Paula Marais, Author at Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Luxury Safari Holidays

Truly Authentic Luxury Safari Holidays in Africa

Africa is so much more than merely a place. It is a feeling, a belief, a way of living. To experience this world of wonder is an honour and a privilege, and travellers should not settle for anything less than an absolutely authentic, immersive adventure. In order to provide you with just that, our team at Lukimbi Safari Lodge has gone out of their way to create the best environment for world-class luxury safari holidays to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Located inside the perimeters of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, Lukimbi Safari Lodge is perfectly situated for the best in luxury holidays. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most popular game reserves on the African continent, and it boasts the most species of large mammals of all reserves. This includes the famous Big 5 – the buffalo, the lion, the leopard, the elephant, and the rhino.

To take advantage of this location, the lodge is designed in such a way that all rooms, as well as social areas, make the most of the expansive views, while still providing privacy to our guests. All rooms have their own private viewing decks and large windows overlooking the river and trees, and the Premier Suites even have their own splash pools, providing the ultimate in luxury safari holidays.

The beautifully decorated lounge honours the surrounding landscape by using natural materials, and by making use of motifs and designs by local artists. Have a seat and enjoy some of the best wines from our award-winning wine list. Or, enjoy a classic view of the wildlife drinking at the river as you enjoy world-class fine dining on the restaurant deck.

A safari would not be complete without a few game drives. You can even go on a guided bush walk to get even closer to nature. And, upon return, complete the relaxing experience by indulging in a full-body massage or rejuvenating facial at our spa.

In addition to luxury safari holidays, our lodge also has the facilities and resources to arrange and host incredible weddings, including the ceremony and catering, as well as professional business conferences. Our fully equipped conference rooms are the perfect place for an out-of-office burst of creativity.

To find out more about what we have to offer and book the absolute best in luxury safari holidays, contact our team. We are ready to welcome you with open arms.

Kruger National Park Tours

Plan Carefully to Make the Most of Tours in the Kruger National Park

There is no denying that Kruger National Park tours are some of the most amazing things you can do when in South Africa, and probably Africa. As one of the largest game reserves on the continent – and the one that boasts the most species of large mammals – this is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to have a proper African safari experience.

That said, there is a bit more to it than getting on a plane and simply showing up. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning tours to the Kruger National Park to make sure that you have the best time of your life:

Choose the Time of Year

With its mild weather, there isn’t a wrong time to book tours in the Kruger National Park. However, different times of the year will deliver different experiences. The summer months (around October to March) are hot and lush, as this is the rainy season. The landscape will be green and beautiful, but this might hinder your views.

Winter months (April to September) are drier and colder. The bush will be sparser, making it easier to spot wildlife as they congregate around the diminishing water holes.

Be Prepared

Make sure that you take protection against the harsh African sun, as it can get hot, even during winter. A sunhat and sunglasses are a great idea. The winter nights and early mornings can be quite cold, so take something warm with you. Hiking boots are not necessary, but you definitely want comfortable shoes. And, remember to take a good camera to capture all the exciting action!

Plan Your Excursions

There are so many different things to see at different times of the day, so make sure that you book a range of activities. Lukimbi Safari Lodge offers both early morning and late afternoon game drives on our private roads, as well as guided bush walks where you have the chance to get up close to nature.

Book the Right Accommodation

Talking about Lukimbi Safari Lodge, we offer 5-star luxury safari accommodation within the Kruger National Park – a perfect base camp for those wanting to go on local tours. With a range of beautiful suites and world-class amenities – including a spa, restaurant, and pools – this is the perfect spot for an African adventure.

Private Game Reserve

It’s All in the Details: The Best Private Game Reserve Experience

Africa, and South Africa in particular, boasts an incredible natural landscape with majestic wildlife roaming the breathtakingly beautiful countryside. From the world-renowned Big 5 – the buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino – to hundreds upon hundreds of bird species, its riches know no boundaries. With so much abundance, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury safari destinations. However, do not for one second think that all safari lodges are created equal. If you want a private game reserve experience of a lifetime, the key is in the details.

Take a closer look at the private game reserve experience Lukimbi Safari Lodge offers, and see what a big difference paying attention to the most minute details makes:

The Rooms Are Exceptional

Each of our spacious rooms comes with their own viewing decks, high windows, and modern bathrooms overlooking the trees and river in the private game reserve to make you feel closer to nature, and the Premier Suites even have their own private splash pools.

The Lodge Offers So Much More Than Accommodation

There are plenty of opportunities to relax. Enjoy a rejuvenating massage at the spa. Sit back in the beautiful lounge that overlooks the river where animals often come to drink. Or, lose yourself in a book in the lodge’s library.

Food Is Not Just Food

Sit down to a meal fit for a king. Enjoy world-class fine dining with beautifully prepared, delicious meals served in the restaurant overlooking the pristine veld. Seating in the restaurant and deck is changed often so that guests can enjoy different views at different times.

Only the Best Wine Will Do

Our lodge has an award-winning wine list so that you can enjoy the absolute best wines with your meal, or while sitting in the warm and inviting bar area. Or, maybe you want a bottle for the room while you celebrate a special occasion…

Exceptional Excursions

Different animals are active at different times of the day, so our lodge offers game drives both in the early morning and in the afternoon. Want to get closer to nature? Join a guided bush walk through our private part of the game reserve to experience the finer detail nature has to offer.

If you are dreaming of a private game reserve getaway, make sure it is an experience you will remember. Contact Lukimbi Safari Lodge for more information and reserve your spot today.

Big 5 Luxury Safari

Where to Stay for the Best Big 5 Luxury Safari Experience

If you are planning an African bush adventure, you want to make it the best version of that experience that you possibly can. You want your travels and transfers to be simple, smooth, and comfortable. You want to see the most majestic of the animals in their natural habitat. And, you want to stay in the best lodge to make the absolute most of your trip.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge offers you all of these things to make your Big 5 luxury safari one you will never forget. Here are just a few of the reasons why our superb lodge features an impressive 5-star rating across more than 700 reviews on TripAdvisor:

From the moment you set foot at our lodge, you will know you are on a proper Big 5 luxury safari. Located within the Kruger National Park – one of the largest game reserves in Africa – our lodge overlooks the Lwakahle River.

Our spacious and stylish rooms offer great privacy and complete comfort, and each of the Premier Suites even has their very own private pool.

All rooms feature high windows, a bathroom overlooking the river and trees, an outside shower, and a private viewing deck, allowing you to enjoy your close proximity to nature. To further add to your Big 5 luxury safari experience, the main lounge overlooks the river where wild animals often come to drink.

Talking about the animals, a Big 5 luxury safari would be nothing without viewing the wildlife. Our lodge offers two game drives a day on our own private roads, as well as bush walks under supervision of an experienced guide.

Back at the lodge, you can enjoy all the creature comforts and luxuries you would expect of a 5-star lodge. A professional spa offers relaxing treatments, and you can hit the gym to stay active or even choose to go play a few rounds on the nearby golf course.

Even while in the middle of the bush, you can expect only the best cuisine from our kitchen. Our lodge delivers a delicious and beautiful fine dining experience with seating available in our restaurant or on the deck.

We also offer transfers from the two local airports on request – the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and the Skukuza Airport. The first airport is about an hour and a half drive away, while the second is about a three-hour drive away (albeit a journey through the park as an added experience). Both transfers make use of spacious vehicles with air conditioning.

Luxury Accommodation in Kruger National Park

Superb Luxury Accommodation in the Kruger National Park

We firmly believe that a holiday should be inspiring. It should be indulgent, relaxing, and rejuvenating. It is all about enjoying comfort, breathtaking beauty, delicious food, and sensational pampering. If this sounds like the idyllic holiday you dream of, then Lukimbi Safari Lodge in Mpumalanga, South Africa is the perfect destination for you. We offer you out-of-this-world luxury accommodation in the Kruger National Park – one of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa – for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Comfort and Delight

Tastefully decorated, warm and welcoming, and kitted with all the necessary creature comforts and more, our luxury accommodation in the Kruger National Park will make you feel right at home. Socialise in the bar area, relax in our library, or simply enjoy the privacy of your own private swimming pool and viewing deck.

Adventure Awaits

No luxury accommodation in the Kruger National Park would be complete without a walk (or a drive) on the wild side. Our surrounding area is a lush haven for wildlife, where you can spot the famous Big 5, various antelope, and up to 420 species of birds. We offer guided bush walks, as well as safari drives twice a day.

Culinary Delights

Even though you find yourself in the bush, far away from civilisation, you can still count on exceptional cooking. We only serve the highest quality food, prepared beautifully to be both a visual feast and tantalise your taste buds. To complete the experience, treat yourself to one of the bottles on our award-winning wine list.

Heavenly Pampering

We believe your enjoyment, relaxation, and rejuvenation should be the focus of your holiday. Our private in-house spa offers you all the pampering and treatments you need to achieve this – from refreshing facials, to rejuvenating massages and luxurious manicures and pedicures. Because you deserve it!

Contact us to find out more about Lukimbi Safari Lodge and book your luxury accommodation in the Kruger National Park for the memorable holiday you long for.

Plan a Safari in the Kruger

A Guide to Help You Plan a Safari in the Kruger National Park

There are few activities that offer such a wild, indulgent, and breathtaking experience as an African wildlife adventure. The dramatic landscapes, the majestic animal kingdom, and the vibrant local cultures – it is a magical escape without rival. For many, it is also a completely new and foreign experience, so we have collected some handy advice to help you plan a safari in the Kruger National Park – one of the largest and most popular game reserves on the African continent.

Where to Go

We have already given away our preference – if you want to plan a safari in Africa, the Kruger National Park is our top recommendation. Aside from its size and popularity, it is an absolute haven for wildlife, including various antelopes, hundreds of species of birds, and, of course, the renowned Big 5: the buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros.

It is also conveniently located for travellers. International flights arrive at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and then there are many luxury shuttle services available to take you to the area surrounding the game reserve.

The Best Time to Visit

South Africa boasts mild weather throughout the year. October to March are generally wetter and greener, guaranteeing beautiful natural scenery. However, the drier winter months, stretching from May to September, are usually better for game spotting, as there is less foliage to block your views, and the animals tend to gather around the dwindling drinking holes.

Duration of Your Stay

If you are from a country outside Africa and you are planning a safari in the Kruger National Park, it is advisable to stay for at least a week to ten days. It is a long way to travel, so you may need a day or two to rest, and you still want time to enjoy your African holiday.

What to Pack

This is dependent on the activities you have in mind when you are planning a safari in the Kruger National Park. Pack walking boots and comfortable clothing. Remember, the African sun can be harsh, so make sure that you have cool clothes, sunscreen, and a hat for protection. The mornings and nights can be chilly, so also bring a scarf or jacket for warmth.

All-Inclusive Accommodation

Book luxury accommodation that offers you all the creature comforts and activities you want in one easy package. This makes it easier to plan a safari in the Kruger National Park, as you do not have to deal with multiple bookings. Contact Lukimbi Safari Lodge for the ultimate in safari holidays and let us help you plan an adventure you will never forget.

Game Lodge

One of the Best Game Lodges for Holidays, Special Events, and Conferences

There are times when only the very best will do. like your wedding day and honeymoon. Like that holiday that you have been planning for ages, where you simply want to relax and immerse yourself in a different, luxurious world away from the humdrum of everyday life. Or, like when you want to impress your clients and business partners to launch that new product or to clinch that big deal. For all of these important moments, there is Lukimbi Safari Lodge – our luxurious game lodge found near the easily accessible southern part of the Kruger National Park.

Our exceptional game lodge has all the amenities, facilities, and services to ensure that you have the time of your life, whether it is for business or pleasure. We are ready to welcome you with open arms.

You will feel right at home from the moment you step inside our stylish, yet warm game lodge. A sweeping staircase and dramatic fireplace welcome you before you make your way to your bespoke room. All of our suites feature large windows and private decks to let you enjoy your close proximity to nature. The well-appointed bathrooms with spacious baths allow you to further revel in luxury, and our premier suites even afford you the opulence of your very own private pool.

Live Happily Ever After

While our game lodge might sound like an idyllic location for a honeymoon (and it certainly is!), we can do you one better. How about hosting your entire wedding here?

That’s right, we have the facilities and expertise to host a fairy-tale wedding for you. In fact, we have our very own charming, baroque-style chapel for your special day. Or, maybe you would like to add a distinctly African flavour to your wedding by getting married in the bush while being serenaded by an African choir or walking down the aisle to rhythmic drumming. We will also take care of your theme, wedding cake, flowers, music, legal proceedings, and mouth-watering cuisine.

Make Doing Business a Pleasure

Our game lodge also boasts conference facilities that can cater for up to 32 delegates. Our facilities include Wi-Fi, a big screen, a data projector, and breakaway rooms. For entertainment, we have a great bar area, lovely boma, and a fine-dining restaurant. There are also gym facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, and daily guided hikes.

Enhance your experience or event by booking our game lodge for your next getaway or conference. Contact us for more information.

Safety on Safari

5 Practical Tips for Your Safety While on Safari in South Africa

The excitement of being on another continent, the buzz you get from doing something completely out of your comfort zone, and the thrill of seeing majestic wild animals up close – these are some of the great delights of going on an African adventure. Yet, while the appeal is strong, you also want to ensure your safety while on safari. It is a strange, new experience and, while you want to enjoy it for that reason, you also don’t want to be caught unawares and ruin your experience.

So, without spoiling the fun, here are some great and practical safety tips while on safari:

Take an effective insect repellent with you and use it liberally. Being in the bush, there are bound to be bugs around. The last thing you want to do is spend half of your holiday being annoyed by itchy bites and scratching.

The same goes for sunscreen. The African sun can be harsh – even in winter. If you are not used to it, make sure you take some protection with you. A sore sunburn can really spoil an entire holiday, which is unnecessary, since it is completely avoidable.

Wear appropriate clothing. In addition to sunscreen, wear a hat and other clothing that can protect you from the sun. It can get very hot, so you want something cool. However, nights and early mornings can be very cool, so you also want something to keep you warm. If you are going to go hiking in the bush, make sure that you have comfortable and protective walking shoes. Furthermore, stay away from bold, bright coloured clothing that could attract unnecessary attention.

An obvious, but vital tip for your safety on safari is to never venture into the bush alone without a guide. Guides are trained to spot danger and to handle encounters with wild animals. You are not.

Professional guides will always give you a safety briefing before going on a safari drive. One of the most important things is to never get out of the vehicle, stick anything out of the vehicle, or open the windows (if applicable) without the express consent of the guide. While accidents are very few, wild animals can be unpredictable. This is their territory, and we must respect it.

For more information and tips on your safety while on safari, contact Lukimbi Safari Lodge. We will gladly provide you with any information you might need and assist you with your holiday booking.

Luxury Safari Lodge

4 Reasons Why You Will Have an Unforgettable Time at Our Luxury Safari Lodge

All holidays and getaways are fun, right? Well, some are certainly better than others. Like a wondrous escape into the African bush where you can forget about all the stresses of daily life and simply relax at your own pace. But, even then, you want a certain amount of comfort and indulgence to truly feel pampered and rejuvenated. This is why you should consider the exceptional hospitality and luxury of Lukimbi Safari Lodge for your next vacation. We promise you that it will be one to remember. Here are some of the reasons why:

The Accommodation

Feel right at home the moment you enter our luxury safari lodge. From the stylish, yet warm décor to the opulent lounge that overlooks the Lwakahle River, we bring you the best of Africa. Our beautiful, spacious rooms feature high windows for great views, private viewing decks, and well-appointed bathrooms overlooking the trees and river. Our Premier Suites even have their very own private splash pools – perfect for celebrating a very special occasion.

The Safaris

What is a bush holiday without a proper safari? Our luxury lodge offers a range of professional, guided bush tours to give you the best possible experience of the local wildlife. Game drives happen twice a day – in the early morning and in the afternoon – on our private roads. For a more up-close experience, join a guided bush walk on foot after breakfast.

The Food

A feast for the senses would not be complete without a delectable culinary experience. We have that covered. We serve the highest quality food with the freshest ingredients – all prepared in our kitchen to be as flavourful as possible. The utmost care is taken to ensure that your plate is also a feast for the eyes. Pair that with our award-winning wine list for the perfect finish.

The Spa

We would not be a worthy luxury safari lodge without a world-class spa. The main objective of any successful getaway is complete relaxation, and our tranquil spa and selection of indulgent treatments will ensure that you achieve this goal. Everything from rejuvenating massages to refreshing facials, luxurious manicures, and pedicures – we have your pampering completely covered.

To find out more about the facilities and numerous activities available at our luxury safari lodge, contact us. We will assist you with any and all questions, and help you book the most unforgettable African getaway you have ever experienced.

Kruger Park Safaris

All the Ingredients to Make Kruger Park Safaris Unforgettable

Africa – home to the birthplace of mankind. Still largely untamed, wild, and free. It is simultaneously humbling and empowering. Breathtaking and inspiring. Raw and opulent. And, it calls to each and every one of us to come explore its wonders and discover its majestic treasures. As one of the largest game reserves on the continent – as well as one of the most popular – the Kruger National Park sits at the top of the list of authentic African experiences. Make your African adventure one you will never forget by booking the ideal getaway.

The Perfect Location

Arrive relaxed and well-rested. Lukimbi Safari Lodge can be found at the easily accessible southern part of the Kruger Park. Our lodge can be reached via the world-class O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and then catching one of the many premium shuttles to and from the park.

Access to an Abundance of Wildlife

While the magnificent landscapes and views are a sight to behold, you definitely want to see the incredible wildlife. Lukimbi Safari Lodge offers both walking and 4×4 safaris, giving you the opportunity to get close to the famous Big 5, a variety of antelope, and about 420 bird species – perfect for the casual traveller and the committed wildlife fanatic alike.

Luxury Accommodation

Exquisite accommodation is one of the most important aspects to consider when planning Kruger Park safaris. Our accommodation is both authentically African and wonderfully indulgent at the same time.

Sit back in our sensational lounge overlooking the Lwakahle River – a popular drinking spot for wild animals – while enjoying a drink from our award-winning wine list. Or, relax in your private pool while watching elephants stroll past right in front of you.

Contact Lukimbi Safari Lodge to book the most unforgettable Kruger Park safaris. We are ready to receive you with true African hospitality.