Imbali Safari Lodge

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

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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 (434)
  • Very good (100)
  • Average (32)
  • Poor (13)
  • Terrible (8)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unbelievable Safari Experience!

Apr 1, 2020 JimmyB010101

We spent 3 nights at the Imbali lodge and went on 6 incredible Safaris. The lodge itself is incredibly luxurious, rooms were very tidy, bed was comfortable and the front balcony with the pool is lovely touch. All of the staff are very friendly and attentive. The food was simply outstanding and consisted of a buffet breakfast and lunch, and… Read more
We spent 3 nights at the Imbali lodge and went on 6 incredible Safaris. The lodge itself is incredibly luxurious, rooms were very tidy, bed was comfortable and the front balcony with the pool is lovely touch. All of the staff are very friendly and attentive. The food was simply outstanding and consisted of a buffet breakfast and lunch, and lovely dinner out on the deck. The lodge itself is situated within a private concession of Kruger National Park which is densely populated with animals. The guides know their way around like the back of their hands and we were fortunate enough to see all of the big 5 (and even wild dogs). The highlight had to be seeing a leopard drag an impala up a tree - a once in a lifetime experience which wouldn't have been possible without our fantastic guide, Connor. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exclusive Safari Luxury

Mar 29, 2020 rinussteyn Pretoria, South Africa

Imbali Safari Lodge is firmly planted on the river bank in the 10 000 hectare Mluwati Conssesion in the Kruger National Park. Magnificent trees shooting though the wood deck and up through the roof of the main living area touching the sky high above the lodge casting shade while you sit and watch the countless animals including the Big 5 come for… Read more
Imbali Safari Lodge is firmly planted on the river bank in the 10 000 hectare Mluwati Conssesion in the Kruger National Park. Magnificent trees shooting though the wood deck and up through the roof of the main living area touching the sky high above the lodge casting shade while you sit and watch the countless animals including the Big 5 come for a drink just across the river on the opposite bank. All this while you enjoy a fantastic meal by the head chef. Each luxury unit has its own timber porch, plunge pool and king sized bed. They give you the option of amazing game drives and nature walks or be your own guide as jou explore the Kruger National Park. This is truly the place where safari and luxury meet to give an exclusive nature experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wow, wow, wow

Mar 27, 2020 Lissa V

What a superb adventure. I cannot rave enough about our stay at Imbali. The staff there are fantastic. Admittedly we were there at testing times, but Management did everything they could with regards to ensuring we were having a fantastic time and helping us out with flight updates. From arrival to leaving there is first class service. We were… Read more
What a superb adventure. I cannot rave enough about our stay at Imbali. The staff there are fantastic. Admittedly we were there at testing times, but Management did everything they could with regards to ensuring we were having a fantastic time and helping us out with flight updates. From arrival to leaving there is first class service. We were asked on arrival our pleasure of drink and this was on hand for us whenever requested. The food is plentiful, in fact you never stop eating. The chef does an amazing job to see to your requirements. The rooms are beautiful, loved the plunge pool. While reaxing on your verandah there were some amazing elephants in the distance. Now, the safari, truly a fantastic experience. We were so rapt to have Pharence as our guide. What an absolute asset he is. We saw all the big five and encountered much more. He has great knowledge, is lots of fun, and kept our group very happy with gins, champagne and liqueur coffees in the morning. I do however want to mention one little disappointment. My sister and I were of the understanding that if some of the staff gave us fantastic service then we could reward them with tips personally. On our last day, just before leaving we gave a small tip to two of the butler's which had been great. Plus we put a tip in the staff gratuity box. The person who was managing the desk at the time went over to the two butler's and asked them to hand over their tips and then proceeded to put it in his pocket where it stayed. We were disappointed to see this. However, that aside, I will definitely be returning. Imbali has a special place in my heart for sure. Thank you. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Luxury Kruger safari lodge

Mar 12, 2020 Q9638GQjaneb

This lodge is set in the middle of Kruger Park and can be accessed by Orpen gate. The care we received from staff members Daniel, Mary and Torrence was exceptional. They were able to accomodate our time schedule (we arrived at the gate after dark and needed to be escorted in) and saved us a delicious meal. The drinks were free with our package… Read more
This lodge is set in the middle of Kruger Park and can be accessed by Orpen gate. The care we received from staff members Daniel, Mary and Torrence was exceptional. They were able to accomodate our time schedule (we arrived at the gate after dark and needed to be escorted in) and saved us a delicious meal. The drinks were free with our package but we were so busy seeing the magnificent animals surrounding the lodge on safari that we didn't have a lot of time to take advantage of the beautiful lodge facilities. We felt so well cared for and felt like VIPs the entire visit. The safaris we went on (we went on 4- 2 in the morning and an extra one we arranged privately through the lodge before lunch were awesome and our nature guide Victor was so knowledgeable about all the animals and birds around. We were so lucky to see all the "Big Five" in the 2 days we spent there- a leopard, lions, buffalo, elephants and rhinos- all within metres of the safari vehicle. The stay we had at Imbali will stay with us forever and we feel we have been spoiled after such amazing service. Excellent! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 4* safari lodge

Mar 6, 2020 D5267EOjoyd Southern Queensland, Australia

Just come off a 2 night stay at Imbali Safari lodge, highly recommend this lodge the accommodation was beautiful, the staff and service 2nd to none, food delicious. Beautiful viewing of the animals at the waterhole during meals.