South Africa - 6 days Sabi Sands and Kruger with Elephant Plains and Lukimbi - Private accommodated

At Elephant Plains Game Lodge you can be sure of game drives and bush walks that will live up to the Africa of your imagination! Not only will you have an excellent chance of close encounters with the Big 5, but you may even be spoiled with the more elusive wild dog and cheetah sightings. As the lodge is situated on a dry riverbed, the surrounding habitat is favourable for leopards, as these creatures enjoy the riverine and denser bush areas.

During bush walk you will have the opportunity to take a closer look at animal tracks, birds, different types of grasses and trees, as well as any smaller details of the bush that might fascinate you. This is also the ideal time for birdwatchers to get a closer look at their favourite bird species. The daily bush walk takes place after breakfast and is a leisurely walk of about an hour. Please take note that you will be accompanied by either your ranger or tracker.

Game drives go out in the early morning and late afternoons in open safari vehicles. Our guides love to share their extensive knowledge, and work closely with our Shangaan trackers to get the best sightings. There is great communication between the two and our trackers are encouraged to share their knowledge of local uses of herbs and trees, animals and birds.

We can follow the Big 5 off road in careful, controlled circumstances, an experience guests love. Guests are able to get really close to the animals and experience truly fantastic photographic opportunities. Some of the highlights of these drives is the coffee stop in the morning and sundowner time in the evening, when guests can stretch their legs, admire their surroundings and recall exciting moments from the safari.

Lukimbi's walks offer the opportunity to look at and learn about the smaller things and just to appreciate the special smell of the African bush, listening to the calls of the many species of birds. Walks are generally taken after breakfast and guests are always accompanied by an armed ranger. It is true wilderness as the 15 000 ha area is utilised by Lukimbi Safari Lodge's guests alone.

After breakfast, you drive with your guide just 10 to15 minutes to the Crocodile River (located within the Kruger National Park, where we are the only Lodge to be granted access). This makes for a very personal and exclusive experience.

The Crocodile River is magnificent. The landscape dips into bold granite rocks flanking the water, and the sounds you will hear are as impressive as the sight. A cacophony of birds singing, tweeting and calling, coupled with running water and reeds blowing in the wind, with hippos honking loudly in the foreground all make for a heady combination. You will be entertained by crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbank and the general game that comes to the water’s edge to drink.

It’s a beautiful experience sitting in silence, breathing fresh air and forging a very personal connection with the wild – and yourself…. This walk is more about appreciating the environment of the Crocodile River, and is less about physical exertion.

It is generally warm enough to swim 10 months of the year, the brave will use the pools all year round.
The main pool has a refreshing waterfall and a spectacular view of the bush and river bed.

If you enjoy a little pampering and ‘TLC’, reserve a treatment in our Spa (including beauty & grooming, facials and massages). We use a range of products by a South African company which uses only organic ingredients.

Our gym is stocked with a range of essential equipment, and the view over the river and pool from the gym is motivating.

Our charming Baroque-styled chapel may be booked by couples looking for an extra special wedding venue.

Alternatively, couples might choose to be married under a Jackalberry tree, serenaded by an African choir. The bridal party is driven to the wedding site by safari vehicle - certainly an unusual way to make an appearance.

At Lukimbi, we are able to arrange the formal side of proceedings, assisting with the legal documentation on the day.

And when it comes to theming, flowers, your wedding cake, DJ and gourmet cuisine - everything is in the hands of professionals.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge accommodates 32 people. Suites must be reserved for a minimum of 2 days for weddings of over 6 people.

If you have been dreaming of an unusual honeymoon destination, Lukimbi is the place. We offer the romance of a suite with a kingsize bed, draped by a high canopy of gauzy netting.

Celebrate your marriage with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine on your private deck overlooking the river. You will be served a superb dinner for two at one of our mystery venues.

Enjoy game drives and walks in the company of other guests, but back at the lodge you will be given the opportunity to enjoy it all alone, or in the company of staff and guests. We will arrange it just the way you'd like to remember your honeymoon forever.

Please remember to advise us that it is your honeymoon when booking, when possible, you will be given a free upgrade to one of our ultra-luxury suites, complete with private pool. Otherwise book one of the premier suites in advance.

For children under 12, babysitting is available from 07h00

The Safari Play room is available from 08h00 - 13h00 and again during the evening game drives (15h15 - 19h30)

A supervisor is present at all times. Safari beds and cots are available on request.

Activities include;
* Game drives
* Bush walks
* Plaster casting tracks
* Arts and Crafts
* Treasure hunts
* Interactive sessions with rangers
* Special boma dinners
* Kids' dinners and picnics.

All children love to swim; for the younger ones there is a special shallow kids pool.

The older ones will enjoy the water flowing across the rocks, where it finally drops into a waterfall. There they can enjoy the adventure of sitting behind the cascading water. If they are lucky, they will be able to watch elephants drinking from the pools in the river bed nearby.

Families with children under 8 years must reserve their own private vehicle.

Guests staying at Lukimbi are permitted to play golf at the nearby prestigious Leopard Creek Country Club.

Designed by Gary Player, this is one of South Africa's best known golf courses and only guests from a few select establishments can play there.

Transfers to and from Leopard Creek can be arranged and the transfer time is only 45 minutes through the Kruger Park.

Reservations need to be made in advance through our reservations office.