Idube Game Lodge is literally wildlife on your doorstep! The beautifully designed lodge that blends perfectly into its surroundings is visited on a daily basis by families of nyala and warthogs, and there are often monkeys, squirrels, gorgeous birds and other animals that are in the close vicinity.
At Idube Game Lodge, you can relax on a private deck and take in the scenery, or cool off in the lovely swimming pool while watching the animals roam the area.This game reserve boasts a large number of the Big 5 animals that local and international tourists alike simply love to meet. From an open landrover, guests get a really close and impressive sighting of these famous animals and have the chance of a marvellous and exciting bush experience. The highly-skilled trackers and rangers will keep you safe while finding the best places to view the animals. They also take guests on guided walks.
Idube is chosen by visitors from all round the world who want to see not only lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos and elephants, but the many other creatures that make taking an African safari so exciting. Impala, kudu, waterbuck and nyala, some of our many antelope species, are seen frequently. Rangers delight in showing guests zebra and the much loved giraffe. Cheetahs and wild dogs are more difficult to see, but add to the thrill of the adventure.
At night, guests might see hippos feeding out of the water, white tailed mongooses, bushbabies, civets or the fleet footed jackals, not to mention lions on the hunt. These are just some of the fabulous wildlife Idube can offer. For the many birders, there are more than 300 species of birds, a wealth of bird spotting moments.
Chalets
The lodge features 9 en-suite chalets, all of which are beautifully designed and constructed to ensure a peaceful retreat, premium comfort with a hint of safari romance.
Inside, each chalet is individually decorated, featuring a double bed or twin beds, bedside tables and lighting, a couple of easy chairs and a coffee table, a desk and chair, ample storage space, air conditioning, a fan, tea and coffee making facilities, mosquito nets, and mosquito gauze around the windows. The en-suite bathrooms are comprised of a flush toilet, twin washbasins, a bathtub, a shower (there is an outdoor shower too!)
Each chalet also has its own an elevated private deck that gives guests remarkable views of the beautiful surroundings.
Suites
In addition to the chalets there are the 2 Makubela Suites and the Leadwood suite offering luxury, comfort and privacy. They lie well apart from the other buildings, reached by attractive wooden walkways. Each spacious suite has an entrance hall, a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower, and a lounge area. In addition to tea and coffee making facilities, the suites also have a mini bar in each.
Better still, the bedroom opens up with sliding/folding doors onto a large wooden private deck – the view is awesome and whilst you relax on your bed or in your private pool you can look out to the animals wandering across the clearing and the bush beyond. The suites private deck is also the perfect place to enjoy lantern-lit romantic dinners which will add another unforgettable memory of your Idube holiday!
Be aware that elephants frequently come close to the pools of the Makubela suites.
Activities
There is an early morning game drive and a late evening game drive over an area of approximately 10,000 hectares. You can expect to see some, if not all, the Big 5, as well as many other species of game and some of the over 300 species of birds. Animals are usually seen from very close quarters, the sighting is professionally handled and controlled. Drives are normally 3 to 4 hours long, with a stop along the way for tea, coffee or sundowners. Idube is particularly well known for the frequent and excellent sightings of leopards – a photographer’s dream come true. After breakfast, a morning walk guided by an experienced Ranger is offered or you can relax round the pool or on your decks.
Guests enjoy different venues for dining and the evening dinner held in the open air boma is always a favourite. Our talented chefs combine the best of European and African cuisine, and venison is featured regularly. Idube features a weekly bush braai (barbecue), weather permitting. Rangers sit with guests at all meals, so you can continue hearing the best of bush tales. This change of venue is always exciting and a whole different experience. Occasionally the venue has to be changed because of leopards on the roof of the bush boma – just too close to the kitchen area.
Idube has linked to local communities who have put together an enjoyable village tour. Included in the tour is the local school and pre-school, choir and dancers, watching local food being prepared and trying it afterwards and ending up with the little cultural museum. Other trips, including balloon safaris and elephant education, can be arranged on request.
