Imbali Safari Lodge

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

Don’t be fooled by its remote setting – an exclusive lodge in the world-renowned Kruger National Park this safari sanctuary is pure unadulterated luxury. Indulgent in its intimacy, Imbali Safari Lodge has just a dozen suites, each with their own private plunge pool and en-suite bathroom with magnificent views of the wilderness beyond. The sparkling swimming pool at the main lodge area promises a refreshing dip while providing the opportunity to enjoy the rich and varied wildlife that comes to the Imbali water hole for a cooling drink. Meals are served in the comfortable dining room where an impressive Jackalberry tree rises through the deck and Tsonga-styled thatched roof. Dinner may be served under the stars while you listen to the enchanting sounds of the surrounding bush coming alive at night. Safaris are conducted on the private Mluwati Concession with access to the greater Kruger National Park.

Amenities

  • Safari
  • Swimming Pool
  • Internet Access

Where is it

Situated near Hoedspruit, within Kruger National Park. Transfer time from Skukuza Airport: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Hotel information

12 private suites with views either of the river bed or over the Savannah grasslands, air-conditioning, mosquito nets, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe, antique styled bath, private plunge pool and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Full Board: Includes three meals, selected beverages and 2 game drives per person per stay.

Morning and afternoon game drives. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are served at the main lodge. High Tea available. Swimming pool. In-room spa treatments*. Guided bush walks. Complimentary WiFi at the main lodge.

*Denotes local charge.

Please note: Gate entry fees are applicable and are charged per person per stay.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (502)
  • Very good (108)
  • Average (35)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (12)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good Safari Lodge

Apr 23, 2024 handaw2 Geelong, Australia

Great lodge. Fantastic staff, food really good and rooms were great. The safari drives were awesome with very good guides. Highly recommend a stay at Imbali Lodge. Really liked having private verandah and plunge pool on the deck to enjoy relaxing through the day.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous!

Apr 13, 2024 kirstym860 Adelaide, Australia

I found my experience at Imbali second to none. My room was spacious. The food was perfect & the staff are lovely & bend over backwards for you. Jayden was one of our group's guides & he has great knowledge about everything but also made us laugh & the drives were even more fun. I was told by others in the group that Janine was exceptional as… Read more
I found my experience at Imbali second to none. My room was spacious. The food was perfect & the staff are lovely & bend over backwards for you. Jayden was one of our group's guides & he has great knowledge about everything but also made us laugh & the drives were even more fun. I was told by others in the group that Janine was exceptional as well. It is fantastic to see a female guide leading the way. I was sad to leave as I felt I was leaving friends behind. Cannot wait to come back. Thank you all x Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A special place in the magical Kruger.

Feb 19, 2024 K4GVN Tonbridge, United Kingdom

Beautiful location, great team and fabulous accommodation. Very small and personal with a lovely atmosphere. Each chalet has a private plunge pool making a perfect setting for a cooling dip after a hot dusty game drive. Food was excellent as was service. Our guide Jayden was very knowledgeable and despite this being about my 40th visit to the… Read more
Beautiful location, great team and fabulous accommodation. Very small and personal with a lovely atmosphere. Each chalet has a private plunge pool making a perfect setting for a cooling dip after a hot dusty game drive. Food was excellent as was service. Our guide Jayden was very knowledgeable and despite this being about my 40th visit to the incredible Kruger Park, still managed to make it unique. Thank you all. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Terrible 😢

Feb 18, 2024 annelizey

Stay Away!! If it was not for our freelance ranger Mark this would have been a disaster! Excellent guide and went out of his way to try and safe the day. Staff very arrogant and unhelpful. Service extremely slow. Food not up to standard! High tea is a joke and the packed breakfast was a after thought. 1 x banna, 1 x Appel , 1 x fruit stick, 1 x… Read more
Stay Away!! If it was not for our freelance ranger Mark this would have been a disaster! Excellent guide and went out of his way to try and safe the day. Staff very arrogant and unhelpful. Service extremely slow. Food not up to standard! High tea is a joke and the packed breakfast was a after thought. 1 x banna, 1 x Appel , 1 x fruit stick, 1 x yoghurt, 1 x sandwich all for 2 people. They at least put 2 x juices in the box. We tried to celebrate a friend’s birthday and in the end they try to Safe the day by singing and bringing him a cake after dinner! No Generator working for weeks now!!! They had a electricity problem on the line with loadshedding and no back-up generators. The aircon in nr12 was not working and that was even when there was electricity. They eventually fixed the aircon. Room was not cleaned and cups washed and water was not replaced! We ordered a gin and after 20 minutes we had to go get a the lady behind the reception desk to find out what happened to the gin. Apparently the staff knocked off without putting orders through! This is not acceptable that they take your money under these circumstances! Never again! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful stay at Imbali

Jan 23, 2024 anonymoustraveller29

Highly recommended! Excellent field guide that taught us a lot about the environment, delicious meals, very comfortable rooms and bedding, and very kind and helpful staff. Overall excellent value for money. It was a memorable experience!