Mluwati Concession · Kruger National Park
Imbali Safari Lodge
Kruger National Park · Kruger
The original lodge on the private 10,000-hectare Mluwati Concession in central Kruger: twelve suites with private plunge pools on the N'waswitsontso River, two drives a day, off-road driving rights, and the only Mluwati lodge that takes children under 12 without an exclusive-use booking.
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The stay
Inside Kruger, with a private concession's freedoms
Imbali was the first lodge built (in 2003) on the Mluwati Concession, a 10,000-hectare private area in the centre of Kruger National Park south-west of Satara, on the N'waswitsontso River. Its twelve suites each have a king bed, a stone-and-marble bathroom with a Victorian bath and walk-in shower, a complimentary minibar and a private plunge pool on a timber deck facing river or grassland. Because the concession is private, Imbali's vehicles use their own road network, may drive off-road when tracking, and share the area only with sister lodges Hamiltons and Hoyo Hoyo. Two drives a day, three meals and selected drinks are included; walks are arranged separately. Unlike its two sister lodges, Imbali accommodates children under 12 without an exclusive-use booking.
Why Imbali
Imbali is the answer for guests who want the address "Kruger National Park" on their safari with the game-viewing freedoms normally found only in the private reserves outside it, and who want a plunge pool in every suite. It is also the practical Mluwati choice for families with children under 12. Guests without children who want canvas should look at Hamiltons; those wanting the Shangaan-styled lodge, at Hoyo Hoyo.
Rooms & Suites
Suite
Max 2 adults · 2 children
Family suitable
Maximum two children under 12 per room, sharing with two adults.
Safari & Experiences
Game drives
Two safaris a day on the concession's own road network, with permission to leave the road and track off-road.
Younger children join drives at management's discretion; a private vehicle is recommended for them at a daily charge
Bush walks
Optional guided walks arranged in advance.
At an additional charge
Wellness treatments
Spa treatments available at the lodge.
Good to know
Families
- Minimum age: 8
Children under 12 pay a child rate when sharing with two full-paying adults, with a maximum of two per room and three in camp at any time; guests 12 and over are treated as adults in their own rooms. The minimum age is confirmed at the time of booking.
Power & connectivity
- In-room power available
Suites have a hairdryer and a tea and coffee station.
Getting there
- Nearest airport: Skukuza Airport / Hoedspruit (Eastgate) Airport
- Nearest airstrip: Manyeleti airstrip (Federal Air), about 1.5 hours by road
The concession lies south-west of Satara on Kruger's border with the Manyeleti. Sister lodge Hamiltons publishes self-drive times of 1.5-2 hours from Orpen Gate and 2.5-3 hours from Paul Kruger Gate; Kruger gate fees apply. Complimentary Skukuza/Hoedspruit transfers for FIT bookings on request (14 seats across two vehicles).
Sustainability & Conservation
One of the first private concessions inside Kruger, established by a group of conservationists with the stated aim of supporting the park's sustainability.
Add the road leg
Private transfers, arranged with the stay.
Spurwing can arrange private road transfers from Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo, regional airports or another lodge where the routing is practical, or build the road leg into a wider South African itinerary.
Tell us where you are coming from and where you are going next. We confirm the practical route, vehicle and timing before anything is booked.
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Rates on request
One trusted partner for the whole journey — speak to us and we’ll help plan the stay alongside the rest of your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Imbali inside Kruger National Park?
Yes. It sits on the Mluwati Concession, a 10,000-hectare private concession in central Kruger, and Kruger gate fees apply on entry.
Are children allowed?
Yes. Imbali is the one Mluwati lodge that accommodates children under 12 without an exclusive-use booking, with at most two children per room sharing with two adults and three children in camp at a time. The minimum age is confirmed at booking; drives for younger children are at management's discretion and a private vehicle is recommended at an extra daily charge.
Does every suite have a pool?
Yes. Each of the twelve suites has its own plunge pool on the deck.
What is included?
Three meals, selected drinks (soft drinks, water, beer, selected wines and spirits), two safaris a day and VAT. Kruger gate fees, premium drinks and walks are extra; complimentary Skukuza or Hoedspruit transfers can be requested for FIT bookings.