Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a stunning luxury safari lodge situated in the easily accessible southern portion of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Kruger is home to the Big Five and a wide variety of other animals and birds, which roam freely in their natural habitat.

The main Lukimbi Safari Lodge building welcomes you with its sweeping staircase and artistic fireplace with creatively engraved animals. The tasteful lounge overlooks the Lwakahle River where animals often come to drink, and the bar nearby has an award-winning wine list and cellar. No detail has been omitted in the unusual African boma, a favorite outside fire-lit venue. The lodge also moves tables around in and outside the elegant restaurant and on the stunning deck, so you can enjoy different views on different days – a detail guests often remark upon. The library has a collection of both non-fiction and fiction available to guests as well as a computer station for use. The pool is a great spot to chill in between game drives.

Since Lukimbi Safari Lodge is bounded by three major river systems, the extensive 15 000 hectare area offers a diverse array of habitats, from grasslands, to wooden areas and lush riverine thickets. This is an ideal lodge to bring the whole family with loads of activities and remarkable guides and staff.

Classic Suites

Each of the 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, 200 thread count 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.

Premiere Suites

Each of the 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, traveling as a family, or if you simply prefer your own company at the poolside in between drives.
 

Family Suites

Each of the Classic Suites (accommodating up to 4) and Premier Suites (accommodating up to 5) may be converted to accommodate families. Cots are provided for littler bodies, while single beds accommodate children between the ages of 4 and 12. The lodge allocates families to the units closer to the facilities, and have a couple of Suites which are next to one another and share a common entrance which are perfect for families larger than 5, and for older children.

Game Drives

No two 4×4 safaris are ever the same, nor are they possible to predict. It’s about being at the right place at the right time, with the right people to show you where to look. Safaris go out in the morning (just before sunrise to return in time for breakfast) and in the late afternoon (departing before sunset to return in time for dinner), and are an incomparable way to properly connect with Africa. No more than 7 people are allocated to an open shaded safari vehicle, which means that every passenger has a window seat. A maximum of 6 vehicles are out on the reserve at any given time.

A Lukimbi safari is a unique take on a traditional Kruger National Park safari in that vehicles are permitted to traverse off-road under strictly controlled conditions. This, coupled with the fact that no more than 32 people enjoy 15 000 hectares of pristine protected wilderness, makes for an exclusive and highly personalized close contact safari experience.

The importance of a good guide cannot be overstated, and Lukimbi’s guides are all qualified and experienced experts. They are teamed with local trackers who were born in this area. Together they make a formidable team, whose passion and knowledge combine to deliver a standalone safari experience. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and you’ll quickly get drawn in to their excitement over predators, the medicinal uses of plants, astronomy, spoor tracking, photography and birds – to name just a few. They will hold you riveted as they jump off a vehicle to point out paw prints in the sand, or to identify a luminous chameleon in a tree.

 

Bush Walks

Guided River and Bush Walks are also available to those who want their feet on the ground for the fresh perspective on an interactive walking safari.

Sunrise and sunset are very special on safari, in that they give the unique opportunity to pause, breathe and simply take in the beauty of the surroundings. Sip on an Amarula coffee or G&T as you witness the sun’s rise and fall in a glorious blaze of colours -no two are ever the same, and the impact is as powerful whether its your first or your hundredth time.

 

Kid’s Program

It’s quite extraordinary to watch families of every shape and size as they come together on safari. Reconnect with yourself and your loved ones as you tap into the restorative power of nature; share the excitement, adventure and discovery of being out in the African bush together. You’ll make memories out here that will bond you together forever.

The Kids’ Program commences after breakfast, giving parents the opportunity to enjoy a bush walk. A dedicated guide will take charge of the childrens’ bush activities, which may include a specially planned game drive, nature walk, tracking, bird identification, a bush treasure hunt and spoor casting. Learning how to make a toothbrush from a Gwarrie Tree is an all-time favorite! Back at the lodge great fun is had in the Safari Playroom, which is stocked with a collection of games, toys and creative mediums for arts and crafts. An outdoor playground is a good place to expend some energy, with a jungle gym and garden games.

Where there is water there is laughter. We have a shallow kiddies’ pool for our younger guests, while more confident swimmers will enjoy hiding behind the waterfall as it cascades from the rocks to the main pool. If you are lucky, you’ll get to watch elephants drinking from the pools of water in the river bed nearby. If parents would like some alone time, we have babysitters on site to relieve them for a couple of hours from 07h00 each day.