Imbali Safari Lodge is a splendid 5-star luxury lodge that lies nestled in a grove of ancient Jackalberry and Tamboti trees on the banks of the Nwaswitsontso River in the iconic Kruger National Park. It’s one of three luxury lodges in the Mluwati Concession. Each air-conditioned deluxe suite is stylishly decorated in neutral colours with enchanting African touches. Large glass doors open onto a private viewing deck with its plunge pool. Luxurious features include an ensuite bathroom with stone and marble fittings a Victorian-style bath and walk-in shower and a massive King-size bed with mosquito netting and quality linen. Meals at the main lodge are served on the outdoor deck around a sparkling pool with a panoramic view of the surrounding bushveld. Dinner is served under the stars at the outdoor boma.
Discreetly nestled in a riverine forest of jackalberry and Tamboti trees within the Mluwati Concession of the iconic Kruger National Park lies the majestic Imbali Safari Lodge. This pristine lodge overlooks the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River, and its breathtaking views of the African wilderness will leave guests in awe of the wonders of this pristine region of wild Africa.
This palatial haven offers immaculate accommodation and unrestrained luxury to the discerning nature lover. Here guests can experience magnificent sightings of the Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion, as well as of a wealth of other species in the heart of the Kruger National Park – Africa’s most iconic game reserve.
Imbali Safari Lodge in the private Mluwati concession of the Kruger National Park is cleverly positioned among animal migration paths, ensuring a continuous parade of wild creatures – big and small – past the camp. The lodge is built on the site of a 400-year-old ancient African settlement, and a variety of artefacts, such as clay pots, bone tools and grinding stones, have been unearthed here.
Accommodation in the form of 12 stylish private suites offers romantics the perfect getaway in the heart of the bush. These suites all have en-suite bathrooms, huge French doors and expansive decks with breathtaking views of the natural surroundings.
Kruger Imbali Safari Lodge is an impressive structure surrounded by untouched wilderness. Its eclectic design, characterized by stone columns and thatched roofs, blends perfectly with the surroundings and creates a tranquil haven where guests can relax and rejuvenate their spirit.
Plush leather sofas, African patterned tapestries and traditional artefacts contribute to Imbali’s warm and earthy ambience. An impressive jackal berry tree emerges unapologetically through the teak deck, keeping diners company as it rises to the Tsonga-styled thatched roof.
Continuing in the spirit in which the Kruger National Park was created, Imbali Safari Lodge provides a sanctuary for the bush’s creatures, great and small, and is your very own bush escape for the duration of your special Kruger National Park stay.
The private Mluwati Concession, comprising three lodges – Imbali Safari Lodge, Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge and Hamiltons Tented Camp – was born from the shared objective of a group of conservationists to ensure the future sustainability of the iconic Kruger National Park.
As one of the first private concessions within the park, the Mluwati management has been working tirelessly to sustain this pristine wilderness that, for over 100 years, has been a sanctuary for more than 114 reptiles-, 34 amphibians- and 147 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
Why choose a private concession lodge in the Kruger National Park?
- We can offer you one hundred square kilometres of exclusive safari space – only our vehicles traverse this area
- We have an extensive road network throughout the concession
- We are permitted to drive off-road to enable once-in-a-lifetime sightings, as well as stellar photographic opportunities for capturing that perfect image.
- Centrally positioned, and adjacent to some of the most famous safari lodges in the Sabi Sands and Manyeleti Game Reserves, guests can enjoy some of the most productive game-viewing on the African continent.
- Our highly qualified guides conduct bush walks during which guests can experience nature from a whole new perspective.
Highlights
- Luxurious suites, each with a private plunge pool
- Children from the age of 6 years are welcome and can enjoy a special kiddies safari
- A well-positioned waterhole attracts a great variety of animals
- Separate Victorian bath and walk-in shower offer unsurpassed luxury in the bush
- Guided bush walks with experienced guides
- 10,000-hectare concession within the Kruger National Park.
Dining at Imbali
Magnificent cuisine is freshly prepared to your satisfaction by the experienced chef. Enjoy elegant dinners served by butlers. The menu is extensive and draws on both local and international flavours. Flickering hurricane lamps, fine mosquito netting and exceptional service will ensure you never forget your first taste of a truly authentic African Safari experience.
Enjoy an extensive buffet breakfast or order a delicious hot-plated breakfast to enjoy in the privacy of your suite after your morning safari. Breakfast in the gorgeous dining room or under the tree canopy on the deck outside also makes for a fine occasion.
Lunch is a light, informal affair with a buffet of scrumptious dishes and tasty salads, served in relaxed surroundings; the sounds of the bush provide all the accompaniment you need for a memorable dining experience.
Every afternoon guests can indulge in High Tea with a delicious selection of cakes and pastries, freshly baked at the lodge, before embarking on an afternoon safari.
A magical three-course table hotel menu served under the stars, makes dinner at Imbali a truly festive affair. Flickering hurricane lamps, fine mosquito netting and exceptional service will ensure you never forget your first taste of the African Safari experience.
Outdoor dining in the boma on Tuesday and Friday evenings, hosted by your safari guide, provides the perfect opportunity to engage in great conversation and fine wines while listening to the enchanting sounds of the bush coming alive at night.
Although both lunch and dinner are served at the main lodge, guests can arrange for a private meal on their deck or in-suite upon request.
A Day at Imbali
Kick-start your day just before dawn, by dunking a homemade rusk into a steamy cup of coffee, before setting off on your morning safari with your assigned ranger.
Watch in awe as the bush awakens to the new day. The crisp freshness of the landscape at sunrise will energize you for an exciting day in the wilderness. Your knowledgeable ranger will point out life’s smaller wonders, such as the dew glistening on the webs of the golden orb spider or the bright sky-blue bellies of the lilac-breasted rollers flitting past the safari vehicle.
See the shy African wild dogs lazing under the acacia trees and elephants chomping their way through the bush at a leisurely pace. Watching a lone leopard feasting on its prey high up in an old Tamboti tree is a priceless experience, as is the zebra foraging alongside large herds of wildebeest and impala flashing their characteristic ‘M’ as they disappear into the thick brush.
After the morning frolics in the bush, you can indulge in an extensive cold and hot buffet breakfast in Imbali Safari Lodge’s comfortable dining room, where an impressive Jackalberry shoots its thick limbs right into the Tsonga-styled thatched roof. Then it is time to retire to your luxury suite for some relaxation. Here you can laze at the crystal-clear infinity pool or enjoy a revitalising spa treatment on your private deck.
The more energetic can request a bush walk for an up-close encounter with the Kruger. Feeling the pulse of Africa under your feet is the ultimate thrill. The anticipation of a possible sighting around the next bush will get the adrenalin pumping. The memories of getting up close and personal with Africa and its creatures like this will last a lifetime!
Lunch is a relaxed, informal affair. Served on the deck with its beautiful views of the Nwaswitsontso River and the surrounding bushveld, guests are treated to a range of scrumptious dishes, light salads and tasty desserts before retiring to their rooms for an afternoon siesta.
Afternoon tea served on the deck, heralds the imminent departure of your special late/afternoon evening safari through the Mluwati Concession. Spot a pride of lazy lions lounging casually in the tall grass and the associated warning call of nature’s tattletale, the Grey Loerie, as they inform others of the impending danger.
Imbali Game Reserve Activities
Safari
Imbali Safari Lodge is located within the private 10,000-hectare concession of Mluwati in the western region of the Kruger National Park, bordering the northern Sabi Sands and Manyeleti game reserves. Game abounds in this wilderness and guests can look forward to once-in-a-lifetime sightings. Each game drive and bush walk here is unique.
Safaris at Imbali Kruger Park
Imbali Safari Lodge Kruger offers exciting safari activities which include intrepid game drives in open safari vehicles, as well as bush walks for the more adventurous. Embrace the adventure
A total of two safaris daily are included in the Imbali Safari Lodge rates.
Morning Safari
After enjoying a steaming cup of coffee and delicious rusks at dawn, your knowledgeable ranger and tracker will accompany you into the bush in an open safari vehicle. Traverse some of Kruger’s most spectacular landscapes. The rich variety of wildlife, many bird species and diverse vegetation within the Mluwati Concession, make each safari a completely unique experience.
Your ranger and tracker will reveal some of nature’s most astonishing secrets en route, and the anticipation of a sighting of one of the Big Five will leave you breathless with anticipation.
The bush is busy in the early morning as the animals prepare for a siesta during the heat of the day.
After all the excitement, a scrumptious breakfast will await back at camp.
Afternoon/early evening safari
After having lazed the day away on your deck, immersed in a good book, or relaxing in the pool guests can enjoy a scrumptious High Tea with delectable treats, before embarking on the afternoon safari.
Again, be prepared to be amazed. Sunset is a busy time in the bush, as nocturnal animals prepare for the hunt and the day creatures settle down for the night. Witnessing a spectacular African sunset whilst sipping on a refreshing cocktail, is the stuff dreams are made of!
Searching for a pair of eyes in the dark with the spotlight will keep you on the edge of your seat. Adrenalin is at the heart of this journey!
In summer, morning drives depart at 05:30, and evening drives at 17:30. In winter morning drives depart at 06:00 and evening drives at 16:00. The morning game drive lasts about 3 hours. Evening game drives last about 4 hours.
A safari at Imbali is a symphony of new scents and sounds, a true feast of the senses.
Bush Walks
The more adventurous can request a bush walk, where – in the company of an armed ranger – you can experience Africa from a whole new perspective. These walks engage all the senses and is a thrill a minute! Getting up close to magnificent creatures such as the African elephant or an elusive rhino, is a priceless experience which will stay with you for the rest of your life. Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must.
Bird Watching
Avid bird watchers can prepare for a feast of the senses at Imbali. With a wealth of recorded species, it truly is a birder’s paradise. This pristine wilderness is home to more than 500 species, of which many occur in the Mluwati Concession, such as the southern yellow-billed hornbill, crested barbet and Burchell’s glossy starling, just to name a few.
Spa treatments
A range of relaxing treatments, which can be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite, is available. It is the perfect way to relax and unwind and restore the spirit. Pre-booking is necessary
Imbali Safari Lodge Location
Getting to the lodge
The Mluwati Concession is located in the central Kruger area some 35km southeast of Orpen Gate. The concession is peripheral and borders the Sabi Sands and Manyeleti game reserves to the west. The entire area is unfenced, thus creating a massive corridor for the movement of wildlife.
The recommended airport for Imbali Safari Lodge is Skukuza Airport, which is located in the southern part of the Kruger National Park, near the Kruger Gate. It allows guests to enjoy a leisurely safari en route to the lodge.
Charters
- SA Airlink to Skukuza (1.5 hours), Hoedspruit (2h) or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) (3.5h):
- Federal Air from Johannesburg or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Mbombela (Nelspruit).
Getting There By Road (6 hours by road from OR Tambo)
- Paul Kruger Gate Entry (Estimated driving time: 2 hours)
- Orpen Gate Entry (Estimated driving time: 2.5 – 3 hours)
Need to Know about Imbali Game Reserve
Speed limit & Safety precautions
While driving within the Kruger National Park, please adhere to the legal speed limit of 50km per hour on tar roads and 40km per hour on dirt roads. Please adhere to the Kruger National Park safety precautions, and do not disembark from your vehicle unless in a designated area.
Cellphone reception
Due to the remote location of the camp, there is no cellphone reception at the lodge. Cellphone signal is only available at the entrance gates and close to Skukuza, it is therefore recommended to make any necessary calls at the gate upon entry. Should you need to make an urgent call, we do have landlines available.
Water
The water at the lodge is safe to drink, however, for your convenience, we also provide complimentary bottled water in the suites.
Fences
As the lodge does not have fences, it is not advisable to walk around alone after dark. Our guides will escort you to and from dinner.
Young children
Children 8 years and older are welcome at Imbali. Extra camp beds are available for children aged 6 and 12 years, to share with parents. Please note that we allow a maximum of 2 children per suite. Safaris for children are organised at the management’s discretion. Private vehicles for this purpose are available at a surcharge.
Children older than 12 pay the full rate.
Your African safari necessities:
- Tight-fitting sun hat, cap or beanie in winter (it gets quite windy on an open safari vehicle)
- Light jacket (and fleece in winter)
- Lightweight cotton or linen shirts and shorts
- Tracksuit or warm longs
- Closed shoes and socks
- Comfortable open sandals
- Camera, spare batteries and memory card
- Binoculars
- Mosquito repellent.
Contact
Please contact us on +27 13 735 8915/7 for enquiries. It is recommended that inform us when you enter the park, to enable us to estimate your arrival time and assist you in the event of a breakdown. Do not follow GPS directions.
Extraordinary Reservations:
Tel: +27 (0) 11 516 4367 | +27 (0)11 463 3070
Reservations email: res@extraordinary.co.za
Imbali Safari Lodge:
Lodge direct: +27 (0) 13 735 8915/7
Email: lodge@imbali.com
Address:
Kruger National Park, P O Box 196, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa.
