Lukimbi Safari Lodge

About Lukimbi Safari Lodge

The private concession is located in the southern area of the Kruger National Park and Lukimbi came into being in late 2002. The 15000 hectare property is home to a diverse landscape and the rich abundance of wildlife with the lodge located close to the Lwakahle River .
The private concession offers a 123km road network through the reserve, always mindful of the environment and traversed by just 6 safari vehicles at any given time. 15000 hectares is a significant space for the enjoyment of just 32 people, and this is ultimately what makes the Lukimbi experience unique.

 

The location of Lukimbi Safari Lodge was carefully chosen to have as little impact on the environment as possible but at the same time offer clients a view of the beautiful surrounds.
A clearing under a cluster of ancient trees in front of a natural fed spring, with the most beautiful view along the bank of the Lwakahle River is where you will find Lukimbi lodge, constructed from natural materials to blend subtly into the surrounding environment, but to also leave a very light footprint on the earth.

In among the marula trees, sweetthorn acacias, knobthorns and bushwillows lining the water, the lodge is built on stilts with many carved concrete panels. These panels are a feature throughout the lodge.

Every room and living space was designed around the view, while latticed ceilings filter the sun’s dappled light. 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-leveled relaxation decks, with a pool overlooking the river.

Families

The Kids’ Programme 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 favourite!
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.

There is 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.

Bushwalks and River Walks

The Bush Walk is 60-120 minutes and a maximum of 8 people at a time can go - so pre booking is essential!
The Bush Walk is for those who like to get active. Walkers depart from the Lodge after breakfast and head out directly into the bush.
Track animals from their ‘spoor’ left in the sand, or find tell-tale signs of their passage through marks left on trees and rocks. Learn about the medicinal value of plants, or of the geology of rock formations and characteristic landscapes. If you know where to look you will find the answers that make sense of the natural kingdom. And meeting an animal at eye level lends itself to a very beautiful communion.

Walks are between 2 and 5 kilometres in distance, and are dependent on the fitness level and specific interests of the guest.
The cost is included in the daily rate [correct 02/21]

There is also a Full Day Bush Walk (10 hours. Minimum 4 / Maximum 8 guests.) Which can be included for guests staying 3 nights or longer. Departing from the Lodge at 07h00, breakfast and lunch are served out in the bush. The anticipated time of return is 17h00. Must be pre-booked and the cost is from R 700.00 per person

the River Walk is 45-90 minutes and takes a maximum of 8 people.
Depart from Lukimbi after breakfast, and drive just 10 to 15 minutes until you reach the Crocodile River (located within the Kruger National Park. The Crocodile River is both formidable and 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.

Choose a rock and make yourself comfortable. You will be entertained by the family of hippos in the water in front of you, the crocodiles sunning themselves languidly on the riverbank, the hundreds of birds which make the air effervescent, 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.
This walk is more about appreciating the environment of the Crocodile River, and is less about physical exertion. Cost: Included in the daily rate

Accommodation

Lukimbi’s 16 Suites (14 Classic Suites and 2 Premier Suites) all flank the Lwakahle River and have their own private views of the bush. the suites have been carefully designed to maximise privacy, whether you are travelling as a family, a group of friends, a couple, or on your own.

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. Guests who have difficulty walking should request the units closer to the main facilities, as the more remote units are a bit of a distance away. Both Classic and Premier Suites may be converted to accommodate families.
Lukimbi has one suite which has been adapted to cater for disabled guests who are wheelchair bound.