Noka Camp: A Sustainable Safari Lodge That Gives Back
Perched on a dramatic cliff above the Palala River, Noka Camp is redefining what it means to go on safari. Located within the remote Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in Limpopo Province, this sustainable safari lodge in South Africa offers much more than just Big Five sightings — every stay contributes directly to wildlife conservation and community upliftment. I had the pleasure of staying here in June 2024 and it’s a stunning property with fantastic sightings and a refreshing mission.
Where Luxury Meets Sustainability
Noka Camp is part of Lepogo Lodges, a unique non-profit safari operation. Unlike most luxury safari lodges, Lepogo has no shareholders — 100% of its profits are reinvested into conservation efforts and community development in the surrounding region.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice that sustainability is woven into every detail. Each of the five cliffside villas is designed to float above the land — built on raised platforms so that wildlife can move freely beneath. This minimises disruption to the environment while giving guests front-row views of South Africa’s wildest landscapes.
Solar panels and the country’s first solar-powered walkway supply the majority of the camp’s electricity needs. Water heating, underfloor heating, and plunge pools are all designed with energy efficiency in mind — proving you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to travel responsibly.
Wildlife in the Lapalala Wilderness
Set within a 50,000-hectare private reserve, Noka Camp offers access to some of the richest biodiversity in South Africa. Daily game drives and guided walks allow guests to spot a wide range of species, including:
- Elephant
- Rhino (both black and white)
- Lion, leopard and cheetah
- Buffalo
- African wild dog
- Hippo and crocodile
- 280+ species of birds
This vast reserve is part of a growing conservation landscape, and sightings here often feel more intimate and natural than in more commercial safari parks.
What Makes This a Sustainable Safari?
As a sustainable safari lodge in South Africa, Noka Camp goes far beyond eco-friendly practices. It actively contributes to:
- Rhino and cheetah conservation
- Rewilding and species reintroductions, including buffalo
- Community development and employment
- Environmental education through the Lapalala Wilderness School
Guests are invited to learn about the broader conservation vision and can even choose to support specific projects or visit community initiatives during their stay.
Pangolin Conservation: A World-First “Pangolinarium”
One of Noka Camp’s most unique initiatives is its work with pangolins — the most trafficked mammal on earth. Through the creation of the Pangolinarium, Noka supports the rescue, rehabilitation and safe release of injured or confiscated pangolins.
This facility is the first of its kind and is not open for tourist interaction, maintaining its ethical integrity. Instead, guests can engage through educational talks and learn more about the complex efforts to save this elusive, endangered species.
The Experience
Noka Camp’s cliff-edge villas offer a rare blend of wilderness and indulgence. Highlights include:
- Floor-to-ceiling views of the Palala River
- Heated plunge pools and underfloor heating
- Sky bed option for sleeping beneath the stars
- Gourmet cuisine with locally sourced ingredients
- Spa treatments in your villa or on the deck
- Optional fly-in safaris or private transfers
Despite its luxuries, the camp maintains a warm and relaxed atmosphere, rooted in a deep respect for the land and those who live on it — both human and wild.
Why Noka Camp Is One of the Best Sustainable Safari Lodges in South Africa
If you’re looking for a safari that has a genuine, lasting impact, Noka Camp offers one of the most ethical and sustainable safari experiences in South Africa. Here, conservation isn’t a marketing buzzword — it’s the foundation of everything.
From the raised eco-design and solar infrastructure to the pangolin rescue work and profit reinvestment model, this is a lodge for travellers who want their visit to matter.
Whether you’re dreaming of a honeymoon safari, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, or simply a more meaningful way to travel, Noka Camp deserves a place at the top of your list.
Plan Your Stay
- Where: Lapalala Wilderness, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Getting There: Fly to Polokwane or Johannesburg, with road or private air transfers available
- Recommended For: Couples, honeymooners, solo travellers, or anyone passionate about conservation
Want help booking your stay at Noka Camp or building a custom South Africa itinerary that gives back?
Get in touch at walkingwild@travelcounsellors.com
