Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Private Concession, Kruger National Park

The stunning luxury Lukimbi Safari Lodge is found in one of only seven private concessions within Kruger National Park, and at 37,000 acres is one of the largest. It is located in the southern section of the park and is bounded by three major river systems. The concession offers a diverse array of habitats, including grasslands, wooded thickets, savannahs, drainage lines, dry riverbeds, rolling hills and lush riverine thickets. It stands to reason that a healthy abundance of wildlife – including the Big Five and a host of other animals big and small – finds home here. In the east, the Lebombo mountains form a distinctive ridge. This provides ideal habitat for large herds of zebra, wildebeest and other plains animals. The white rhino enjoys the numerous pans and wallows, whilst the shyer and more elusive black rhino can be found in the more thickly wooded areas. Herds of buffalo roam through grasslands seeking the succulent grasses, before moving down to rivers to amble slowly through the reeds. Elephants can frequently be seen all over the concession and in the river in front of the lodge is a favorite place for them to spend hours at a time. Those relaxing at the lodge pools can find themselves enthralled, watching elephant….

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families equally enjoy their own pools, particularly if the families include babies.

Where you find animals, you find predators. Tracking lions in open vehicles is one of the most exciting things to do, and you will never forget the spine chilling and awesome sound of a lion roaring at close quarters. Leopards are also found at Lukimbi, more difficult to spot, but you are rewarded with the sight of one of the most beautiful animals in the world. As a private concession, you are treated to the best of the national park in a highly personalized way. No more than thirty-two guests at a time enjoy unlimited and exclusive sightings as vehicles are permitted to traverse off road in a highly controlled manner.

Lukimbi has a character of its own – warm, inviting, charmingly imperfect and a little quirky too. Bright and richly textured natural fabrics, bold furniture chosen for comfort and artisanal crafted artworks encourage proper relaxation where you’re invited to make yourself completely at home – be that in the lounge, the bar, the dining room or one of the relaxation alcoves on the upper or lower deck, or in the library. The pool area is a place of serenity, right on the bank of the Lwakahle River. It includes multi-level relaxation decks, with a pool overlooking the river. A children’s paddle pool is close by.

Lukimbi’s sixteen suites (fourteen Classic Suites and two Premier Suites) all flank the Lwakahle River and have their own private views of the bush. Suites are connected to the main lodge via raised wooden walkways, which lend itself to the lodge’s atmosphere of being elevated among the trees. Each of the 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. The Premier Suites have 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, two bathrooms en-suite, a dining area and a larger lounge.

Being a private concession, you can follow the Big Five off road and get really close to the animals and experience truly fantastic photographic opportunities. Some of the highlights of these game drives are the coffee stops in the morning and sundowner time in the evening, when you can stretch your legs, admire the 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 you are always accompanied by an armed ranger. It is true wilderness as the entire area is utilized by only those staying at the lodge. For the adventurous and more active people who want to spend more time on foot you have the option of booking a full day’s walking experience.

Another activity is a river walk. 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. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot one of the cats. 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.

In between the hours out on safari in the bush, you are free to do as little or as much as you please. If you enjoy a little pampering and ‘TLC’, reserve a treatment at Spa (including beauty & grooming, facials and massages). For those who enjoy being more active, the gym is stocked with a range of essential equipment. The view is guaranteed to keep you energized! Perhaps a ‘Salute to the Sun’ is more to your liking, in which case you are welcome to grab a mat to use on your private deck or on the lawn.

AT A GLANCE

  • 14 Classic Suites (615 ft²) with en-suite bathrooms, lounge and private deck
  • 2 Premium Suites (829 ft²) with two en-suite bathrooms, dining area, lounge and private deck with plunge pool
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bathtubs and both indoor and outdoor showers
  • Communal swimming pool
  • Open-air boma
  • Television lounge
  • Wine cellar
  • Safari boutique
  • Spa
  • Gym
  • Famed for leopard sightings
  • Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) private concession within the Kruger National Park
  • Traversing rights over 37,000 acres
  • Wildlife includes cheetah, spotted hyena, various antelopes, rhino, wild dog, giraffe and hippo to mention a few
  • Early morning and late afternoon game drives that continue after nightfall
  • Guided bush walks
  • Guided river walks
  • Birdwatching
  • Massages available
  • Golf at Leopard Creek (additional cost applies)
  • All Inclusive: 3 meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beer, safari activities, laundry
  • Wi-Fi internet access in guest areas and suites
  • 220v AC power

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