with Dave has very good relations.
Nyala Pans River Camp was started with the dream of introducing our youth to our rich and diverse natural environment, as well as educating them environmentally and enhancing personal growth. In our vision of creating a camp that compliments this vision, as well as in keeping with the African Bushveld theme, our venue boasts comfortable, permanent tented accommodation (learner accommodation), a lapa area (dining area/hall), modern kitchen, clean and adequate ablutions and a comfortable lodges (which is also our teacher's accommodation whilst running school camps, and coaches accommodation for our sports camps).
The venues also boast a total of 3 sports playing fields, numerous hiking trails, tubing, safe swimming in the Umkomazi River and a unique obstacle course. Paintball and White Water Rafting on the Umkomazi River is also available as a seasonal optional extra via Trailblazer Adventures.
The venue setting lends itself extremely well to our environmental educational themes in our learner programmes, as well as provide a truly unique setting for sports camps and church connect groups.
Our larger main camp can sleep up a total of 140 in the camp, and a further 12 in the adjacent lodge.
Our smaller camp (1 km down river) can sleep a total of 50.
Other Accommodation:
The farm boasts three beautiful lodges, as well as a camp site:
Nyala Pans River Lodge: Situated on the bank of the Mkomazi River, and adjacent to the Nyala Pans River Camp. It boasts a huge deck area, 4 separate downstairs bedrooms and 2 upstairs loft rooms, and can sleep 4 couples with children, or a total of 16 people. Ideal for smaller family getaways. DSTV included.
Call Dave Aadnesgaard for inquiries: 082 895 4673, or Rich Domleo 072 430 1247
Nkonka Lodge: Situated in a beautiful setting overlooking the Mkomazi River, and 3km down river from Nyala Pans River Camp. It boasts a large entertainment area with DSTV, a swimming pool and 13 units. Each unit is designed to sleep a couple and children, and the lodge can sleep over 30 people. Perfect for corporate getaways and large family gatherings. Call Dave Aadnesgaard for inquiries: 082 895 4673
Nkwazi Lodge: Situated in the bush overlooking the Mkomazi Valley, and over the river from Nyala Pans River Camp. Boasts a large entertainment area and lounge, a pool and 6 units. Each unit can sleep a couple and children, and the lodge can sleep a total of 17 people. DSTV included. Perfect for family getaways. Call Dave Aadnesgaard for inquiries: 082 895 4673
Long Pool Camp: Situated on the banks of the Mkomazi River, on a 1km long pool. It has ample clean and modern ablutions, a kitchenette and undercover dining area. Campers may pitch tents in the large open areas along the river, or under the shade of the acacias. There are also army tents with beds available. Can accommodate up to 50 people. Perfect for family camping groups. The entire camp may also be booked out for Bulls Parties, 4x4 Clubs etc.
Call Rich Domleo for inquiries: 072 430 1247
About the Staff
Richard Domleo – Founder of Trailblazers Adventures – is a self-motivated and energetic camp facilitator, with many years of experience with Hella Hella Outdoor Centre. Richard is also a hugely passionate adventurer and international whitewater kayaking enthusiast and is a certified river guide with 15 years of experience. Richard is married to Heather, a school teacher and they have a daughter
Nicolene Chapman – Environmental Education Coordinator – Nikki has 12 years plus experience in environmental education, camps and coordination internationally. She has a BSc in Environmental Management. She is the Co-founder of GROWILD (www.growild.co.za) whose mission is to grow locally manufactured, sustainable & socially conscious green brands. Nikki says, " I yearn to create a world that is kind and that does not need protecting".
Philani Zondi - the energised Outdoor Centre facilitator whose flare for creativity, designed many brilliant educational programmes. Philani thought-provoking questions often leave an indelible mark in young people hungry to learn. Philani is a qualified facilitator and outdoors man.
Wilhelm Brown – AKA Wild Will or Farmer Brown as he is passionate about sustainable stewardship farming and is sharing the great outdoors with young minds.