Idube Safari Lodge for African Safari Trips
"sample the best variety in animal sights that an African safari can offer"
- Grading:
Address: Idube Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Children: Older than 8 are accepted
Bed capacity: 9 chalets and 2 suites
The setting
Idube Safari Lodge is in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger Park - one of the best conservation regions in South Africa and one of best wildlife regions in Southern Africa.
The Big 5, and other species of game, are seen from close up during game drives in our open safari vehicles. The adventurous guest may enjoy tracking game while on guided safari walks. Our rangers and trackers are trained and experienced in giving guests the best possible wildlife experiences.
The lodge
The lodge is set in an indigenous garden of tall trees and cool green lawns watered only with recycled water. Designed to blend in with the bush, the rough natural coloured bricks and plastered walls create a pleasing effect. Tiled roofs create a clean, cool interior. Idube is dedicated to giving guests a genuine and informative experience in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
The thatched bar and entertainment areas have an immediate appeal and are the focal areas for guests to gather. Relax in the open lounge while waiting to see which animals come wandering by.
The swimming pool is well-situated for bird watching, game viewing and cooling off with a refreshing drink in hand. Idube is happy to host families of nyala and warthogs, often seen around the lodge.
Many guests prefer just to sit on their private deck enjoying the quiet and observing squirrels, monkeys or the many other creatures that have made Idube their home.
Idube is the sister lodge of Lukimkbi Safari Lodge, in a concession in the southern part of the Kruger National Park
Accommodation
The lodge offers accommodation in has 9 en-suite chalets, and 2 private suites.
Safari Chalets
Idube has 9 en-suite chalets - each with its own character and attractive finishes. Soft mosquito nets are draped to add to the romantic feeling of a true African safari. Windows have mosquito gauze for added comfort.
Chalets have air-conditioner, fan, tea and coffee facilities and outside shower. The double vanity basins, bath, toilet and shower in the bathrooms come calming in textures and colours sourced from nature. Geysers (boilers) are powered by gas to limit the burden on electricity supply.
Each chalet has its own deck furnished with large, comfortable chairs – just the place to enjoy the birds and the animals that pay their daily visit to feed on the grass between the chalets at Idube.
Makhubela Private Suites
Wooden walkways lead to the 2 private suites - and your own private world - away from any other buildings and surrounded by natural bush.
Each spacious suite is fitted with an entrance hall, bedroom and lounge, large bathroom with bath and shower. An outside shower is accessible from both the bathroom and the outside deck. The 2 suites can be made inter-leading.
Suites each have a minibar, tea and coffee facilities, safe, hairdryer, overhead fan, air-conditioner, mosquito net and mosquito screens on windows. Suite rooms have folding doors on 2 sides which open onto a large wooden patio with a private pool. The view is over the bush beyond and animals wandering across the clearing.
As part of the Makhubela package, dinner can be served at your suite. The lantern lit romantic dinner served on the private deck will add another unforgettable memory of your Idube holiday
The name Makhubela is a tribute to a female leopard seen many times by Idube guests over the years. A male leopard mauled her, and she sought refuge at Idube where she died. We remember how this remarkable creature added wonder and pleasure to our lives.
Dining
Meals are special occasions. Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed at the open-air dining deck. Dinner is celebrated in the lantern lit boma or out at the bush venue. At night, guests may enjoy quiet time under the stars until the sound of drums and singing fill the air. This is followed by a delicious, traditional braai (barbeque) featuring the chef's specialties.
Our chefs create meals to remember, combining African flavours and latest gourmet trends with flair. Venison is often on the menu, and adventurous guests are eager to savour the unknown.
Safaris
We offer an early morning game drive and a late afternoon/evening game drive.
Guests can expect to see at least one or two of the Big 5 and many other game and bird species. Animals are often seen from nearby - our guides handle and control sightings in a professional way.
Safaris are up to 4 hours long, with a stop along the way for tea, coffee or sun-downers. Idube is well known for the frequent and excellent sightings of leopards - a photographer's dream come true.
After breakfast, a morning guided walk is offered or guests may just relax round the pool or on their private decks
- Idube has a well-stocked bar which opens after breakfast, where we offer a large variety of South African wine or other drinks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
- Guests gather at the bar before dinner - a great place to swap game viewing stories, or to enjoy the games and solve the rangers' riddles.
- Our colourful open lounge deck combines comfort with a great view of the riverbed and those African animals coming to drink at Shadulu Dam or to graze on the lawns.
- The pool is well-situated for excellent bird watching while cooling off or relaxing under the trees.
- Our gym is the place for the energetic or keep-fit enthusiasts; equipment includes free weights and an electronic treadmill.
- A swing bridge leads to an underground hide - a peaceful place for watching the wildlife coming to drink at Shadulu Dam.
- Idube has a well stocked curio shop, carrying a variety of interesting curios, clothing, books and gifts - a memento of your African safari.
- DSTV is available in the lounge for avid sports or news watchers; big sporting events need not be missed.
- Although we don't have our own spa, therapists are on call for treatments in the privacy of your own room. Just ask and we will arrange it with pleasure.
- Idube has linked to local communities who have put together an enjoyable village tour.
- Included in the tour is the local school and pre-school choir and dancers, a local food preparation and tasting session and a visit to their little cultural museum.
- Other trips, including balloon safaris and elephant education, can be arranged if you wish to enhance your stay with us.
- Visitors from around the world choose Idube not to see only lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos and elephants, but the many other creatures making an African safari so exciting
- The opportunity to view impala, kudu, waterbuck and nyala, and many of our many antelope species, is frequent.
- Rangers delight in showing guests zebra and the much loved giraffe. Cheetahs and wild dogs are more difficult to see, but add to the thrill of the adventure.
- At night, guests might see hippos feeding out of the water, white tailed mongooses, bush-babies, civets, the sneaky jackals and not to mention lions on the hunt. This is but a hint of the fabulous wildlife experiences which Idube can offer.
- More than 300 species of birds and a wealth of bird spotting moments await the keen birder.
- Idube is popular for business entertaining, combining a safari experience with the opportunity to handle business issues in peaceful surroundings. The covered deck at the bush boma is an ideal venue for small conferences or team building groups wanting to be away from the main lodge.
- We arrange small weddings for couples wanting to celebrate their special day in the tranquillity of the bush
- Idube is popular with honeymooners. The lodge offers them a romantic, private dinner, a complimentary bottle of wine and a king-size bed under gauzy netting.
- Idube offers exciting game viewing experiences; and the opportunity of meeting new people, enjoying each other’s company, enjoying private time, enjoying the magnificence of Africa.
- Lightweight clothing in dull colours
- Light sweater and heavier, warmer jacket
- Swim costume, sun protection creams
- Dress is informal
- Medical necessities, including anti-malaria medication
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- As we are in a malaria risk region, we have anti-mosquito units plugged into the units, and we suggest that these stay on during the night
- We have screens on the windows and entrance doors, and insect repellent is provided.
- We recommend that you to talk to your doctor before visiting any malaria risk zone.
- Guests sometimes forget the strength of the African sun, so please make sure you wear sunscreen and hats, and that you don't stay outside in the sun too long.
- Expect rainfall in the summer months from October to March, with average mean temperatures ranging from 19°C to 35°C (66-95F).
- Weather can be warm to hot during the day, with warm evenings. It can be cool, particularly during rainy spells.
- Winter months can be pleasantly warm during the day, but the temperature drops in the evening, with average mean temperatures from 10°C to 26°C (50-79F).
What to bring along
The Idube shop stocks hats, assorted safari clothing and shoes
Special precautions
Weather
RATES
Please contact us for our latest rates and availability.
Lodges offer varied rates which change from time to time. Rates depend on service levels, the type of lodge or hotel, number and age of guests, the time of year, location and any specials which may apply at time of enquiry.
