Lukimbi Safari Lodge | Southern Kruger
Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a stunning luxury safari lodge situated in the easily accessible southern portion of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The lodge boasts the most beautiful view along the bank of the Lwakahle River. Accommodation is provided in Classic Suites and Premier Suites. Every room and living space was designed around the view, while latticed ceilings filtering the sun’s dappled light, casting ambient shifting shadows as the sun moves across the sky. The pool area is a place of serenity, right on the bank of the river. It includes multi-leveled relaxation decks as well as a children’s paddle pool. Lukimbi has a gym, spa treatments, curio shop and many places to relax and unwind. We serve world class cuisine in great venues, including our beautiful boma and we have an extensive South African and international wine and cocktail list in our social, fun bar.
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Each of our 14 Classic Suites occupies its own elevated position overlooking the bush, and has been designed to magnify the view. Private shaded decks, cathedral styled windows, floor-to-ceiling glass in front of great stone bathtubs, and open outdoor showers promise ample opportunity to fully appreciate and be one with the wilderness.
Guests are invited to make themselves completely at home with their every comfort considered. Generous open space, high quality linen, sumptuous feather pillows (micro fibre pillows available on request), deluxe amenities and an in room refreshment centre (including beverages and a selection of snacks) encourage proper relaxation.
Each of our Classic Suites (accommodating up to 4 – 2 Adults and 2 Children) may be converted to accommodate families. Cots are provided for littler bodies, while single beds accommodate children between the ages of 4 and 12.
Each of our 2 Premier Suites – The King Cheetah Suite and the Giant Eagle Owl Suite – has all of the features of the Classic Suites, but also include a private plunge pool & deck overlooking the Lwakahle River and the surrounding bush.
They are more generously spaced with a separate bedroom, 2 bathrooms en-suite, a dining area and a larger lounge. These ultra luxurious Suites are perfect if you are celebrating a special occasion, travelling as a family, or if you simply prefer your own company at the poolside in between drives.
Each of our Premier Suites (accommodating up to 5 – 2 Adults and 3 Children) may be converted to accommodate families. Cots and single beds are provided as required.
Property Facilities
Bar, Chapel, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Library, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Heater, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Golf, Walks (Guided)
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.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 16
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Idube Game Reserve | Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Idube is situated in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, adjoining the Kruger National Park in South Africa. This world renowned reserve is known for conservation efforts, particularly in protecting rhino and pangolin. The reserve also extends its efforts to the community on the borders of the Sabi Sands, Mpumalanga, in uplifting and improving their conditions, and in their understanding of the value of the reserve for the future. Idube Game Reserve traverses approximately 10 000 hectares of wildlife area and is home to the big 5 animals, as well as a large variety of other animals. A great draw card for guests is the leopards, which are seen frequently. The lodge was very recently majorly upgraded and opened again in June 2025. As well as 6 new Suites, the bar patio was added as another great area for enjoying the view. All suites have improved Wi-Fi, as do the entertainment areas.
All 14 suites at Idube are now luxury suites, and each with sumptuous African and wildlife-inspired decor and own private deck and pool. There are 8 Safari Suites, 4 Linked Suites, and 2 Makubela suites. Suites are now accessed by raised walkways that run between the beautiful trees.
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All suites at Idube Game Reserve are now luxury suites and included in these 14 beautiful suites are our Safari Suites. These 8 private suites all feature a screened entrance off our raised walkways, a private deck/patio with views of the bush, private plunge pool, modern bathroom with a granite indoor/outdoor shower (and glass roof), separate WC, mosquito nets over the bed, African-inspired decor, which bring in the suite’s theme, minibar, coffee station, fan, air-conditioning, mosquito nets on windows and doors, hair dryer and safe. Each suite is accessible from a raised walkway that passes through the trees and has no suite in front of it for unobstructed views of the South African bush.
Enjoy view of the bush and resident wildlife from your patio.
Like the Makubela Suites on the East, 2 of our Safari Suites are at the far end of the West walkway, allowing privacy and distance from the main area, but can also be screened off at the entrance if you’d like the suites to be inter-leading.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge, Mid Ensuite With Separate Shower/Toilet, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Wardrobe
While all of our suites are luxury suites, the 2 Makubela suites still retain their name and original charm even after some upgrades. These suites are named for a leopard once prowling the area, have amazing views over the bush from their private decks. The location of the suites away from the more public areas of the lodge, makes them especially tranquil and perfect for romance or a special occasion.
Each suite has its own well-stocked mini bar, coffee and tea station, bath, inside and revitalising outside showers, hairdryer, safe, air conditioning and wi-fi. Don’t worry about mosquitoes as nets cover all windows and doors as well as the beds themselves. You can’t help but relax in these sumptuous settings at Idube Game Reserve. If inter-leading suites are required, the Makubelas could work for you.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), iPod/iPhone/USB Dock, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Safe, Shower, Verandah, Wardrobe
We have 4 Linked suites, which are very similar to our Safari Suites and have all the same features, but are configured with families and groups in mind. Two separate and private rooms are connected by a shared patio/deck and a slightly larger pool is shared between the 2 units.
(Please bare with us as we update this section, for now please see our original plans before the upgrade)
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Mid Ensuite With Separate Shower/Toilet, Mini Bar, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wardrobe
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Air conditioner, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Gym / Fitness Centre, Gym on property, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Library, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Parking, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room, Vegetarian, Wellness Centre, Wheelchair Access, Wine Tasting
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, External Shower, Fan, Fireplace, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Lounge, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wardrobe, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Hiking, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
There is an early morning game drive and a late afternoon / evening game drive over an area of approximately 24700 acres (10 000 hectares).
Guests can expect to see some, if not all of the Big 5, as well as many other species of game and some of the over 300 species of birds.
Animals are usually seen from very close quarters, the sighting is professionally handled and controlled. Drives are normally 3 to 4 hours long, with a stop along the way for tea, coffee or sundowners and snacks. Idube is particularly well known for the frequent and excellent sightings of leopards - a photographer's dream come true.
After breakfast, a morning walk with a professional field guide is offered. As well as viewing some of our usual game, this is a great opportunity to view smaller creatures close-up as well as many beautiful African birds. Guests can also learn about the local and traditional uses of plants. Otherwise, if this isn’t for you, guests can relax around the pools, lounges, patios or on their decks.
Idube is a birder’s paradise, both at the lodge itself and on safaris and bush walks. There are over 400 species of birds for guests to discover and photograph throughout the reserve.
During your stay, you might be lucky enough to see ostriches or the endangered ground hornbill. Our visitors are also fascinated by our many species of raptors including vultures and eagles.
Around the lodge we have resident Guinea Fowl, Hornbills, Starlings, Grey Go-Away Birds and many more.
Idube Game Reserve is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, with thrilling leopard sightings often being the highlight of our visitor’s stays.
An extensive array of wildlife can seen throughout Idube’s traversable area and these include giraffe, impalas, zebras, wildebeest, hyaenas and jackals, to name but a few. Both crocodiles and hippos move long distances to find new dams or to move to a river, so it’s always a nice surprise when they are spotted. Within the lodge itself we have had a herd of resident Nyala that have been around as long as we can remember, you’ll also see vervet monkeys, squirrels, and possibly waterbuck and warthog.
We have an extensive array of experiences for our guests to enjoy, including romantic dinners for couples, unique group events, fine dining which is highly reviewed on TripAdvisor, a swing bridge leading to a hide where you can view animals, pools for you to cool off in, a gym, the Baobab spa, a lovely bar with an extensive South African and International wine list, lounges and gazebo to relax in, a cellar, bar patio, a firepit to gather around, and curio shop. Our website at idube.com will give you even more information.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 14
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
