Mdluli Safari Lodge

Infinity pool with a view of the Kruger Park at sunset

The lodge is located inside the south-western region of the Kruger National Park. Mdluli Safari Lodge is a sustainable tourism initiative, and each guest’s stay leaves a lasting positive impact.

Mdluli Safari Lodge is the story of one man’s vision for the land, and for the Mdluli people. Today this land is significant for many reasons. We invite you to be part of our story - a tale of the wonder and beauty of the Kruger National Park, the authentic charm of Siswati tradition, and a deep-rooted commitment to conservation.

The lodge is founded on 4 core pillars, namely a partnership with the Mdluli Community, wildlife conservation and preservation, ecological design, and the storytelling guests to this special place will forever carry with them. The lodge is a blueprint for best practice community development projects in South Africa.

After a long journey of land restitution, the Mdluli Community have freehold title of 850 hectares of land inside the borders of the iconic Kruger National Park. Mdluli Safari Lodge luxurious private safari lodge was developed with the purpose of sustainable uplifting the lives and infrastructure of the 45,000 strong Mdluli Community who live in villages adjacent to the Park and receive direct financial and indirect social and economic benefits from the lodge’s operations.

Kruger National Park

What makes the Kruger Park unique is that its biodiversity is unmatched, with 147 species of mammal, 492 of birds and 118 of reptiles, along with 628 types of trees, shrubs and grasses as well as thousands of insects. No other national park in the world can offer this.

The Kruger Park has a hot, sub-tropical climate and most of the year it is hot during the day (above 25 degrees). It's an all year round destination, game viewing can be at its best during the winter months however the wet summer season brings full water holes, lots of newborn wildlife, and the summer migrant birds arrive. Whatever time you head out, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience!

The botanically rich, high-rainfall mountainveld of the south-west provides habitat niches for some of Kruger's rarest antelope. This is the only part of Kruger Park where the the grey rhebok is found. The south-west is the most mountainous part of Kruger and gets more rainfall than anywhere else in the Park. The granite foothills are scenic.

Accommodation

Step into the tranquility of one of the 50 luxurious tents.

With oversized patios and views into the Park, the elevated tents are both spacious and indulgent. The luxury tents, and each area of the lodge, is designed to create a feeling of being connected to nature, whether you are indoors or outdoors. The careful curation of raw timbers with canvas textures and an interior palette inspired by the surrounding natural environment, give the lodge a true safari feel.

The deck, coffee bar, restaurant, boma and infinity swimming pool are all cleverly positioned through their open architecture and proximity to the lodge’s fence line to allow you to find a quiet space to take in the views, while a herd of elephant or buffalo amble past.There is no better place for relaxation in the heart of the African bush.

It is a privilege to wake up to the sweeping vistas of the Kruger National Park. There aren’t many other places on Earth more captivating.

Mduli Safari Lodge luxury tent under the stars

Muduli Safari Lodge tent at night

Lodge Facilities

Infinity Pool Cool down from the hot African sun in our iconic infinity pool – just meters from the fence. The pool overlooks a watering hole, where we regularly have elephant, zebra and impala – and if you’re lucky, a rare sighting of the herd of sable antelope.

Spa at Mdluli Choose one of our premium Amani spa treatments for yourself, or book as a couple. Relax and get pampered in the comfort and privacy of your luxury tent – either inside, or on your patio.

Bush Braai Experience an unforgettable dinner in the middle of the bush.Your range will drive you in an open game vehicle to the Mdluli Dam, where you can enjoy dinner around the fire, in the middle of the bush, under the open African sky. The experienced guides will accompany you, keeping you safe as you experience nature’s most magnificent dining setting.

Events & special occasions Nature’s ultimate destination: Our location inside the Park makes for a magical and picturesque backdrop for your special occasion – proposal, wedding, honeymoon or anniversary.

Breathtaking Granite Rock Unique to the location of the Lodge is our exquisite granite rock formation, located within our perimeters, and a short walk from your tent. Take a walk up to nature’s perfectly elevated viewpoint and breathe in the 360 panoramic views of the Kruger Park. This is the ultimate spot to take in the beauty of the landscape.

Enjoying the lodge

Mdluli Safari Lodge is different...

Various packages are offered to suit your needs
A community-based game lodge run sustainably
Experienced and knowledgeable game rangers and trackers
Big Five game viewing with great sightings in the Souther Kruger National Park
Easy access by road

Safari activities

Mdluli Safari Lodge offers various safari experience in the Kruger Park.

Game Drives Experience Kruger however you choose – whether you prefer to venture out in your own car or enjoy a safari from the comfort of a raised safari vehicle with an experienced guides.
Private Safari Vehicles Exclusive use of a safari vehicle can be arranged upon request, but is subject to availability. Only a limited number of exclusive safari vehicles can be guaranteed at any one time. Prices available on request.
Bush Walks Guided bush walks are an incredible way to immerse yourself into the wild, and to experience the bush in the most up close and personal way. Feel free to engage with our experienced guides, they are sure to keep you entertained with exceptional knowledge on the Kruger Park as well as stories about their past experiences, all whilst tracking magnificent animals on foot.

A day at Mdluli Safari Lodge

Game drives are planned for mornings and evenings as this is the time when the animals are most active. You have the option of driving yourself in the Kruger Park for as long as you wish or going on an open gane drive vehcils. The open vehicle game drives last for about three hours and include a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sun-downer stop in the evening.Mdluli Safari Lodge changes safari times accordingly to the seasons and gate times in order to maximise game-viewing opportunities and ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable experience.

Summer / Winter
05h00 / 05h30 – Wakeup call
05h30 / 06h00 – Refreshments and snacks on the patio
06h00 / 06h30 – Depart for morning game drive
10h00 / 10h00 – Breakfast
14h00 / 14h00 – Lunch is available
16h00 / 15h00 – Meet you ranger
16h30 / 15h30 – Depart for afternoon game drive
19h45 / 19h15 – Meet for Pre-dinner drinks
20h00 / 19h30 – Dinner

We suggest that guests arrive in time for lunch on their day of arrival not to miss out on any game drives during their stay.

Making a difference

Community:Mdluli Safari Lodge is the only lodge in South Africa to have achieved an AA+ ESG (environmental, social, governance) rating. After a long journey of land restitution, the Mdluli Community have freehold title of 850 hectares of land inside the borders of the iconic Kruger National Park. Our luxurious private safari lodge was developed with the purpose of sustainable uplifting the lives and infrastructure of the 45,000 strong Mdluli Community who live in villages adjacent to the Park and receive direct financial and indirect social and economic benefits from the lodge’s operations.