Idube Game Reserve

CEDARBERG RATING

Premier

PRICING FROM

₤ 421 (Pps)

Overview

Idube Game Reserve lies in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, adjoining the Kruger National Park. This superb reserve is known for conservation efforts, particularly in protecting rhino. Idube Game Reserve traverses approximately 10 000 hectares of wildlife area and is home to the big 5 animals. A great draw card for guests is the leopards, which are seen frequently

Idube is never going to win prizes for beautiful lodge design, but it is set in a lovely mature indigenous garden of trees, lawn and sub-tropical shrubs. It also offers excellent value for money in the heart of the southern Sabi Sands. The lodge has recently been refurbished and a lovely indoor-outdoor sitting area was added. This is a great chill-out area for relaxing and enjoying the view on 3 glass-walled sides which can be opened up completely.

Idube Game Reserve offers comfortable accommodation for 20 guests which has everything you need. All chalets have their own terrace or deck with a view over the lodge gardens or bush, en suite bathroom, and wifi is available in all rooms and entertainment areas. There are two Makubela suites which are huge in size with a separate sitting area, large deck and private plunge pool. The Leadwood honeymoon suite also has its own plunge pool as well.

Throughout the lodge, there are many areas to relax and unwind: in the garden around the pool area, fire-pit, gazebo and at the welcoming bar. A particularly attractive feature is the swing bridge across to an animal/bird hide overlooking a waterhole.

At A Glance

  • Big 5
  • Birding hotspot
  • Good Food & Wine
  • Swimming pool
  • Private Plunge Pool
  • Wifi on premises
  • Wildlife

Idube Game Reserve on the map

Rooms

Safari Chalets

The seven safari chalets offer comfortable classic accommodation with everything you need. All have high thatched ceilings and their own terrace or deck with a view over the lodge gardens or bush. There are malaria screens so that you can leave your window or door open at night for airflow, but there is also air-conditioning and ceiling fans on offer. Each has en suite bathroom, and wifi is available in all rooms and entertainment areas.

Makubela & Leadwood Suites

The two Makubela Suites and Leadwood honeymoon suite are a considerable upgrade in room standard offering luxury, comfort and privacy. Named after a female leopard which included the lodge grounds in her territory, the suites are built at the end of a raised walkway. Each has its own spacious deck with private plunge pool, often popular as a watering hole for visiting elephants.

Idube Game Reserve – review by Kate

I was pleasantly surprised by the changes at Idube. The mature trees and gardens have enveloped the face-brick of the chalets (which I have never warmed to) so that you hardly see that it is a face-brick lodge! However you don’t come to Idube for the lodge décor. You come because it is very well priced for the southern Sabi Sands traversing with the much pricier  Dulini , Savanna, Leopard Hills and Ulusaba.

Yes the public areas feel more homely than many lodges. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. I think people love the homely friendly atmosphere. Plus they have added a stylish glass-walled sitting room which can be opened up completely.

The classic rooms are OK , a little old-fashioned but functional.  However we really recommend the two suites as they are not much more expensive but they are a HUGE jump up in standard - very spacious with sitting room area, large bathroom, own deck with private plunge pool. Also popular with elephants coming to drink as we saw first hand.

They are proud of their food and breakfast and lunch is served on a deck overlooking the dry river bed. Dinner is either there, inside in their dining room or in the boma area. There’s a swing bridge over the dry river to a hide overlooking a waterhole.

Overall a charming, unassuming and well-priced game lodge (for the southern Sabi Sands!) in an excellent game-viewing area.

Cedarberg : Kate Bergh