Idube Game Reserve Lodge

Idube Game Reserve Lodge

Idube Lodge Access Road, Kruger National Park 1242 South Africa
Traveller (1042)
Terrasse devant la chambre
Room & Suite (158)
Pool & Beach (42)
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Avg. ₹1,09,969 /night, 11/9 - 11/10
₹1,11,064
per night
₹1,10,306
per night
₹1,09,547
per night

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About

5.0
#25 of 37 lodges in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Idube Game Reserve is a safari lodge situated in the Sabi Sand Reserve, in the heart of South Africa’s premier wildlife conservation area of the Greater Kruger Park. Game, including the Big 5, is viewed really close by from open Land Rovers, or spotted on guided walks.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Entertainment staff
Airport transportation
Massage
Gift shop
Secured parking
Internet
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Mosquito net
Outdoor fireplace
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

Idube Lodge Access Road, Kruger National Park 1242 South Africa
Getting there
Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport
13.6 km
See all flights
Ulusaba Airport
1 Attraction
within 10 kilometers
559Reviews9Q+A100Room tips
Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
MGH wrote a review Apr 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was our first visit to Idube, arranged through Honey Badger Safaris, and their recommendation was excellent. We were a family of four from the UK, with previous experience on safaris in Kruger and Kenya, but nothing compares to what Idube can offer.

The resort itself is perfect. A proper luxury safari lodge, but with a relaxed and comfortable air that meant we felt instantly at ease. The staff treated us like old friends, with a perfect blend of service and privacy. The care and attention to detail on the food, was excellent, with a different location for dinner each night which really made us feel very special.

The game drives are what you come for, and Idube absolutely excelled at this. The ability to be up close and right next to the animals is spectacular, and like nothing we have ever experienced on any other safaris. The vehicles are well maintained and our guide and tracker team of FJ and KonGiv (sorry for the spelling!) were experts at providing us with once in a lifetime sightings that seemed to happen on every drive. Morning coffees and sundowner drinks, and the additional walking safari were all very special.

Our highlights were the 7 different leopards that we saw, and the entertaining elephant family, but honestly we left having seen almost everything we could think of.

A big thank you to Charita and her whole team for an amazing stay, we are already checking the calendar to plan our return trip...
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Date of stay: March 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SanetdP wrote a review Oct 2020
Johannesburg, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed in one of the Makubela suites with it's own private pool. The suite is very large with an equally large bathroom and outside shower, great deck and the pool is big enough to enjoy in the heat. The elephants had a drink from it literally a minute or two before we arrived at the room.

The service was more than we had hoped for, the food was really great and the sightings were exceptional. Promise was our ranger and Ronald the tracker and they were lots of fun and very knowledgeable.
We had so many leopard sightings it was crazy and on top of that we saw the wild dogs twice.

The absolute cherry on the cake was when the leopard walked underneath our room, tried to hunt a nyala in the camp and then casually strolled through the camp passing us at the bar.

They catered for my dietary requirements and went the extra mile to make our time exceptional. I will definitely recommend this lodge over others in the area for value for money and great service.
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Date of stay: October 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: Get Makubela suite Number 2. The elephants drink from your private pool and it has the most privacy
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Charita Venter, General Manager at Idube Game Reserve Lodge
Responded 15 Oct 2020
Dear Sanet, Thank you for the wonderful review. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed everything Idube has to offer and on top of that the leopard in camp and wild dog sightings, which doesn't happen everyday. We hope to see you and Jacobus again in the near future. Kind Regards, Idube Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AmandaJane_21 wrote a review Jan 2020
Sydney, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A special experience from start to finish! The team at Idube felt like family, Peter, Michelle, your fabulous barman Abel, our knowledgeable & entertaining ranger & tracker Andrew & Culture, too many people to acknowledge & thank; we really enjoyed your personal attention, friendly service, and getting to know you all, we would happily (and hopefully will) return!

We stayed 4 nights, too many fantastic sightings to list, however some personal highlights were a male cheetah on our first drive, 7 leopards in 8 drives, lions mating, African Hunting Dogs with puppies, and elephants enjoying a mud bath. We knew we were witnessing special moments when Andrew & Culture were excited!

We really enjoyed chef Mark's cooking, and the theatre of his evening meal announcements. The daily salads at the lunch buffet didn't disappoint! I was also impressed my dietary requirements were accommodated with delicious food made with love. The bush bbq was a highlight, complete with lions roaring & hyena's whooping within a couple hundred metres!

Your barman Abel is fantastic, aside from his friendliness and eagerness to please, he very quickly learned our tastes, and preferences, and was able to suggest South African beers / wines accordingly. Abel selected & made us cocktails on our last evening, and nailed the selection!

We stayed in both a chalet & the Leadwood Suite. Responding to previous guest feedback the chalets are dark, they are however to be honest, in the heat, the darkness helped keep the chalet cooler, and as we had just arrived from Australia (9 hour time difference), we welcomed the darkness for afternoon naps before the evening game drives. For those looking for light, bright & airy, we can recommend the Leadwood Suite with floor to ceiling windows / doors.

Thanks for the wild ride Team Idube, from the leopard kill on the front lawn 30 minutes after our arrival, we loved every moment & couldn't have asked for anything more!!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nickinickitrip wrote a review Sept 2023
Toronto, Canada
3.0 of 5 bubbles
’ll start by saying that our stay here was a good one, but by no means exceptional. I would not consider this a 5 star accommodation and reviews that called it that left us feeling let down upon arrival.

Highlights of the lodge included the game drives and our tracker Ian and guide Mark. Ian was fun and knowledgeable, Mark worked hard to insure we were able to see a variety of animals and was highly knowledgeable as well. We saw all of the big 5, as well as Hyenas and their baby’s and even a leopard stocking it’s dinner!

The food was also great. Breakfasts were plentiful, with cold and hot options. Lunches had a good variety and dinner was usually served in a unique atmosphere with a variety of options pre ordered at lunch. I enjoyed the variety of soups and mains.

The accommodations themselves were dated. The lodge definitely was an older one that could use some updating. There was no refrigerator in the room, and no complementary extras besides coffee and tea. The water served in the room was from the tap and room temperature. There was no option for a water filling station at the lodge, leaving only bottled water as an option from the bar for a charge.

All beverages outside of coffee, tea and room temp tap water were charged at an additional cost. This included bottled water, juice and soft drinks. We were surprised even our sundowner drinks, which is a staple part of a Game Drive were charged. The Bartender was not very organized, our bill was incorrect and he did not seem very friendly.

Also if you’re wanting to stay connected, this is not the place for you. There is little to no cell reception, except for random LTE signals during the game drives. The lodges wifi does not work effectively and is unreliable. Guest room wifi worked only any random intervals, with one guest having to connect for business emails in the middle of the night. The only really reliable signal was in the office / curio shop, which was only accessible to guests during the day. While I am not one to need to be connected. I did have two small kids at home I was trying to check in on.

The overall experience of our visit was good, but the general feeling we felt was not great. We definitely enjoyed other places on our trip much more.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerald E wrote a review Oct 2024
Norwich UK
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I had the pleasure of spending the first 3 nights of our 9 night safari at Idube. We could not possibly have wished for a better start. ALL management and staff were very friendly and welcoming. We stayed in a Leadwood suite that was very clean, comfortable with outside deck, plunge pool, option of an outside shower and unspoilt views over the surrounding area. Food was excellent. Nyala roam freely around the well kept and extensive grounds and other animals can enter the grounds hence the understandable need to be escorted to and from the rooms to the main blocks when dark. The various recreation rooms were well furnished, light and airy and very inviting. In our case we found the timetable of the 2 drives and the comfort and views from our room was sufficient to satisfy all of our requirements. All of the meals were superb. Within hours of arrival it was time for lunch following which I walked across a wooden ‘slung’ bridge to a hideaway and saw a couple of wild dogs make a kill, quickly consumed by the pack (approximately 12). As grand as the establishment and staff are it is the safari experience that we went to Sabi Sands for. It surpassed our expectations largely thanks to our guide F.J. and the tracker Mike. We had previously completed 7 safari holidays in Kruger, Tanzania, Botswana and Kenya. Without doubt our experience at Idube is in the top 2. We were able to get extremely close to the animals, saw the Big 5 very quickly along with countless other animals, birds and even saw snakes. We saw leopards a few times including a single cub…..later with the sibling and mother with a kill…..A cub up a tree …..a leopard stalking. F.J. clearly is extremely knowledgeable, witty, cares deeply for the animals and a very skillful driver as was proven by driving off road over some rough terrain. For years for the most part leopards had eluded us….our experience at Idube made the wait for some VERY ‘special’ moments worthwhile. We certainly recommend Idube and thank the entire team for providing us both with nowt but extremely happy memories.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Go to Idube for a minimum of 3 nights.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tigermomma2017 wrote a review Jun 2022
Los Altos, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed two nights at Idube and three nights at their sister lodge, Lukimbi. Overall, I would highly recommend both lodges. Sabi Sand is known for great animal sightings but based on my research, the lodges are mostly also on the higher end budget-wise. We found Idube to be a great value, particularly, with the offer they were providing of staying 5 nights between the two lodges with Lukimbi being the more expensive of the two. I’ll write a separate review for Lukimbi on their page. Will try to provide more details on the details page for the lodge.
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Date of stay: June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JillinSingapore wrote a review Jul 2023
Singapore
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Luxury game reserve hotel!

We saw the Big 5 in the first 2 game drives of arriving here. Ian and Mark were fantastic guides. We were also able to do a bush walk with the guides, however, please note that you have to be at least 16 to do so.

It's a small hotel, with private bungalows to stay in. They all have a large washroom, with good water pressure, and air conditioning and heating.

There are nice common areas, including a bar, restaurant, pool (didn't use as it was winter time) and a firepit. They even have a gym!

There are 2-3 choices for your meals, and they seemed to have a vegetarian option each time (though if you require this - please do check with them first). The food was tasty and plentiful.

Like all, it is open, and they seem to have resident impala, warthogs and others on site all the time. The far bungalow, with a pool (note we didn't stay there) had elephants visit them to drink from their pool!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Charita Hanekom, General Manager at Idube Game Reserve Lodge
Responded 9 Jul 2023
Dear Jill, Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We are very happy to hear that you had a wonderful experience with us. Thank you for your support.
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ximunbtz wrote a review Jan 2021
Paris
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My girlfriend and I spent 3 nights in Idube after 3 nights in the Kruger Park.

First and foremost, the Sabi Sands reserve is without contest the best one for game viewing I have ever been to. I don't think that before it I had seen at least one cat on each and every game drive I have done while being in a game reserve...

Then, Idube is a wonderful lodge in this reserve. The quality price ration is astonishing. Although each accommodation is not hidden in the bush (which actually allows to see many animals - we had "only" nyalas, but it's not rare to see cats as well) going through the fences of the lodge, the whole lodge itself is quite secluded and hard to see until you get there. Don't expect safari tents and a feeling of being alone in the bush, but rooms are very comfortable and well maintained. It is also a fairly small loge, with not many rooms/guests, which is always very much appreciated.

The staff is just wonderful, from rangers to waiters and managers, they would provide anything you may want and accommodate your need/wishes to the best level possible.

Finally, I should put a special mention of the food in the lodge, which was properly mind-blowing in diversity, quality and taste. Congratulations to the Chef!
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Date of stay: January 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne_Niels_DK wrote a review Jan 2022
Stellenbosch, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Idube is getting better and better for every time we come here. The lodge living room has had an upgrading which make it very delicate. Also their new chef is perfect.
We have been regularly to Idube the last 15 years..
We always stay in the Makubela suites which make our stay so much better.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Charita Venter, General Manager at Idube Game Reserve Lodge
Responded 8 Jan 2022
Dear Anne & Niels, It was really lovely welcoming you back at Idube. Thank you for the wonderful review and we cannot wait to see you again. Kind Regards, The Idube Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paula M wrote a review Sept 2020
Cape Town Central, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I have been lucky enough to go to Idube more than once. This time was especially exceptional as Kobie the chef outdid himself in creating dishes to meet my very restricted diet caused by a health issue. I felt really spoiled not having to be left out of the excitement of a tasty meal . He also catered excellently for the vegans and vegetarians among us, so we were all really pampered. Our sightings included leopards, elephants from metres away, a hyaena outside her den, several genets, loads of general game and one of the largest herds of buffalo I have seen in years.

Fantastic as always. Highly recommended.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Answer from BedfordRich
Bedford, United Kingdom97 contributions31 helpful votes
If I remember correctly, UK plugs worked in Idobe, alongside the three round pin South African plugs.
CHeilig asked a question Mar 2019
73 contributions35 helpful votes
Hi Has anyone who has stayed at Idube had any cell phone coverage at the lodge
Answer from tortoisephobic
Essex226 contributions35 helpful votes
We have just returned. Cell coverage was very patchy. Wi fi was excellent though
Answer from G3nLondon
Silver Spring, Maryland510 contributions282 helpful votes
We flew from JHB to Kruger Mpumalanga airport and then had a van take us directly to Idube. It is a good two hours plus from Mpumalanga and for most of the way, the roads are paved and easily navigable. It's when you leave the R40 to get to Idube where it gets interesting. Signs for the lodge or Sabi Sands were nonexistent (or very few) and of course once you turned off the R40 the "roads" were unpaved, rutted and incredibly bumpy. Plus, there seemed to be lots of roads that went everywhere or nowhere making navigating a challenge. I tried using Google Maps while off-road just to see if I could follow where we were headed and if I got a signal (that's a big if) the GPS had no idea where I was. You truly are in the middle of nowhere. I've driven in quite a few places around the world and usually find it quite manageable w the help of Google. Knowing what I know, however, I WOULD not even attempt to drive to Idube - way too difficult to find not to mention the wear and tear on your rental vehicle. I would reach out to the lodge and see if they can have a guide and/or driver meet you at the R40 (or Hazyview) and get you the rest of the way there. I think it would be way too stressful otherwise and being lost in that part of the world in the heart of summer is not my idea of fun. Good luck, have a great trip and let me know how it turns out. BTW - you're going to have a great time once you get there. The pay off is worth it.
Answer from siehstewoll
Frechen, Germany257 contributions154 helpful votes
Hello suziQueen, the renovations at Idube are done already.
Gerald E wrote a tip Oct 2024
Norwich UK47 contributions48 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Go to Idube for a minimum of 3 nights."
Read full review
Sue B wrote a tip Aug 2024
59 contributions15 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"A calm and relaxing oasis, in the most amazing surroundings."
Read full review
sbhat wrote a tip Aug 2024
RTP, NC13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Wifi in the rooms is VERY sketchy, almost non-existent. This is for the times when you are chilling out between game drives."
Read full review
David H wrote a tip Jun 2024
4 contributions4 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Better wifi would be good but we we out on safari most of the time. "
Read full review
Wanderer wrote a tip Jun 2024
Denver, Colorado155 contributions89 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Don't approach the animals at all. They will come to you. If you move towards them they will run so bring a good lens!"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
₹1,09,379 - ₹1,10,474 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
idube private game reserve hotel sabi sand game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkSabi Sand Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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IDUBE GAME RESERVE LODGE (Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa) - Lodge Reviews, Photos, Rate Comparison - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Idube Game Reserve Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Idube Game Reserve Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Sabi Sand Game Reserve (7.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Idube Game Reserve Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Idube Game Reserve Lodge?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a mosquito net, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Idube Game Reserve Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Idube Game Reserve Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Idube Game Reserve Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Idube Game Reserve Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Idube Game Reserve Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Idube Game Reserve Lodge?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Idube Game Reserve Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Is Idube Game Reserve Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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