Wildlife Archives - Lukimbi Safari Lodge

A Blind Safari Experience!

A blind safari experience!

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about my first safari for a blind guest, but I saw this as an opportunity to challenge myself as a guide, to expand my comfort zone and also to focus more on your surroundings and senses. It makes you realise that seeing the animals is not always the key to going and doing a safari, it is the smell of the bush, the sounds around you and the touch as well. It’s an all sensory experience.

I had a couple of quiet days prior the guest’s arrival at Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the Southern part of the Kruger National Park. I used these days just to listen and focus on my surroundings, closing my eyes while driving with other guides, just to imagine what it must be like to explore the bush without sight. It was rather difficult for the first couple of hours or so, but I focused on touch, smell and hearing. It’s going to be a challenge and I had to think very hard as to how I could create but importantly, achieve a fulfilling, stimulating and successful safari like all the other drives I’ve done before.

My guests arrived at the lodge and it was time for the adventure to begin!

We stopped next to a herd of Impalas and listened as they were chewing on some of the drier leaves and grass. In a very soft “ewe” sound, the ewes were calling their lambs. In the distance there was a Swainson’s Spurfowls raucous “krraae-krraae-krraae” call coming from a tree not to far behind the impalas. Kudus also joined the impala and we could hardly hear them walk past our vehicle as they carefully placed the hind foot exactly where they placed their front foot, in order to eliminate sound – which they definitely succeeded in. “Are we driving in a western direction now?” The guest asked me as we continued with our afternoon drive. I confirmed that it was correct which he responded with a smile: “I can feel the warm afternoon sun, shining on my face.”

We approached a dry waterhole on the concession and I stopped the vehicle. “Reach out to the left.” I told him and I got out of the vehicle. Slowly he reached out and started feeling the smooth surface. “Almost like a polished smooth surface” he said. I explained to him that he was touching a fallen Leadwood that became a rubbing post to rhinos and other animals. As they mud wallow they look for a log, tree or rock that they can use to rub their muddy bodies against and from the continued rubbing against the object, the surface becomes smooth. He could also feel little bumps on the post, which we explained was dead ticks that came from the rhino as it was rubbing against the post.

A big old Marula tree right next to the road. I stopped and let him touch the trunk of the Marula Tree. He could feel the distinctive circular discs on the bark, a way that the marula tree is easily recognisable and he also felt a part of the trunk was smooth. The smooth part was the area where the tree got damaged by Elephants as they were peeling of the bark to gain access to the cambium layer which comprises the vascular tissue of the tree. This is where the tree transports water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves of the tree. Sometimes it happens that when the elephants remove the bark, they also ring bark the tree and it then dies, but in this case, the tree managed to repair itself and the scars could be felt clearly. We touched a couple of different trees, like the knobs from the Knob Thorn, the softness, almost toilet paper soft leaves from the African Weeping-wattle and we tasted the bitterness of the Magic quarri (because of the high tannin level in the leaves) when we were making tooth brushes. While busy explaining a bit about the Magic quarri, my tracker spotted movement between the top branches… none other that a big Flap-neck chameleon. I broke off a small branch from the quarri and held it towards the chameleon, allowing it to climb onto my branch and handed it to the guest. He could feel the weight of the chameleon on the branch he was holding, and it gave him an idea how big it was. We slowly and carefully placed the branch back into the bush, where the chameleon safely climbed off and slowly disappeared deeper into the quarri.

Suddenly, a roar in the distance!

It was starting to become dusk and we could feel the cooler autumn air against our skin as we were heading into the direction that we heard the lions roar. Obviously a sound you wish every guest can experience but not always able to accomplish. And there they were, lying in the riverbed. Females, cubs and two beautiful dark maned male lions. On our arrival, one of the females suddenly got up and started walking into our direction. 25m away from us, 15m… 10m…5m I counted down so that the guest understood why the footsteps and breathing of the lioness could be easily heard and also assuring him that we were safe. She stopped in front of us. Then, the moment I hoped for! Both males in the riverbed, right in front of our vehicle started roaring at the same time! The lioness joined, where at this time she was at the back of our vehicle. There we were, surrounded by the largest African carnivores, roaring like never before. A sound you feel vibrating in your bones. I looked at the guest and he was smiling. In the days prior their arrival, I was able to make a mould of the track of a male lion we spotted close to camp, using Plaster of Paris. As the lions moved off that got so close to us. Huge male lion track is almost the same size as a humans hand.

The early evening sounds were entertaining us as we stopped for sundowners. Orange-pink skies were visible on the horizon as the Bubbling Kassinas and the White-faced Whistling Ducks were singing from the big pan. With the assurance that everything was fine and we were safe, we listened as a big herd of Elephants made their appearance at the pan. Splashing and drinking water. An odour followed. A rich, wet, earthy smell, almost like land after first rain. That was the wet mud on their bodies and the water they splashed on them to cool down. We could hear a rumbling sound, produced by the vocal chords and amplified by the upper region of the trunk – it’s the Matriarch telling the rest of the family its time to go. The faint noise of their footsteps could be heard as the giants disappeared into the darkness. Another successful day in the bush ended with the characteristic night sounds of Fiery-necked Nightjars, whistling, ‘good lord, deliiiiver us.

The guest summed up his experience as, “Silent Appreciation!!”

Christa Bohmer

Lukimbi Under Lock Down

When our President declared a state of disaster and the Covid 19 made its presence known throughout the world, we took a very difficult decision to close Lukimbi for the month of April until things settled down. Little did we anticipate how long it would take for “things to settle down “.

So far, the lodge has been closed since 27 March but that hasn’t meant that everything has come to a grinding halt, certainly not for Sean, Shelley and Reece who were the only people left on the property. Level 5 was very difficult for them, they had to see to the closure of the lodge the last staff members left on the afternoon of the 25^th March to ensure they managed to return to their homes in time for the lockdown to commence. All windows and doors were locked and secured and all the furniture was covered to protect it making the public areas rather ghostly.

With everything closed, the only part of the lodge left open and working was the manager’s office, and the fridges and freezers. However, mother nature then decided that life was too quiet for the family and she unleashed a mini tornedo on the night of the 26^th March which tore through the concession,

In the space of fifteen minutes, trees had been uprooted, roofs had been damaged and walk ways smashed. The damage was fairly extensive and Sean was alone to try and clear up the mess left behind. – what a way to start lockdown.

Although through the doom and gloom, as time passed they had to check the concession to ensure there were no issues, and have been blessed with a number of glorious sightings, including the various wonderful general game Lukimbi has to offer, but a beautiful sighting of a Female cheetah with 3 cubs on Lukimbi Plains, and the heyana’s were back at their den site, and as curious as ever.

Once level 4 was introduced, life became a bit more bearable. We were able to bring in 7 other members of staff, And so the repairs and maintenance of the whole lodge commenced.

Since then our maintenance team made up of Stranger, Doctor and Sipho, Arie, Cindy and Kaitlyn have been really busy, not only did they have to clear all the broken trees, from across boardwalks, they have been able to get some vital maintenance done in areas, not always so easy to overhaul while guests are in camp.

Cindy and Kaitlyn have spent the last 3 weeks busy in the kitchen, giving it a complete makeover, sanding, repairing and repainting almost all of the kitchen areas, even the fridges have had a new touch of paint to give them a new lease of life…. A job well done ladies…

The tree over the boardwalk and those snapped in half in front of the rooms, proved a challenge to be moved, but with the heavy machinery and with Reece’s supervision, another job well done and was a good workout for all those involved.

Although we haven’t allowed them to stop there, we’ve so far managed to give the main lodge pool area an overhaul, and this is almost done with the decks, all being fixed up, and re varnished to make them look as good as new again. Now the project to scrubbing the pool itself is starting in earnest…. Watch this space…

With all the hard work going on around the lodge, there has been some down time and bonding of the staff, they have been able to go on some drives to check the concession which need to be done on a regular basis to ensure there are no problems, and a perfect opportunity for those staff members that don’t ordinarily get to enjoy the location they work in as much as others.

A friendly game of cricket was had, and Kaitlyn and Arie proved to be very handy with a bat, and to finish the night off a nice social braai was enjoyed by all.

There has been a constant stream of visitors, obviously curious as to why there were no guests and very little activity around the grounds. The elephants were the first to arrive. They stood across the river looking and watching what was happening in the lodge.

As the days passed and the concession has gotten drier, without much rain for some time the next visitors were a large herd of buffalo coming down to drink at the river and then George the resident hippo made his return to the lodge River… and to admire the lilies in there too. An old friend, the leopard tortoise who has lived in grounds for a long time, came up on to the lounge deck to admire the view and to check if anything was being served in the dining room.

Even the elephants were back at the entrance gate waiting for our guests to admire them.

The Lukimbi team along with them are waiting for the day we can welcome our much-missed guests again in the not too distant future, until that time we hope you are staying safe….

Safaris with Big 5 South Africa

Where to Find the Best Safaris with Big 5 Viewing Included in South Africa

When it comes to exhilarating safaris and Big 5 viewing, no other country can hold a candle with the choice and quality available in South Africa. However, with so many wonderful options to choose from, it can be quite a task to search and narrow down the list and finally choose the ideal safari for you. Where do you even start?

The largest, most popular and most famous game reserve offering safaris with tours to view the Big 5 in South Africa is, of course, the Kruger National Park. The majesty and grandeur of the Kruger National Park’s landscape is nothing short of breathtaking, and the park is teeming with wildlife, making it a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts.

Another advantage of the Kruger National Park is the numerous accommodation options inside the perimeters of the park, making it one of the most convenient options for safaris with Big 5 viewing included in South Africa. Your top choice for all-inclusive luxury accommodation is the 5-star Lukimbi Safari Lodge. This popular, yet intimate lodge offers you an authentic African experience in the heart of the bushveld.

Our elegant rooms offer you an exceptionally comfortable haven in which to relax and prepare for your outdoor adventures. Each room comes with its own private viewing deck, and the Premier Suites even feature their own splash pools.

We offer our guests two 4×4 game drives every day – one in the early morning and one in the afternoon – with an experienced guide to help you spot the wildlife. There are also guided bush walks for those who want to get even closer to nature. After a day of exploring the wilderness, return to the lodge for a rejuvenating spa treatment before you sit down to a fine-dining meal fit for royalty.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge promises to make all your safaris, together with the moments of seeing the legendary Big 5 in their natural habitat in South Africa, the unforgettable experiences you have been dreaming of.

Kruger National Park Tours

Plan Carefully to Make the Most of Tours in the Kruger National Park

There is no denying that Kruger National Park tours are some of the most amazing things you can do when in South Africa, and probably Africa. As one of the largest game reserves on the continent – and the one that boasts the most species of large mammals – this is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to have a proper African safari experience.

That said, there is a bit more to it than getting on a plane and simply showing up. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning tours to the Kruger National Park to make sure that you have the best time of your life:

Choose the Time of Year

With its mild weather, there isn’t a wrong time to book tours in the Kruger National Park. However, different times of the year will deliver different experiences. The summer months (around October to March) are hot and lush, as this is the rainy season. The landscape will be green and beautiful, but this might hinder your views.

Winter months (April to September) are drier and colder. The bush will be sparser, making it easier to spot wildlife as they congregate around the diminishing water holes.

Be Prepared

Make sure that you take protection against the harsh African sun, as it can get hot, even during winter. A sunhat and sunglasses are a great idea. The winter nights and early mornings can be quite cold, so take something warm with you. Hiking boots are not necessary, but you definitely want comfortable shoes. And, remember to take a good camera to capture all the exciting action!

Plan Your Excursions

There are so many different things to see at different times of the day, so make sure that you book a range of activities. Lukimbi Safari Lodge offers both early morning and late afternoon game drives on our private roads, as well as guided bush walks where you have the chance to get up close to nature.

Book the Right Accommodation

Talking about Lukimbi Safari Lodge, we offer 5-star luxury safari accommodation within the Kruger National Park – a perfect base camp for those wanting to go on local tours. With a range of beautiful suites and world-class amenities – including a spa, restaurant, and pools – this is the perfect spot for an African adventure.

African Wildlife Safaris

Why African Wildlife Safaris Should Be on Your Holiday Bucket List

People often discuss what they would like to do before they die. Yes, it certainly seems like a morbid concept, but the idea of a bucket list has become popular in modern life. There is a wide variety of things that people put on this important list. Working harder or longer hours, for instance, is rarely something that is mentioned. These lists are almost always more concerned with spending more time with one’s family, having more fun, exploring things outside of one’s comfort zone, and sometimes, it also includes experiencing African wildlife safaris.

If you are one of the people who have African wildlife safaris on your list, you may as well do it in style. While there are many different safari experiences that people can enjoy, not many people love being in the middle of nowhere with no medical care or amenities within reach. This is why wildlife safaris in the Kruger National Park are so popular. Not only is the park easy to reach and very accessible to towns and amenities, but it also provides exceptional services and luxury that is hard to find anywhere else.

This is why one of the most desirable locations for a good African safari is the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest conservancies in the world and contains a vast collection of African species that are interesting and fantastic to encounter. Here visitors can find anything from large elephant males to small lizards and unique flora, and there are also local heritage sites that provide new perspectives on the human race and its early roots.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is one of the lodges in the Kruger National Park that is highly sought after. Our lodge is not only for adults – we provide very interesting, entertaining, and informative children’s programmes that they love and enjoy. As a result, the kids go home after a wonderful wildlife experience with a better understanding of the local fauna and an appreciation of conservation (something which is extremely important in this day and age). In the meantime, the parents can enjoy all that our African wildlife safaris have to offer. Game drives, guided hikes, and even hot-air balloon safaris at sunrise can be organised!

Once back at the lodge, luxury abounds. We take care of your every need. Whether you need a hot stone massage or a delectable meal served on your own private deck, we are here to ensure the happiness of our guests.

If you are one of the people who include African wildlife safaris on your bucket list, contact our team at Lukimbi Safari Lodge. We will provide you with an experience that is truly worth remembering.

Precautions for Safari Game Drives

5 Important Precautions for Safari Game Drives That You Cannot Ignore

Game drives are generally safe, especially when taking a game drive in a specially designed vehicle with trained guides and drivers. Every now and then, a story surfaces of someone who was attacked or something that went terribly wrong on a game drive, but some of these events could be avoided if people stuck to the rules and took the necessary precautions on game drives. Here are some of the rules to follow if you want to enjoy a safe and pleasant game drive experience:

Rule no. 1: This is probably the most important rule. If you are going on a guided game drive, listen to the instruction briefing by your guide and driver. They will explain a list of rules to abide by before you embark on the game drive. It is very important that you respect these rules. Disobeying these precautions for safari game drives could be disastrous for everybody involved – often also for the animals.

Rule no. 2: If you are using a game drive vehicle with high visibility, do not wear any neon or bright colours. This will scare the animals away and you might end up seeing nothing. It could also signal danger to certain animals, so you might be charged at.

Rule no. 3: Keep it quiet. Nothing scares off animals like human voices. Animals do tend to get quite used to the sound of engines because they so frequently hear them (especially in game reserves), but they might be frightened by human sounds. While it could be hard to keep your voice in check instead of shrieking with delight when you encounter your first elephant, you should keep it down. This will give everyone an opportunity to view the animals in silence, and also for the guide to read the behaviour of the animal a lot better.

Rule no. 4: Cellphones on silent. Ideally, you should not even take a cellphone on a game drive, but because so many people use them to take pictures nowadays, they are allowed, but have to be put on silent. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you take a call during a game drive, as it may drive animals away and annoy the rest of the guests on your game drive.

Rule no. 5: Remain in the vehicle at all times. Under no circumstances should you ever leave the vehicle, unless instructed to do so by your guide. Even animals that seem harmless can cause injury, and if the vehicle needs to drive away quickly to avoid a confrontation, you may get left behind or put everyone else in danger.

There are other precautions for safari game drives that focus more on the self-drive option, and it is worthwhile to investigate these for your own safety if you are planning to drive yourself. Be safe out there and enjoy the show!

New Year’s Resolutions (See the Big 5)

Make One of Your New Year’s Resolutions to See the Big 5 in the Kruger National Park!

It may be a little too late to make New Year’s resolutions for 2019, but 2020 will be here before you know it. This gives you plenty of time to think about what you want to do in 2020 and how the resolutions you make can bring some joy into your life. One thing that should definitely be on the list of New Year’s resolutions is to see the Big 5! While there are plenty of places that these animals can be viewed in the wild, the Kruger National Park is still one of the best, because the concentration of these animals is denser in this very special game reserve. This means that your chances of seeing the Big 5 during one visit are much higher than if you spent time in the Maasai Mara or another African destination.

The Kruger National Park is one of the jewels in the crown of South Africa. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to this game reserve to see the Big 5 and also encounter other wildlife along the way. It is one of the largest game reserves in the world and is incredibly well managed. Established in 1926 to protect the indigenous wildlife from hunters, this game reserve is a delight to visit and the atmosphere here is electric. If your New Year’s resolution is or was to see the Big 5 in action, you will find the Kruger National Park hard to beat.

Another New Year’s resolution – in addition to the Big 5 – should be to stay in one of the luxury safari camps in the Kruger National Park. Inside the park, there are some private concessions set aside especially for these privately owned lodges, and here you can experience luxury and comfort in true African style. Lukimbi Safari Lodge is one the best lodges for those who wish to see the Big 5 because it is located close to one of the busiest gates of the park, and our private game drives have highly trained trackers with vast knowledge and experience when it comes to locating the animals you want to see. Often, the drivers are in radio communication with each other and will notify one another of the location of impressive animals, such as those of the Big 5.

At Lukimbi Safari Lodge, we welcome you with true African hospitality and provide you with all the indulgences and comfort that you would expect from a 5-star safari lodge. Our exclusive suites are spacious and well-appointed for ultimate privacy. Each suite has its own outdoor shower and timber deck overlooking the bush and watering holes beneath. For our more discerning guest, we also have two more luxurious suites – both of which have their own private swimming pools and large decks. These are usually perfect for honeymooners and those whose New Year’s resolutions are to see the Big 5 in great style and luxury!

Make your New Year’s resolution to see the Big 5 at Lukimbi Safari Lodge and book your space well ahead of time to ensure that your wish comes true.

Prepare For a Wildlife Safari

How to Prepare for a Wildlife Safari in the Kruger National Park

If you are planning a safari in Africa and you have never been on a safari before, you are in for a most fantastic adventure. The Kruger National Park is one of the most comfortable places to visit for a safari – not only because this game reserve is relatively close to civilisation, but also because there are rest camps and facilities within the reserve that help to keep things comfortable and easy to manage.

Here we provide you with some tips on how to prepare for a wildlife safari in the Kruger National Park:

Book early: Because the Kruger National Park is one of the most popular safari parks in the world, it is essential that you book your accommodation early enough. While there are many rest camps with a wide range of different types of accommodation available, it is the ultimate experience to stay at one of the exclusive safari lodges in the park. Lukimbi Safari Lodge is one of the best safari lodges in the reserve and is conveniently located close to the gate of the Kruger National Park.

Bring appropriate clothing: Keep the time of year in mind and prepare for your wildlife safari by bringing the most suitable clothing. While the winters in this area are usually mild and sunny during the day, the evenings, nights, and early mornings can be pretty frosty. Bring layers of clothing that you can put on and take off as the temperature changes. If you go on an early morning game drive, you may need gloves and thick fleeces, but by lunchtime, you will probably only need a light T-shirt in the sunshine. In the summer, this area is very hot and there are some magnificent thunderstorms. Bring light clothing and a long-sleeved top or two just in case. Overall, however, it will be hot.

Malaria medication: Most people prepare for a wildlife safari by taking malaria prophylactics. While these are indeed needed in some areas of the Kruger National park, it helps to find out where exactly you are going and whether malaria prevention is necessary or not. It is also not necessary to take these in the winter.

Mosquito repellent: You can prepare for a wildlife safari by investing in a good mosquito and insect repellent. If you stay at Lukimbi Safari Lodge, you will have the soft drapes of a gauzy mosquito net to protect you during the night, but during early evenings outside or on your private deck, you may need some insect repellent.

There are many other things you can do to prepare for a wildlife safari in the Kruger National park, but if you book your stay at Lukimbi Safari Lodge, we will provide all the information you need to be prepared when you arrive. Give us a call to book your accommodation with us today.

Where to Stay in Kruger National Park

Wondering Where to Stay in the Kruger National Park?

If you are planning a visit to the Kruger National Park in the near future, you will probably be wondering about the accommodation options available. The Kruger National Park has many rest camps that all offer different types of accommodation that will suit different needs and different budgets. But if you are wondering where to stay in the Kruger National Park where you can enjoy the ultimate safari experience and African atmosphere, while still indulging in luxuries and comfort, there are few places that can beat the luxury safari lodges in and around the reserve.

There are various private concessions that have been set aside within the game reserve, and private individuals or companies have invested significant sums of money to build exclusive, 5-star lodges on these concessions. Being on a private concession also provides the guests with advantages that people staying in the rest camps do not have. They are able to go on private game drives, enjoy guided hikes with trackers and guides, and enjoy sights and luxuries that rest camp guests will not experience.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a popular luxury safari lodge in the Kruger National Park. We are conveniently located close to one of the busiest gates of the park, and here, your breath will be taken away by the sheer splendour and pleasure provided by the construction and design of our lodge. We offer you exclusivity, privacy, luxury, and comfort.

If you want to know where to stay in the Kruger National Park, you should know that Lukimbi Safari Lodge has so much to offer! We have several luxury suites – all are spacious and equipped with air conditioning, mosquito nets draped over plush beds with crisp linen, and a large bathroom built for two. Outside, you will find a wonderful private deck overlooking the bush and watering holes below, and you can sit here in comfort while sipping on a cocktail and watching the spectacle of the animals below. Our executive suites also have their own private swimming pools and lookout decks – it is difficult to get closer to nature without actually being in it!

If you are still wondering where to stay in the Kruger National Park, browse our website or contact our friendly team at Lukimbi Safari Lodge! Book early to secure your stay. We look forward to seeing you and making your stay as comfortable as possible.

Game Drives in the Kruger

Luxury Game Lodges and Exciting Game Drives in the Kruger National Park

It is no secret that the Kruger National Park is one of the most sought-after wildlife attractions in the world. People from across the globe come to this park to encounter the best of what Africa has to offer: luxury lodges, game drives and hikes, superb cuisine, stunning natural settings and, of course, the extraordinary African sunsets. Game drives are one of the main attractions because these give people the opportunity to travel out into the bush in vehicles that are specifically adapted to provide maximum visibility of the surroundings.

Going on a game drive rather than doing a self-drive is also better because they are conducted by guides and trackers who are very knowledgeable about the fauna and flora in the area. They provide interesting facts and information to anybody who is curious about African wildlife. The trackers who conduct game drives are usually informed about the whereabouts of animals, and are often in radio contact with other game drivers. This means that when there is an interesting sighting, they let each other know the locations of these sightings. People who choose to self-drive tend to miss out on many opportunities to see or encounter wildlife. Often, these animals are well camouflaged in tall grass, and even if they are relatively close by, the untrained eye is unlikely to spot them.

One of the best things to do when you are a fan of high-quality game drives is to book into one of the luxury lodges within the Kruger National Park. These lodges usually offer game drives as a standard part of the accommodation package, and they employ the best guides and trackers to conduct these game drives. This provides many opportunities to encounter the animals you want to see, such as the Big Five!

One of the most popular lodges in the Kruger National Park is Lukimbi Safari Lodge. Set on a private concession within the park, our privately owned lodge provides visitors with the ultimate in luxury. Here you will find plush suites with private balconies, outstanding cuisine, complete privacy, peace and quiet, and the opportunity to go on regular game drives to encounter animals you would love to see up close! We also provide all the added luxuries one would expect from a five-star establishment. Our beautiful lodge is designed to blend in with the surrounding nature and overlooks the bush and a watering hole where animals can be encountered from private balconies.

For more information about our luxury accommodation and game drives in the Kruger National Park, give our team at Lukimbi Safari Lodge a call.

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