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Idube Game Reserve is located within greater Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which shares open orders with the world-famous Kruger National Park. This set-up makes for a completely authentic wilderness experience. There is an emphasis on seeing the Big Five, and wildlife viewing is excellent. All the big cats are easily seen, including the secretive leopard.
The unpretentious lodge has 10 chalets set among green lawns and shady trees. Perhaps less stylish than some of its competitors, Idube’s atmosphere is relaxed, and prices are reasonable. Nyala antelope have become very used to people and walk around the gardens. There are seven small properties in the west of Sabi Sands, including Idube. These properties have traversing rights onto each other’s land. This arrangement accounts for some pressure to make room for fellow tourists as only three vehicles are allowed at any particular sighting at the same time.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Idube Game Reserve is during winter, which is also considered the ‘low season’. This is the Dry season which lasts from May to September. Animals are easy to spot during the dry months as foliage becomes less abundant and they gather around rivers and waterholes. September is a lovely month to visit. It is also the least cold of the winter months.
May to September –Dry Season – Winter
October to April –Wet Season – Summer
Scenery
Idube’s terrain is woodland savannah and is thick with vegetation. This rarely affects your safari due to the ability to drive off-road and having skilled guides and trackers.
From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day
From: May to September (Dry season)
From: October to March (It can get a bit busy)
From: 650km² / 251mi²
The Big Five and cheetah are easily seen, as well as most other large safari animals. This is one of the places to easily spot the secretive leopard as they feel very at ease throughout Sabi Sands. Different antelope species are always around, but due to the emphasis on flagship species, they are often ignored. Night drives are great for spotting nocturnal animals such as lesser galago and large-spotted genet.
Wildlife Highlights
Idube Game Reserve is possibly the best place in Africa to see leopards. Both the quantity and quality of sightings is superb. This is a place where you can see leopard behavior such as males marking and patrolling their territory or females interacting with their cubs. Wild dog sightings are less common, but if they are denning in the area, it is often possible to spend time with these social pack animals.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing in Idube Game Reserve is very good throughout the year but perhaps at its best during the Dry season (June to September). August and September are particularly nice since it is warmer than in mid-winter and animals tend to gather at water sources, making them easier to spot.
Idube Game Reserve experiences winter and summer at opposite times to those seasons in Europe and North America. October to April are the hot, wet summer months while the mild, dry winter occurs from May to September. Although winter days are pleasant, it is cold in the mornings, so warm clothes are advisable for game drives.
Dry Season –May to September – Winter
For the most part, it doesn’t rain during the winter, and humidity is low. Permanent water sources become a place for animals to gather, making them easier to spot.
Wet Season –October to April – Summer
Summer can be hot and humid, sometimes to an uncomfortable level. Temperatures often reach 40°C/104°F, but the daytime average is around 32°C/90°F with high humidity. Afternoon storms are normal, yet all-day rainfall is rare.
Coming from abroad, you’ll arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. From there, you can take the twice-daily scheduled flight to Sabi Sand Game Reserve, run by Federal Airlines.
It is also possible to fly directly from Germany or to take a connecting flight from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), near Mbombela. Alternatively, you can take a connecting flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport (SZK) in Kruger National Park. A transfer from Mbombela or Skukuza to your Sabi Sands accommodation can be arranged and takes about 2 hours.
It is also possible to hire a car in Johannesburg and drive to the park via the N4 to Mbombela. The reserve has three entrance gates for access to different lodges. The distance is about 500km/310mi, and the drive takes about 5½ hours*.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
Your tour operator will organize any charter or regular flights to the area. Domestic carriers running scheduled flights include the following:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – South Africa page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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