Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Lukimbi Safari Lodge sits within a private 15,000-hectare concession in the southern Kruger National Park. It’s one of only a limited number of private concessions within the park itself. Three major river systems border the property, including the Lwakahle River directly in front of the lodge. As a result, elephant and other wildlife regularly congregate within view of the main buildings, without guests needing to leave the lodge at all.
Design and Accommodation
Sixteen suites make up the lodge: fourteen Classic Suites and two ultra-luxurious Premier Suites. Every room and living space was designed around the view. Latticed ceilings filter sunlight, and carved plaster panels depict African myths and legends throughout. Classic Suites include high windows, a spacious bath, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private deck extending from the lounge. The two Premier Suites go further still. They add a separate bedroom, dining area, larger lounge and a second bathroom, alongside a private pool with a wooden deck where elephants frequently stop for a drink.
A sweeping staircase and an artistic fireplace, engraved with animal motifs, welcome guests into the main lodge. The lounge overlooks the Lwakahle River, where wildlife often comes to drink, with an award-winning wine cellar nearby. A multi-tiered pool area offers panoramic river views. A gym, library and full conference facilities for up to 40 delegates round out the property. A private chapel on site also makes Lukimbi a genuine option for safari weddings.
Family Fit and Activities
Lukimbi welcomes children from age two, one of only a few lodges in the area to do so. Families with children under eight, however, must reserve their own private vehicle at an additional charge. A dedicated children’s programme includes game drives, bush walks and treasure hunts. Arts and crafts, special kids’ dinners, a Safari Play Room and outdoor jungle gym round out the offering. Child minders are available, though not during game drives.
Morning and afternoon game drives cover roughly 123 kilometres of private roads. Full-day bush walks suit guests wanting a more immersive pace instead. Lukimbi carries a strong reputation for rhino sightings, alongside the rest of the Big Five. Dinners often move to the lodge’s boma, where hand-packed walls form a striking backdrop for fire-lit evenings. Bush breakfasts or picnics can be arranged on request. A combination package, in addition, pairs two nights at Lukimbi with two nights at sister property Idube Game Reserve, suiting travellers wanting both settings within one trip.
Why Stay Here
- A private concession within Kruger National Park itself, bordered by three major river systems
- Sixteen suites, including two ultra-luxurious Premier Suites with their own private pool
- One of the few lodges in the area welcoming children from age two, with a genuine kids’ programme
- A strong reputation for rhino sightings, alongside the rest of the Big Five
- A private chapel on site, suiting safari weddings, and a combination offer with sister property Idube
Accommodation
Fourteen Classic Suites and two Premier Suites are designed around the view. Each has air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers and a private deck. Premier Suites add a separate bedroom, dining area, larger lounge and a private pool where elephants often stop to drink.
Dining
Meals run on a full-board basis, including soft drinks, beer and selected wines and spirits. Dinners often move to the lodge’s atmospheric boma, with bush breakfasts and picnics available on request.
Experiences
Morning and afternoon game drives cover roughly 123 kilometres of private roads, alongside full-day bush walks led by an experienced ranger. A gym, library and spa round out the lodge’s facilities, with a dedicated children’s programme available for younger guests.
Best For
Families with young children, couples and honeymooners drawn to a romantic setting, and travellers wanting a private concession within Kruger National Park itself.