Imbali Safari Lodge

With an air of opulence befitting royalty, Imbali Safari Lodge continues the safari tradition of a bygone era. The lodge is located in a private 10,000 hectare unfenced concession in the heart of the famous Kruger National Park, about 50 km from the main Orpen Gate.

Flickering hurricane lamps and exceptional service, rivalled only by the luxurious accommodation, will ensure guests never forget their first taste of the African safari experience. Magnificent cuisine is freshly prepared, with the menu itself as extensive as the African wilderness.

Morning and afternoon game drives on open game viewing vehicles, led by experienced rangers, follow tracks through the bushveld for an unbelievably close encounter with Africa's magnificent wildlife. Some of the drives will be on the lodge's own concession, where your guide will have the opportunity to drive offroad to get you unbelievably close to the wildlife, but others may be in the Kruger Park itself, where your ranger will be restricted to remaining on the road network at all times.

Daily walks are also optional guest activities.

Imbali Safari Lodge comprises of 12 immaculate suites of unrestrained luxury overlooking the Nwatsitswonto riverbed and the plains beyond. The accommodation is beautifully appointed with the finest furniture and crisp, white linen. All the suites have large kingsize beds, and each has a romantic antique-styled bath en-suite with spa bath. In addition, there is an open lounge with large fireplace, plus a private veranda and a swimming pool overlooking the waterhole.

Guests can also enjoy a number of spa treatments ranging from foot massages to facials, all with a local Shangaan theme.

Rates Include

All meals; daily bush walk; complimentary return transfers (subject to availability) to/from Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport or Skukuza Airport; and morning/afternoon shared game drives are included. PLEASE NOTE: The Kruger National Park Private Concession gate entry fee is NOT included - this is currently R110 per person per stay - subject to change.

Children Policy

Children aged 6 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request. Children aged between 6 and 12 years are permitted on game drives at the manager's discretion.

Directions For Drivers

From Hazyview via the Orpen Gate: Take the R40 towards Klaserie. Shortly before Klaserie take the R531 signposted to the Orpen Gate. There is a Kruger National Park Private Concession gate entry fee payable in cash at the entrance gate - this is currently R105 per person per stay - subject to change.

On entering the Park through the Orpen Gate, take the H7 towards Satara. Drive for approximately 6.7 km. Turn right onto the S106 (dirt road). After 1.6 km, turn right onto the S140 towards Talamati. After 19.5 km, turn right onto the S145. Continue along the S145 for 10 km till you see the Imbali sign, and turn right here. After 3.5 km you will reach a T-junction which is signposted, turn left. Keep left at the no entry sign and you will find Imbali Safari Lodge. The distance from the Orpen Gate to the lodge is approximately 2 hours.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

From Hazyview via the Paul Kruger Gate: Take the R536 from Hazyview towards the Paul Kruger Gate. There is a Kruger National Park Private Concession gate entry fee payable in cash at the entrance gate - this is currently R105 per person per stay - subject to change.

On entering the Park through the Paul Kruger Gate, take the H1-2 towards Skukuza. Go past Skukuza and take the H1-2 towards Satara. After approximately 20 km turn left onto the S36 (dirt road), it is signposted.

Carry on along the S36 for approximately 39 km and keep right on the S36/S125 at the Hamiltons no entry sign. After 2 km you will reach a T-junction, turn left onto the S36/S125. After 4.5 km you will reach a T-junction, turn right onto the S36.

After 6.5 km, turn left onto the S145. After 2.3 km, turn left at the no entry sign for Imbali guests only. After 3.5 km you will reach a T-junction which is signposted, turn left. Keep left at the no entry sign and you will find Imbali Safari Lodge. The distance from the Paul Kruger Gate to the lodge is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

PLEASE NOTE: The Kruger National Park prohibits the use of roads within the Park before the gates are open and once the gates are closed, therefore guests need to plan their arrival and departure times carefully. You cannot arrange to leave the Park before the gates are open, and you must ensure that you arrive at the entrance gate with sufficient time to drive through the Park to reach your destination by the time the gate closes, otherwise you may not be permitted to enter.

January/February: Open 05:30, Close 18:30
March: Open 05:30, Close 18:00
April: Open 06:00; Close 18:00
May to July: Open 06:00, Close 17:30
August/September: Open 06:00, Close 18:00
October: Open 05:30, Close 18:00
November/December: Open 05:30, Close 18:30

Please note that the maximum speed limit in the Park is 50 km/h for tar roads and 40 km/h for gravel roads.

General Information For Guests

All rooms have large kingsize beds, a telephone in the room, a private veranda with pool, en-suite bathroom with shower and bath, air conditioning and mosquito nets.

There is a main swimming pool for guest's enjoyment overlooking the water hole.

Spa treatments are available in the privacy of your suite.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main guest areas.

During the winter months the morning safaris depart at 06:00 and the afternoon safaris depart at 16:00. In summer the times change to 05:00 for the morning and 17:00 for the afternoon safaris. Tea and coffee is served before the morning safari departs and in the afternoon you will enjoy high tea before setting off.

Guided bush walks allows you to get close up and have an intimate experience of the local flora and fauna. Walks are available on request. The safety of guests is top priority so guided bush walks may be unavailable if the guide deems the conditions to be unsafe for walking.

Guests with their own vehicles can also do a self drive during the day in the Kruger National Park.

As the lodge does not have fences, it is not advisable to walk around alone after dark. Guides will escort you to and from dinner.

Please note there is no mobile/cell phone reception at the lodge. Cellular phone signal is only available at the entrance gates and close to Skukuza, it is therefore recommended to make your last necessary calls at the gate upon entry.

The water is safe to drink, but bottled water is also placed in your room courtesy of the lodge.

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted. AMEX is also accepted but has a 5% surcharge.

Please note that all guests entering the Kruger National Park must produce a valid form of identification (passports for international visitors) at their entry gate with their accommodation reservation vouchers.

Popular Alternatives to Imbali Safari Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Imbali Safari Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Imbali Safari Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.