Paula Marais, Author at Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Where to See the Big 5 South Africa

Where Is the Best Place to Stay to See the Big 5 in South Africa?

It is regularly voted as one of the most beautiful countries in the world and when one considers the vast array of landscapes and abundance of natural wonders, it is absolutely no wonder that South Africa has always mesmerised visitors – and continues to do so. One of the biggest attractions when it comes to wildlife is, without a doubt, the world-famous Big 5: the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros. So, if you are on a quest to see these majestic creatures, where would be the best place to go?

While this narrows it down – you now have a country, a region, and a game reserve to focus on – it’s still important to note that the Kruger National Park in South Africa is almost the same size as the entire Wales in the UK. If you want to see the Big 5, you would probably want to commit to more than only a 1-day visit. This means you should also consider where to stay while on your African safari in the bush.

Thankfully, this last question is an easy one to answer. If you’re planning an overnight trip to the Kruger National Park to see the Big 5 and want to enjoy a Bushveld adventure of the highest calibre in South Africa, you’d definitely want to book your accommodation at Lukimbi Safari Lodge. It’s where opulent luxury and true African hospitality meet.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is located in the easily accessible southern part of the Kruger National Park and offers guests a range of luxury suites, decadent fine dining, and opulent spa treatments. Furthermore, bookings also include private game drives and guided bush walks can be arranged for those who want to get up close and personal with nature.

So remember, if you’re wondering where to see the Big 5 in South Africa, your first choice should, without a doubt, be the 5-star Lukimbi Safari Lodge. Contact us to make a booking. We’re looking forward to welcoming you and treating you to a magical African safari that you’ll never forget.

Game Drive Kruger Park

6 Essential Tips Before Going on a Game Drive in the Kruger National Park

The fragrant smell of the Bushveld. The warm African sun on your skin. The open savannah calling you to explore. The thrill of spotting wildlife as you round a corner. There are very few adventures which are as exciting as a game drive and there is nowhere better to do it than at the magnificent Kruger National Park in South Africa – the most popular and one of the largest nature reserves on the African continent

Here are six essential tips to help assure you have an excellent experience if this is your first time going on a game drive in the Kruger National Park:

Choose the time of year carefully. The Kruger National Park’s landscape is more lush and green during summer (November to March), which is absolutely beautiful. However, this could also obstruct the view of the animals. Winter vegetation is sparser and the wildlife is easier to spot while congregating around the dwindling waterholes.

Get an early start. If you want the best chance to spot local wildlife, make sure you go on an early-morning game drive. Not only is this a great time to catch a glimpse of some of the more elusive creatures but the crisp air is an experience that is well worth the effort.

Pack sun protection. The last thing you want is for your safari adventure to be cut short or spoilt by sunburn or heatstroke. The African sun can be harsh, even in winter, so make sure you pack some sunscreen, a sun hat to protect your head and neck, and sunglasses.

Wear neutral colours. Avoid brightly coloured clothing when going on a game drive. You want to blend in and not startle any animals while out and about. Ultimately, you want to be able to get as close as possible to them.

Take a camera. Visiting the Kruger National Park is an unforgettable experience. Yet, there are also bound to be magical moments you’d want to capture. Bring a camera with you or make sure your mobile phone can take decent photos and is fully charged.

Make sure you are accompanied by a professional guide. A professional guide is trained to spot animals where others won’t spot a thing. They know the area and understand the behaviour of the animals. When you book your stay at Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, your luxury accommodation includes a daily game drive in the morning and afternoon with our top guides.

Safari in Kruger National Park

7 Useful Packing Tips for an Unforgettable Safari in the Kruger National Park

There are few things as exciting as a holiday away, especially if that holiday is a wonderful safari in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Packing for your vacation is perhaps not the most exciting part of the entire getaway but it is worth doing it properly to ensure you have a magical time while on your adventure. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind while packing to make sure your safari in the Kruger National Park is nothing short of incredible:

Clothing: Careful with colour. Pack clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in and stay away from bright colours. Remember that you are on a safari in the Kruger National Park and dust might make white clothes look dirty quickly.
Shoes: Comfort is king. There is no need to buy fancy hiking boots unless you are planning a proper hike at some point. Pack comfortable walking shoes – ones which you won’t mind to get a bit dirty.
Think sun. The African sun can have quite a bite and the last thing you want to sit with while on holiday is an unpleasant sunburn. Bring a sun hat, some sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Pack medication and must-have toiletries. While you will be able to get the basics at some of the stops and at the lodge you’re staying, you won’t always be close to a town or shops. So, if there is anything you specifically need, like prescription medication, make sure it is in your bag.
Smile for the camera! While you want to live in the moment and take in all the splendour of nature, there are bound to be moments you’d want to capture for looking at again later.
Carry some cash. There is only one bank in the Kruger National Park, and that is at Skukuza. Take some cash with you or draw some when you enter the park through Skukuza.
Bring a book. There will be moments during your safari where you will have some downtime to enjoy. Pack a book or some other activity to keep you busy as you relax in the comfort of your room or on your private viewing deck.

That’s all you need. As for the rest, leave it to Lukimbi Safari Lodge, situated in the easily accessible southern part of the Kruger National Park. Book your accommodation with us and we’ll take care of all your needs. As our guest, you are in for a real treat.

5-Star Luxury Safari

The Best Place for a 5-Star Luxury Safari in South Africa

Get ready for the ultimate getaway: an African adventure that envelops you in luxurious comfort, takes your breath away with stunning visuals, and provides all the thrills to create magical memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. We’re about to let you in on a secret – why the 5-star luxury Lukimbi Safari Lodge in South Africa is your ultimate holiday destination.

The Kruger National Park Is Tops

Only the best will do when planning a 5-star luxury safari. In terms of game reserves, the best is the Kruger National Park. It’s one of the largest of its kind in Africa and the most-visited reserve on the continent.

The Big Five

What would a 5-star luxury safari be without the world-famous Big 5 – the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros? They can all be found in the Kruger National Park, alongside an abundance of other wildlife.

Easy Access

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is located in the easily accessible southern part of the Kruger National Park to ensure that you get to enjoy the pristine Bushveld without having to suffer in transit.

TripAdvisor Agrees

TripAdvisor is a travel site that collects visitors’ reviews. Our luxury lodge boasts a 5-star rating from over 700 reviews and has been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for earning consistently great reviews from travellers.

All the Comfort You Want

Our spacious rooms feature high windows with spectacular views of the bush, as well as private viewing decks. The ultra-luxurious Premier Suites adds additional space, a dining area, an additional bathroom, and its own pool on the private deck.

Fine Dining Fit for A King

Your taste buds are about to go on an epic adventure of their own. Our private chef delivers the highest-quality food to impress any palate and the food is as stunningly beautiful as it is delicious. To complement the delectable meals, we also offer an award-winning wine list.

Pampering Spa Treatments

Just because you’re in the bush doesn’t mean you have to rough it. A vacation is all about relaxation and rejuvenation – and there is plenty of this to be found in our luxury spa. Treat yourself to a full-body massage, a manicure or pedicure, a refreshing facial, or any of the other world-class treatments available.

Book your 5-star luxury safari now at the incredible Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park. Trust us when we tell you that you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime.

Game Lodges in Mpumalanga

No Other Game Lodges in Mpumalanga Come Close

With its beautiful scenery, abundance of wildlife, a plethora of reserves and, obviously, the world-famous Kruger National Park, you won’t have any trouble finding game lodges in Mpumalanga. However, when planning a holiday for the annals, not just any lodge will do. You deserve to be treated like royalty at the best this province has to offer.

With this in mind, there is only one choice when looking at game lodges in Mpumalanga: Lukimbi Safari Lodge. So, what is it that sets Lukimbi apart from the other game lodges in Mpumalanga?

It’s the setting. Located in the easily accessible southern part of the Kruger National Park, the lodge is nestled in one of the most pristine and breathtaking beautiful parts of the Bushveld.
It’s the accommodation. Beautiful, African-inspired décor transports you into a magical world of wonder. The spacious bedrooms boast their own private viewing decks and have all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
It’s the wildlife. Explore the surroundings and see if you can spot the world-famous Big 5 on one of the professionally guided game drives or bush walks.
It’s the food. Expect fine dining at its best, courtesy of the head chef at the lodge’s restaurant. Or enjoy a boma dinner under the stars, next to a cosy campfire.
It’s the spa. Just because you’re in the bush, doesn’t mean you can’t be pampered. Book a treatment of your choice – a full-body massage, a manicure or pedicure, or a facial – and relax as you enjoy a revitalising experience.
It’s all the little extras. Your comfort and enjoyment are top priority. Whether you’d like to relax in the gorgeous lounge, stay active using the on-site gym, enjoy a dip in the pool, or even fit in a round of golf, it is all available to you.

If you want to stay at the best of the best game lodges in Mpumalanga, book your accommodation at Lukimbi Safari Lodge right now.

Game Lodge Accommodation

Why Your Choice of Game Lodge Accommodation Is So Important

There is nothing quite like the thrill of an African safari. No other holiday experience matches the intoxicating combination of this exciting sense of adventure, the stunning natural beauty, and the authentic appeal of African hospitality. That is, of course, if you book your trip wisely. As with most things in life, not all offerings and experiences are created equally, which is why it is so important to book just the right game lodge accommodation to make sure you get the absolute most out of your African safari holiday.

So, what is it that makes a game lodge the perfect holiday accommodation option? Look out for the following:

Easy Access To The Best Wildlife Viewings

The location of the game lodge accommodation should be the first consideration. After all, you are here for a safari and you want to make sure you see the best nature has to offer. Lukimbi Safari Lodge is situated in the easily accessible southern portion of the Kruger National Park – one of the largest and most popular reserves on the African continent. We provide a choice of daily game drives where visitors have the chance to see everything from the renowned Big Five to general game and a large variety of bird species. We also offer guided bush walks for those who want to completely immerse themselves in nature.

A Full-Service Offering

Remember, to experience a proper safari, you will need to travel to the middle of the bushveld. You cannot simply pop out to a shop or restaurant of your choice as you please. Ensure that you book your accommodation at a place that offers all the amenities you need, or include it in your travel plans to either stop at places or provide things like your own food, entertainment, and transport. Lukimbi Safari Lodge provides a full service, including game drives, wildlife viewing, fine dining, spa treatments, and other entertainment options.

Comfort and Convenience

It is your holiday and it is meant to be indulgent. So, when you look for accommodation, look for something that provides more than just the most basic requirements. At Lukimbi Safari Lodge, each room provides spacious luxury with great views of the natural surroundings. Our restaurant serves the most delicious fine-dining meals, or you can enjoy African-inspired cuisine under the stars. We also have a world-class spa where you can relax and indulge in some special treatments in-between your safari drives. It is all about you and your enjoyment.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable game safari experience. Book your accommodation with Lukimbi Safari Lodge for an experience like no other.

African Wildlife Safaris

What to Pack When Going on African Wildlife Safaris

Few modern-day adventures can hold a candle to the thrill and excitement of African wildlife safaris. The rugged call of nature… the pristine landscape that takes your breath away… the majestic animal kingdom roaming their natural habitat… It is at once an exhilarating rush and a gloriously humbling experience.

Even better, African wildlife safaris are so far removed from our regular routine and environment that they offer the perfect escape from everyday life. However, that also poses a challenge. As it is so different from our daily activities, how do you know what to pack? You still want to make sure you enjoy the absolute best adventure possible.

To help you prepare, here are some practical items that travellers want to have with them when embarking on African wildlife safaris:

Cash – While most established businesses accept debit and credit cards, there are also many informal outlets and artists who you may want to support that do not have card facilities.

A Camera – You are guaranteed to see some impressive and breathtaking sights on African wildlife safaris. Make sure you have a camera to capture select moments, as chances are, you would want to relive these again once you have returned from holiday.

Sun Protection – The African sun can be harsh, even in winter, and nobody wants their wildlife safaris spoiled by sunburn. Pack some sunscreen, as well as a hat and sunglasses for when you are out in the bush.

Neutral Coloured Clothes – One of the main reasons you are here is to see the magnificent animals roaming the area. Wear neutral coloured clothes to blend in to the surroundings to avoid alarming the animals or scaring them away.

Cool Clothes And A Warm Jacket – The days are often hot, and the nights can be cool. Bring cool clothes and a jacket that you can easily carry with you.

Comfortable Shoes – Unless you are planning an extended hike, you need not invest in specialised hiking boots. Comfortable walking shoes should do the trick.

Moisturisers And Creams – The change in environment can dry your skin out tremendously. Be prepared by packing some lip balm, as well as your moisturising cream and hair conditioner to help you feel your best at all times.

For more information about what to bring, contact Lukimbi Safari Lodge. We are masters in hosting top-class African wildlife safaris and will happily answer your questions and assist you with a booking at our 5-star lodge located within the easily accessible southern part of the world-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Mpumalanga Game Lodge

5 Reasons Why Our Mpumalanga Game Lodge Is So Popular

With the Kruger National Park found here, it stands to reason that there are a multitude of game lodges available in Mpumalanga, South Africa. However, as can be expected, not all of them offer the same experience. Lukimbi Safari Lodge is one of the most popular choices for accommodation, as is evident by its 5-star Excellent rating on TripAdvisor.

Here are just five of the reasons why people prefer our Mpumalanga game lodge over the other available options:

1. Prime Location

Our game lodge is perfectly located to provide visitors with the ultimate safari experience. We can be found in the southern part of the world-renowned Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, South Africa – a stunning, pristine reserve that is home to the most species of mammals of any reserve in Africa, including the Big Five: the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant. The are also more than 400 bird species, making a bird watcher’s haven.

2. Luxurious Rooms

Choose between the luxurious Classic Suites, each with their own viewing deck, high windows, and air conditioning, or the opulent Classic Suites that adds additional space and a private pool on your wooden deck. After all, this is your holiday, and you deserve to enjoy complete comfort and convenience during every moment of your stay.

3. Thrilling Game Drives

In addition to your accommodation, Lukimbi Safari Lodge also provides two game drives a day – one in the early morning and one in the afternoon – on their private roads covering an extensive 15 000 hectare area. Wildlife viewing includes possible sightings of the Big Five. There are also guided bush walks after breakfast for those who want to get even closer to nature.

4. Delicious Food

The in-house restaurant features exquisite fine-dining options that are as beautiful as they are delicious. This is paired with an award-winning wine list to complete the experience.

5. Indulgent African Spa

A holiday is all about rest and relaxation. And what better way to relax and let that tension go than by booking a luxury treatment at our very own African spa? Whether you want a delightful manicure and pedicure, a refreshing facial, or a rejuvenating back massage, we have you covered.

Are you ready for the holiday of a lifetime yet? Then get in touch with our friendly team at Lukimbi Safari Lodge to book your spot at our Mpumalanga game lodge. We will answer all your questions and assist you with securing your getaway. It is time you experience the magic of Africa.

Kruger National Park Accommodation

Where to Book Your Luxury Kruger National Park Accommodation

So, you have decided to visit the Kruger National Park and now you need to book your accommodation. First of all: excellent choice of destination. As far as African safaris go, you do not get much better than this. This is one of the largest and the most popular game reserves on the entire African continent, and it is home to more species of mammal than any of the other reserves, including the majestic Big Five: the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

Now, with the Kruger National Park being so exceptionally popular, you may have noticed that there is no shortage of accommodation options. In fact, the many choices available can potentially be overwhelming. How do you know which one to choose?

Lukimbi Safari Lodge, of course. Located in the easily accessible southern part of the Kruger National Park, our game lodge accommodation is easy to get to and offers access to an abundance of wildlife. Bounded by three major river systems, our 15 000 hectare area provides a variety of habitats for all kinds of wonderful wildlife, including the Big Five, general game, such as antelope, and 420 bird species. Our trained bush guides lead two safari drives a day on our private roads, and there are also guided bush walks after breakfast.

A 5-Star Excellence Rating On TripAdvisor

Aside from the wildlife, our luxury accommodation in the Kruger National Park is completely created around the comfort and convenience of our guests. The consistent 5-star ratings from visitors and the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor is testament to this.

Each room features its own private viewing deck and high windows – you cannot feel closer to the bush unless you were in it. All suites have air conditioning, and the Premier Suites even feature their own private swimming pool on their wooden decks.

That is not all. You are invited to join us for a feast as we serve fine-dining cuisine in our restaurant, paired with our award-winning wine list. If this is not enough indulgence, sit back and enjoy a rejuvenating back massage, a refreshing facial, or a relaxing manicure and pedicure in our Africa spa. We also have a gym facility available on-site for guests, and can facilitate reservations at the amazing Leopard Creek golf course – one of the world’s finest golf courses, designed by Gary Player.

Now that is an unforgettable Kruger National Park adventure. To book your luxury accommodation, contact Lukimbi Safari Lodge right now.

Private Game Lodges South Africa

What Makes Us One of the Top-Rated Private Game Lodges in South Africa

With a seemingly endless array of magnificent and beguiling landscapes, and an abundance of fantastic fauna and flora, South Africa is home to many wonderful private game lodges that promise unforgettable adventures. So, what is it that makes Lukimbi Safari Lodge one of the top-rated private lodges in South Africa?

Is It The Location?

It could very well be. We are one of the exclusive private game lodges that can be found within the borders of the Kruger National Park. This is one of the largest and most popular game reserves on the continent, and home to a magnificent selection of wildlife, including the renowned Big Five: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. Yet, it is still easily accessible for tourists, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a luxury African adventure.

Is It The Accommodation?

It definitely is. All suites in our luxurious lodge are designed to provide you with comfort and convenience, while also gently reminding you that you are in nature. High windows look out over the river and trees, and each suite has its own viewing deck. Additionally, the Premier Suites even boast their own swimming pools on their private wooden decks.

Is It The Luxurious And Indulgent Treats?

Without a doubt. Prepare for a feast upon your arrival back from a thrilling game drive. Our restaurant serves fine dining that is as beautiful as it is delicious. This is paired with an award-winning wine list.

There is also a world-class spa where you can relax and enjoy a rejuvenating back massage, facial, or manicure and pedicure. For those who like to be active, we offer gym facilities on site, and can arrange reservations at the Gary Player-designed golf course at Leopard Creek.

Book your spot at Lukimbi Safari Lodge now and join us to find out exactly why we are one of the top private game lodges in South Africa.