Idube Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands

Idube Game Reserve

Idube Game Reserve is situated in the Sabi Sand Game 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 Landrovers, or spotted on guided walks. All our experienced rangers and trackers are trained to give guests the best possible wild life experience.

Idube
Idube
Idube
Idube
Idube
Idube
Idube
Idube
Idube
Idube
Idube
Idube

Idube Game Reserve is set in an indigenous garden of tall trees and cool, green lawns watered only with recycled water. Originally designed to blend into the bush with rough, natural coloured bricks, plastered walls round the outside showers have been added creating a pleasing contrast. Tiled roofs create a clean, cool interior. The thatched bar and entertainment areas have an immediate appeal and are the focal areas for guests to gather. The open lounge is a great place to relax, whilst waiting to see what animals will come wandering in front of the lodge.

Idube has 9 en-suite chalets, each individually decorated, with attractively draped mosquito nets, giving a touch of safari romance. Windows also have mosquito gauze for added comfort.

All chalets have air-conditioner, fan, tea and coffee facilities and outside shower. Bathrooms have recently had a complete makeover and all have double vanity basins, bath, toilet and shower and are finished in attractive natural colours and textures. Geysers (boilers) are powered by gas to reduce use of electricity.

Each chalet has its own private deck furnished with large, comfortable chairs – just the place to enjoy the birds or watch Idube’s daily animal visitors feeding, as they make their relaxed way across the grass and between the chalets.

The Makubela Suites are Idube’s brand new suites completed in February 2011. Take a walk down the wooden walkway and you will be in your own private world, apart from any other buildings and completely surrounded by natural bush.

Each spacious suite has an entrance hall, bedroom and lounge, large bathroom, including bath and shower, and a separate outside shower, which are accessible from both the bathroom and the outside deck. The 2 suites can be made interleading.

Suites each have a minibar, tea and coffee facilitities, safe, hairdryer, overhead fan, airconditioner, mosquito net and mosquito screens on windows. Rooms open up with sliding/ folding doors on 2 sides to a large wooden patio, into which is set a private pool. The view is all out to the bush beyond and the animals wandering freely across the clearing.

As part of the Makubela package, dinner can served at your suite. The lantern lit romantic dinner served on the private deck will add another unforgettable memory of your Idube holiday.

The name Makubela is a tribute to a female leopard seen many times by Idube guests over the years. She was fatally mauled by a male and she sought refuge at Idube, where she died. We remember how this beautiful creature added wonder and pleasure to our lives.

The swimming pool is well situated for both bird watching and game viewing, whilst cooling off with a refreshing drink in hand. Idube happily hosts families of nyala and warthogs, which are seen almost daily around the entire lodge area. Many guests prefer just to sit on their private deck enjoying the quiet and watching squirrels, monkeys or the many other creatures that have made Idube their home.

Idube is dedicated to giving guests a genuine and informative experience in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Game Drives
There is an early morning game drive and a late afternoon/evening game drive over an area of approximately 24 700 acres (10 000 hectares).

Guests 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.

Bush Walks
After breakfast, a morning guided walk is offered or guests can relax round the pool or on their decks.

Dining
Each meal is a special occasion, with breakfast and lunch enjoyed at the open air dining deck and dinner celebrated in the lantern lit boma or out at the bush venue. There guests enjoy the quiet under the stars, until the sound of drums and singing fill the air, followed by a delicious, traditional braai (barbeque) featuring the chef’s specialties.

Our chefs create meals to remember, combining african flavours and flair with the latest gourmet trends. Game meats are also often on the menu, eagerly tried by adventurous guests.

All meals are included in the booking package.

Bar
Idube has a well stocked bar open after breakfast, where we offer a large variety of South African wine or other drinks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Guests gather there before dinner and it is a great place to swap game viewing stories, or to enjoy the games and solve the rangers’ riddles.

Lounging Deck
Our colourful open lounge deck combines comfort with a great view of the riverbed as well as those and the African animals coming down to drink at Shadulu Dam or to graze on the lawns.

Pool
The pool is well situated to do excellent bird watching whilst cooling off or relaxing under the trees.

Gym
The gym is the place for the energetic or keep-fit enthusiasts, equipment includes free weights and an electronic treadmill.

Hide
The underground hide leading from the lodge by a swing bridge is a peaceful place to watch the wildlife coming to drink at Shadulu Dam.

Curio Shop
Idube has a well stocked curio shop, carrying a variety of interesting curios, clothing, books and gifts. Guests will be sure to find something to remember their safari.

TV
DSTV is available in the lounge for avid sports or news watchers, big sporting events need not be missed.

Spa
Although we don’t have our own spa, therapists are on call to provide treatments in the privacy of your own room. Just ask and we will arrange it with pleasure.

Village tours
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.