The only luxury tented lodge of its kind. Mdluli Safari Lodge fills a unique gap for guests looking for a luxury safari experience inside the Kruger National Park. The lodge is born from successful land reform, anchored in preserving heritage, protecting nature and uplifting the lives of the Mdluli Community.
The only luxury tented lodge of its kind. Mdluli Safari Lodge fills a unique gap for guests looking for a luxury safari experience inside the Kruger National Park. The lodge is born from successful land reform, anchored in preserving heritage, protecting nature and uplifting the lives of the Mdluli Community.
Stay at Mdluli
Designed to perfectly blend in with nature, each tent offers up 70sqm of eco-conscious design and refined safari-styled luxury. The magic is in the detail, with a considered curation of natural timber, canvas textures and an interior palette inspired by the surrounding Kruger environment. There are 4 disability-friendly tents, and the entire lodge is wheelchair accessible.
Our Location
We are located inside the Kruger National Park, not far from Pretoriuskop Rest Camp. Once inside the Park, the lodge is easily accessed by the sign-posted private road near Numbi Gate Security and Control Point. Guests can choose which Park entry gate they prefer. Numbi is the closest access gate. Conservation fees will be payable when entering the Park by any access gate other than Numbi Gate. Guests may make use of their Wildcard.
Our impact
We are located in the heart of one of South Africa’s most prized and iconic natural locations. You cannot inhabit and take pleasure in this land without playing an active role in preserving it.
Through responsible tourism, we protect and conserve - from the natural significance of a termite hill to the plight of the majestic white and black rhinos.
We are a 50–50% partnership with the local Mdluli Community.
Day to day lodge operations are an extension of our intentional sustainability philosophy.
Our trade partners
At the lodge
Each area of the lodge is intentionally positioned to maximise views into the Kruger National Park, creating a feeling of always being connected to the beauty and serenity of the natural surroundings.
Unforgettable safari experiences
Immersive bush walks
Big 5 game drives
Amani spa treatments
Starlit boma dinner
Bush Walk
Wildlife
Restaurant
Gin Tasting
Immersive bush walks
Big 5 game drives
Amani spa treatments
Starlit boma dinner
Bush Walk
Wildlife
Restaurant
Gin Tasting
Private conferences
The idyllic setting for any conference, team building or strategic getaway or award ceremony.
We have two designated conference areas
– Enclosed venue seating up to 30 people
– Upstairs restaurant area with a backdrop of the Kruger, seating up to 60 people.
Complimentary:
TV screen setup
Flipchart
Refreshments (water, tea and coffee)
Conference calling facility
Wi-Fi
Planning your stay
GATE ENTRY OPTIONS
Which gate options are best to use when entering the Park?
Malelane, Phabeni, Kruger and Numbi Gates offer convenient access to the lodge.
Approximate drive times from Gauteng:
4 hours to Malelane Gate, and approximately 3 hours to the lodge in the Park.
5 hours to Phabeni Gate, approximately 45 minutes to the lodge in the Park.
5.5 hours to Kruger Gate, approximately 2 hours to the lodge in the Park.
4.5 hours to Numbi Gate, approximately 30 minutes to the lodge in the Park.
Shuttles can be arranged – approximately 40 minutes drive time.
Please note: Conservation fees will be payable (per person, per vehicle registration number) when entering the Park by any access gate other than Numbi Gate. Guests may make use of their Wildcard.
To view more detailed information on our location, visit our location page here.
Can I get a transfer to the lodge?
We offer outsourced transfers to and from the lodge – from Skukuza, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), O.R. Tambo, Lanseria and Hoedspruit airports. Contact our reservations team for more information.
What is the Community Levy?
This levy is R50 per person per night over the age of 12. This levy is paid on departure at reception, and goes directly to the Mdluli Community, on whose land the lodge is built. You can read more about our unique partnership with the Mdluli Community here.
What are conservation fees?
Conservation fees are payable to SANParks by all visitors, to contribute towards the conservation and maintenance of the Kruger National Parks. These fees increase each year. As of 1 November 2023, the fees are as follows:
South African citizens and residents (with ID) – R122 per adult per day and R60 per child per day
SADC nationals (with passport) – R243 per adult per day and R122 per child per day
Standard conservation fee (International Visitors) – R486 per adult per day and R243 per child per day
Is there parking at Mdluli Safari Lodge?
Yes, we have complimentary parking for all types of vehicles, including coaches and buses.
Closest airports:
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) – 45 minute drive
- Skukuza Airport – 1 hour 30 minutes drive
- Hoedspruit Airport – 2-hour drive
- O.R. Tambo International Airport – 4 hour and 45 minute drive
- Lanseria International Airport – 5 hour drive
Contact our reservations team for more detailed international flights and transfers information.
Please note: While we don’t handle flight bookings directly, we are more than happy to assist in any way we can to make your travel arrangements smoother and more enjoyable.
What are the dining options?
We offer an à la carte lunch menu (and occasionally breakfast and dinner mid-week). Alternatively, and on weekends, we serve buffet breakfasts and dinners.
What are meal times?
Breakfast is served from 06h00 – 10h00
Lunch can be ordered between 11h00 – 16h00.
Dinner is served from 18h00 – 21h00, either in the boma or in our restaurant.
Can guests have lunch while at the lodge?
Yes, our restaurant serves lunch daily, and you can enjoy your meal in our restaurant, at the deck or by the pool.
What are the check-in times?
Check- in: from 14h00 until the Kruger National Park gate closing time.
Check- out: from 06h00 to 10h00
Can I check in earlier or check out later?
Early check-in and late departure can be arranged, subject to availability and the arrival/departure of other guests. Please let our reservations team know 24 hours you arrive/depart.
If I arrive after gate closing time, can I still check-in?
There are additional charges for late arrivals once the Park gates have closed. If you expect to be late, please contact reception +27 (0)87 980 0431 and confirm your time of arrival and car registration number.
0 – 6 years: Stay and eat for free (package applicable) – no game drives included, excludes lunch on packages 1 + 2
7 – 11 years: 50% of the adult sharing rate with 2 full paying adults – same as what parents are getting: includes 1 game drive for child (package 2) and 2 game drives (package 3), excludes lunch on packages 1 + 2
Children 12 years and older: pay the full adult per person sharing rate.
NO children under 3 years old allowed on Game Drives
Babysitting services available on request (Additionally charged)
What is the nearest hospital and how far is it?
The nearest hospital, Kiaat Private Hospital is around 45min (51km) from us and Nelspruit Mediclinic is about 1 hour from us (63 km).
More of Mdluli
An eco-conscious luxury safari experience.
Luxury tented experience, custom designed to blend in with nature.
Inside the Kruger National Park, not far from Pretoriuskop Rest Camp.
Africa at her finest. Big 5 game drives, self-drive, bush walks, boma dinners and so much more.
