Bernie Van Der Linde
Lamula Lodge, Kruger National Park
Luxury has a name in Africa; It's called Lamula Lodge!
Near the Paul Kruger Skukuza gate lies a luxury lodge that pulses the rhythm of Kruger’s heartbeat.Â
Lamula lodge is a villa steeped in African tradition, overlooking the Sabie river, with a vibrant, warm interior design and unprecedented architecture.
It's all in the name – Lamula Lodge
After travelling the African continent for 12 years with their son and daughter, Jeannette and her husband decided on Elephant Point, South Africa, to fulfil their dream of owning a piece of wilderness and sharing this intimacy and seclusion with guests worldwide.Â
Lamula means fruit of the orange tree in Shangaan.Â
Jeannette told me she later found out that Lamula also means “stop fighting”, which I believe is the ideal name for a family lodge or a lodge well suited for work team breakaways.Â
Interestingly, the orange also holds some patriotic significance for this family from the Netherlands.
Where and what is Elephant point estate?
Elephant Point is an estate open to Kruger National Park, with wildlife roaming freely in and out of the estate. The estate forms part of the Legacy hotels & Resorts group. Lamula Lodge is located within this estate.
The estate is named after the vast herds of elephants that can frequently be seen drinking and grazing on the banks of the majestic Sabie River.Â
The area is well-known for abundant wildlife and unrivalled sightings of the elusive leopard or the graceful cheetah.Â
Elephant Point lies about 7.5 Km from the Paul Kruger gate (near Skukuza camp) and 423 km from OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg. The lodge is easily accessible by road or air. Moreover, transfers to and from Skukuza Airport and Kruger.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is available (a surcharge applies).Â
Why stay at Lamula lodge?
Although several lodges can be rented in this renowned Big Five estate, Lamula Lodge is rumoured to be located in the best setting for game viewing and a class of its own. You have 360-degree bushveld views from the lodge and access to Big Five game viewing. Perfectly positioned near the banks of the Sabie River, Lamula offers the ultimate safari experience combining an abundance of wildlife with authentic and luxurious accommodations.Â
Lamula Lodge is the best-kept secret to enjoying exclusivity on the doorstep of the renowned Kruger National Park. Every guest departs with unforgettable memories, with Kruger’s imprint in their soul.
How to book a game drive?
You are spoiled for choice when staying at Lamula Lodge because there are many different options available to enjoy a game drive:
- You can book a game drive with very knowledgeable tour guides from Elephant Point. This is the most convenient option as they pick you up from your lodge.
- Travel buddies, Bernie and Petra, teamed up with specialist Kruger Park game rangers that can put together a custom itinerary for you to ensure you have a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. These guides will pick you up from the reception at Elephant Point and drop you off there again after your game drive. They can also arrange a special picnic or “braai” for you at one of the designated picnic spots in the park.
- If you are looking for something more adventurous, our guides can also arrange a private Kruger walking safari for you. It all depends on how brave you feel.Â
- NOTE: The best part about Lamula is that you can also enjoy a self-drive into Kruger with your private vehicle.
Are there walking trails?Â
In addition to the above activities, all guests can enjoy three marked walking trails within the estate. You can choose from an easy 1.5 km walk (Nyarhi) to 2.1km (Saringwa) or 2km (Three Rivers).
What about private spa treatments?
If you would like to enjoy a luxurious spa treatment in the privacy of your villa, you can book mobile treatments through the concierge of Elephant Point.
Overview of the Lamula lodge
Lamula Lodge is a self-catering, family-friendly private bush villa (504m2) tastefully decorated by Cate Simpson, owner of Reflecting Africa, to create an exclusive safari getaway. The lodge is environmentally inspired and nature-themed, so many items were locally sourced or handmade for the lodge with a special touch of orange.
The lodge consists of four luxury suites with uncompromised nature views. The primary suite is exquisitely furnished with a king-sized bed. There is one room with twin beds and two rooms with double beds (a baby cot is available on request). These luxury suites are located around an intimate nature courtyard.
The bush boma
The Boma deserves a blog article of its own! This magnificent seating area is nestled in the shade of indigenous riverine trees. It is an out-of-this-world spot for star gazing (Kruger is renowned for this…read our related article).
Imagine sitting here sipping on a glass of wine surrounded by the African bush veld (not just any bush veld… Kruger bushveld!) and listening to the fire cracking while hyenas laugh in the distance.
Who would enjoy this exclusive safari villa?
The villa is ideal for small families or friends who enjoy holidaying together and sharing once-in-a-lifetime experiences.Â
Families that want to introduce their young children to the African bush veld are generally excluded from many private lodges due to their age groups.Â
The estate has many safe walking trails for young children to enjoy with their parents at low risk.
The luxury suites
The primary suite, in particular, has unprecedented bushveld views and opens up to a large covered patio with fabulous Sabie river views. All suites have en-suite bathrooms with double vanities, baths and outdoor and indoor showers.Â
The three secondary suites also have en-suite bathrooms with double vanities and showers.Â
BONUS: The villa has a good Wi-Fi connection and ample PowerPoints in all the rooms.
Eat your heart out!
The villa’s kitchen is every gourmet chef’s dream, with high-quality cutlery and crockery. The kitchen is fully-equipped for you (or a private chef service – which can be booked through Elephant point) to cook up a storm. Â
The kitchen has a dishwasher, microwave, oven, and fridge (can be fully or partially stocked according to your requirements before arrival – surcharge applies). The open-plan lounge has a Smart TV and fireplace (with plenty of wood) with magnificent Sabie river views. All rooms have air conditioners and fans. Linen and towels are provided.Â
What the guests most enjoy about the villa
Guests love being surrounded by the African bushveld. Paul Kruger gate is only 11 km from Lamula lodge. All suites have screens so you can sleep with the doors open and enjoy the nightly sounds of nature. Fortunately, the lodge is also fully airconditioned which is very welcoming, particularly during the hottest months of the year.
The guests love that they can enjoy game viewing without leaving the lodge. The open-plan lounge area and outdoor viewing deck have magnificent views over the African bushveld.
The lodge is an influencer or Instagrammer’s dream! There are too many to mention spots for capturing the perfect moment. If you’re looking for a beyond-luxurious setting in the African bush veld, THIS is the place for you!
Dining options
Lamula lodge is a self-catering villa with the option of hiring a private chef. However, guests also have the option to enjoy a boma dinner under African skies at the Elephant Point Restaurant on Wednesdays and Saturdays.Â
Guests can also go for a sundowner at the River Deck restaurant or enjoy an al la carte breakfast, lunch or dinner, from Tuesday to Saturday.
Summary of Lamula Lodge
Photos credits: Elsa Young
Best features
- The corner suite provides views of the ‘gulley’. The gulley is connected to the Sabi River, and open to the KNP and therefore game shows up just outside the fence.
- The rim-flow pool overlooking the Sabie river and KNP.
- The fabulous boma with comfortable seating.
- Excellent location, bordering the KNP, within a few minutes of the Paul Kruger gate (Skukuza camp).
- The main suite with unprecedented views of the bushveld
Nearby
- Skukuza airport, 26 km
- Skukuza camp, 22 km
- Mathekenyane viewpoint (The most spectacular viewpoint in the KNP), 32 km
Noteworthy activities
- Marked walking trails in the estate.
- Private safaris with highly trained game rangers (must be booked in advance).
- Private bush walks in Kruger with highly-trained game rangers (Contact details can be obtained from Bernie or Petra)
Best time to visit
Kruger National Park gets very hot in summer (November to January), but this is a popular time for South Africans to visit the park because it is when most schoolchildren are on holiday. Easter is the busiest time for the park and gets extremely crowded (read our article on when to visit Kruger).Â
Pro tip
It’s a good idea to get a rental car from your
arrival airport because this gives you more flexibility to enjoy Kruger when and how you want it!Â
It’s much easier than you think to enjoy a self-drive in Kruger… read our article “doing a self-drive in Kruger”.
Upon arrival at Elephant Point, you will be welcomed by the security gate guards who will direct you to the reception. Here you will receive your keys, a location map of the estate and other necessary information.
How to book Lamula Lodge?
You can book directly with Lamula Lodge on their new and exciting website!
Mention Travelbuddieslifestyle and get a special deal 🙂
How to get there
Lamula lodge is conveniently located 26 km from Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National park.Â
Alternatively, it is an easy 5-hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
There are also flights available from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga airport. Lamula lodge is about 93km from this airport.Â
