Staying at Imbali Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park

The lodge is set against a river, with thatched roofs and private plunge pools. The property has a river flowing through one side where from the lobby you can see animals on the opposite bank. It consists of 12 private bungalows nestled in the southern part of Kruger National Park Food and holds 24 guests when full.

Private bungalow

Porch and main pool

Food and drink are all inclusive with some exceptions to wine and liquor. The main entertainment is two 3 hour guided game drives. During the time when you are not out on a drive you can go swimming in the main pool, use the internet that’s only available in the main lobby or relax in your room or on your own private porch. I found this lodge very relaxing and friendly. The staff were warm and hospitable and seemed encouraged to show their true character by cracking jokes with the guests and learning everyone’s name. The staff made the lodge feel like you were with family, making the lodge feel much less commercial. I have never experienced such warm and attentive service than what this establishment offered.

Hotel Lobby

The main schedule consisted of the following everyday:

5:00 Coffee and Tea

5:30 Game Drive

8:30 Breakfast

13:00 Lunch

15:30 Coffee and Tea

16:00 Game Drive

19:30 Dinner

Morning Coffee in the Bush with our guide

You go once at 5:30 in the morning while the animals are still out and its cooler and again at 4 in the afternoon. You are usually paired with another party and go out in an open land cruiser searching for animals. About an hour and a half in the guide will stop and have a snack and beverage to offer. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and seemed to really care about our experience. We saw elephants, Rhino, giraffe, hippo, hyena, zebra, impala, honey badger, kudo, water buck, wildebeest and Cape buffalo

Breakfast buffet with freshly squeezed juices

The only con about this lodge was that there were a lot of bugs. The rooms were furnished with very large mosquito netting over the beds which helped a lot but there were still a lot of bugs in the room. The staff said because it was wet season, meaning that it rains frequently, there are more bugs. Always put on bug spray, wear long sleeves and pants, check your shoes and clothes before you put them on and never leave any lights on at night.

We saw so many animals and had a great and memorable experience here. I would recommend Imbali Lodge to anyone who wants a tranquil and relaxing safari.

Sunset at Kruger National Park, South Africa