Indlovu River Lodge Blog - Indlovu River Lodge

A tortoise is a turtle, but a turtle isn't a tortoise.

2019-03-08T00:00:00+02:00

A turtle is any shelled reptile belonging to the order Chelonii. The term "tortoise" is more specific, referring to terrestrial turtles.

"But surely tortoises doesn't swim?" Well that's what we thought until we noticed a regular visitor to our Thapama hide. Every afternoon we would get Leopard tortoises that would not only come for a drink but also a quick swim before heading off. This called for some serious googling and here is what we found.

Leopard tortoises don't have a nuchal shield (the protective scute above the neck) this makes it possible for them to raise their heads and thus enabling them to swim. Interesting, right?

We also came across these fun facts about tortoises.

A group of tortoises is called a creep - not that you are likely to come across one as they are usually solitary creatures
September 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the Zond 5 mission which carried two Russian tortoises to the Moon and back again. And here we thought it was a monkey that won that race!
A Galapagos tortoise named Harriet was cared for by both Charles Darwin and Steve Irwin

If you interested in visiting our hides, why not take advantage of the 2019 Wildlife photography competition special

This article was adapted from the original at http://mentalfloss.com/article/56805/16-fun-facts-about-tortoises

2019 Wildlife photography competition

2019-03-01T00:00:00+02:00

It all started with a good friend of ours winning the competition last year and he told us to enter this year’s competition. Luckily for me, Lance and Villiers picked my flying jackal for the overall winner. Villiers contacted me and put me into contact with Louisa from Indlovu River Lodge and the ball was set into motion for a fantastic experience. Villiers supplied me with good advice on the best time of year to go and suggested to go before the rainy season and the bookings were made.

Me, my wife, Mart-Mari and Trix Jonker (one of the finalists and a good photographer friend) set off on a two-day journey from Bloemfontein and we exceeded the speed limit a bit over the last stretch due to excitement and arrived two hours before we were supposed to check-in. Everything was ready – we even got a lunch that wasn’t expected. Louisa showed us to our rooms and John was ready at the car to take care of our luggage. Our room had a magnificent view of the river bed and in a space of 10 minutes, we saw kudu, giraffe, waterbuck, impalas, Pumbas (warthogs) and elephant – just looking through our window. Our room even had a private outside shower on a wooden deck underneath a big tree.

We went to the afternoon hide early to see the setup and how everything works. From the word get-go, you get the impression that these people understand photography. From the Gimpro stabilization in the hide to the background that you can blur beautifully. Everything is set up before you get there. The water level is filled up, the ground is raked and even the smallest of leaves is removed. And just in case you get bored – there is snacks and drinks provided in the hide.

In photography, you do need a bit of luck, but IndlovuAt Close Quarters provides you with the best opportunity to get photos. They have the big five, 350 bird species and a lot of small game. We saw leopard and lions near the waterhole. We heard elephants near the waterhole and saw the rhinos in the bush. With patient, you will be rewarded with excellent photo opportunities. I am a bit of bird crazy and this place is a bird paradise. It gives you the opportunity to get very close to small birds. You can fill the frame with your 600 mm lens with blue waxbills and fire finches. You will need a wide-angle lens for the big game.

Louisa advised us to go on a game drive the first morning. They offer a unique opportunity at IRL that you are allowed to walk into the bush with a guide to the cheetahs – and that morning they knew where they were. Jonty – our guide – and his tracker found the cheetahs and we followed them and spend about 15 minutes with 3 males laying 5 meters from us under a tree. We were able to get a close-up experience with these magnificent animals in the wild. This was definitely one of the highlights of your stay at IRL.

Surely special arrangements would be possible, but on the normal menu, I sincerely hope that you are not training for any Olympic event because you will eat way too much. They prepare healthy “boerekos” in such a tasty way that you can’t stop before everything is finished. You begin the day with rusks, coffee and tea and muffins in the hide. Back at the lodge, a full breakfast was served and we opted to skip the lunch. At supper we were treated to starters made on the fire and drinks of your choice, followed with two types of meat, 2 veggies and a salad and topped off with a delicious dessert. And just to make sure that you weren’t hungry any more chocolates and coffee were served. This was the trend for all the evenings. I am not big on pumpkin and broccoli and stuff like that and they prepared it is such a way that I went back for seconds.

To conclude: what an experience – with a bit of luck you even have the opportunity to photograph the big five at water level. Fantastic bird photos. Great homely hospitality. The lodge runs like a well-oiled machine. Everything is in place, they are always on time and all the staff are very friendly and we felt like family after the four days.

Thanks to Louisa and her team at Indlovu River Lodge for this wonderful experience and to Lance and Villiers of At Close Quarters for running this competition. If we get the opportunity we will return to this wonderful place.

Arguably the best part of our all-inclusive packages: The food

2018-06-14T00:00:00+02:00

A typical day's meals at Indlovu River Lodge:

Kick off your day with an early morning game drive on the reserve. Halfway through the drive your guides will stop in a scenic spot and serve you hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate with some traditional, South African rusks. A great way to ease into a day filled with delicious treats!

Back at the lodge, you’ll be welcomed with a nice fresh breakfast prepared and presented by our staff. You’ll be able to enjoy fresh local fruits, granola, yoghurt, cereals, and of course a decadent warm breakfast with some more hot coffee and tea.

At lunchtime, you’ll be greeted with some South African favourites like bobotie and amazing salads chock-full of goodness: Think walnuts, ripe pears, delicious cheeses and more. Wash it down with an ice-cold local beer and you’ll be ready for your afternoon nap.

On the evening game drives you also stop over for a snack and a drink, but this time your drink can be an alcoholic one! Enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic, beer (or whatever else your heart desires) right in the heart of the wilderness. And the snacks? Well, have a look for yourself…

Evenings at Indlovu River Lodge are truly special. If the weather permits, you’ll most likely have your food cooked (or braaied) right in front of you in the cosy boma.

Enjoy a light starter, a main course of succulent meats, delicious veggies and some more South African surprises, and of course, something sweet to end-off the night.

Don’t forget to try the beautiful South African wines set aside for your dinner, and the nightcap of Amarula before bed. And if there’s anything else you’d rather drink, just ask our friendly staff.

After a day of wildlife viewing and stuffing yourself with fantastic South African delights, you’ll retire to your villa or suite with one last treat: a chocolate with a little message from the team wishing you goodnight – until tomorrow when you'll do it all over again, but this time, with different surprises.

Calling all nature-loving families: You wont want to miss this...

2018-05-21T00:00:00+02:00

All of our packages include the following:

A choice of the following day excursions:

- Moholoholo Rehab Centre
- Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
- Blyde River Dam Cruise
- Panorama Scenic Route
- Cultural Village
- Hot Air Ballooning or Microlight aircraft - supplement payment of +/-R3700pp
- Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour – supplement payment of R600.00pp
- Elephant Back Safari – supplement payment of R1600.00pp

Your own private boma and pool

Every family villa has its own private boma and swimming pool – the perfect spot to relax and bond with your loved ones.

Luxury accommodation on the riverbank

There’s nothing quite like living in luxury right in the middle of the African bush. At Indlovu River Lodge, you’ll be bathing in the lap of luxury, with the river flowing only a few meters from your porch or bedroom.

All-inclusive meals, prepared with care

No need to worry about supper – all is taken care of at Indlovu River Lodge. You’ll even be spoiled with snacks and drinks on your game drives! You can rest assured: You won’t go hungry on our watch.

Daily Game Activities

Choose from an exhilarating game drive among Africa's Big 5, or enjoy the quiet thrill of waiting to capture the perfect moment at our specialized photographic hides (BOOKING ESSENTIAL).

Kids stay free!

All children under the age of 6 stay free, so… what are you waiting for?

Click on the buttons to see our different packages. And, if you book now for September, you could save even more. Contact us to find out more.

2-night Family Package

3-Night Family Package

4-Night Family Package

More packages

Birding Photography Special

2018-05-03T00:00:00+02:00

Spend four nights in the middle of the African Bush, surrounded by the big five (lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard) and more than 300 species of birdlife.

This exceptional experience comes with the use of our unique sunken photographic hides. These two hides are situated below ground level, with the camera lens a few millimetres above the surface of the watering hole. A rare opportunity for photographers to capture images of the birds coming for a drink or a bath, as well as their reflection on the surface of the water. Capture action photos and videos of different bird species, like the colourful Bee-eaters, catching insects on the water's surface.

SPECIAL RATE: Single R28 500-00pp. Sharing R19 000-00pp.

This includes:

Accommodation in luxury room.
All meals, soft drinks, house wine and beer.
One game drive a day - Private game viewing vehicle allocated to 4 photographers Participants may be asked to rotate seats in the vehicles, taking it in turns to sit in the more popular front seats and the less popular rear seats.This requirement applies to everyone.
One hide session per day - Sessions limited to 4 photographers.
Transfers between Hoedspruit and lodge

Please note that this offer is valid for the following set dates only:

16 - 20 July 2018
10 - 14 August 2018
07 - 11 September 2018

Terms and Conditions apply
Direct bookings only

Your personalised family wildlife holiday at Indlovu River Lodge

2018-04-23T00:00:00+02:00

At Indlovu River Lodge, we have designed our family holiday packages to be flexible – giving you a range of options to create your own perfect holiday. There are many wildlife adventures that lie in wait at Indlovu River Lodge and beyond.

We help you arrange special experiences, like hot air balloon rides and other wildlife experiences outside of our territory. For the activities within the borders of Indlovu River Lodge, we have experienced rangers, like Jonty to curate your family wilderness experience.

Jonty on the right

Jonty has been taking guests on game drives for almost 10 years. His knowledge of our wildlife and his ability to predict their behaviour is something special. Jonty enjoys talking to guests and showing them wildlife they are most interested in. If your son has never seen a full-grown male lion, Jonty will go out of his way to find one in the reserve. Or, if you’ve seen all the big five animals, except for one, Jonty will do his best to track it down and get the best angle for you to take that perfect picture.

Your bushveld experience – curated by the Indlovu River Lodge family

2018-03-01T00:00:00+02:00

Refined, traditional cooking in the middle of the bush

Our guests love the kitchen staff’s combination of traditional and European-style food – and they often remark that we over-feed them. The truth is that the ladies in the kitchen just enjoy spoiling people. Their cooking has become so ingrained in our ethos, that we’re sure most people plan return visits solely based on the food!

A passion for nature that never grows old

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Stefan, our youngest and newest member of the team. An already budding, knowledgeable ranger, Stefan also brings a light, fun energy to our team and keeps us on our toes. In fact, this pure energy never really goes away for our rangers. Jonty, who has been taking guests on game drives for almost 10 years, is still in awe every time he spots a leopard and Melida, one of our housekeepers, has been a shining star to our guests for over two decades. This is such a beautiful testament to the childlike enthusiasm that all of our team members share for this incredible place.

Inspiring leadership focussed on creating personalised experiences for guests

The enthusiasm and level of commitment of our team speak to great leadership and that’s thanks to Craig and Louisa. This wildlife power couple not only pours their heart and soul into Indlovu River Lodge, they treat their staff like family – appreciating each person’s passion and the unique role that they play. Craig and Louisa go out of their way to make sure that every guest feels at home and that every team member is inspired to do the same. Out here, you’re not just a booking number, you’re known by your name and you’re made to feel like part of the family.

If this sounds like your kind of personalised bushveld experience, why not give Louisa a call and start planning your next wildlife viewing and photographing adventure +27 (0) 15 383 9918. Or send us an email enquiry here.

Interested is our Special Offers? Click here for Family Packages, Bush and Beach Safaris and Photography Safaris.

A romantic getaway in the middle of the bush

2018-01-09T00:00:00+02:00

Romantic Wilderness Safari near Kruger National Park

Immerse yourself in our special piece of wilderness at Indlovu River Lodge, with our elevated viewpoint, our sunken photography hides at the waterholes, and our complimentary game drives every day. Let us spoil you with delicious home-cooked meals and drinks of your choice – ALL INCLUDED in your stay with us. Just sit back, relax and enjoy each other’s company over a hearty meal before you head back to your private suite.

All of our suites have their own unique characteristics but they have one thing in common: They are designed for comfort. Why should you have to choose between air conditioning and a ceiling fan, or a shower and a bath? We say have it all.

Honeymoon Suites

Our suites, are, of course, a favourite among couples. With high-quality leather furniture, king size or twin beds, large bathrooms and spacious outdoor showers, these suites offer many different ways to relax and unwind.

What better way to get close to nature than relaxing in your luxurious bathtub with the sound of wildlife calls in the distance or taking an early morning shower under the trees where monkeys play? Lie back on the elegant leather loungers and connect with your partner over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Feel like you’re part of the beautiful scenery outside, with the grand floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking your private garden with its outdoor shower on the one side, and the riverbed where wild animals roam on the other side. When it’s time to retire, roll down your blinds and let the soft lighting set the tone for your romantic retreat at Indlovu River Lodge.

If this luxurious escape into the bushveld sounds like your kind of romantic holiday, why not get in touch to find out more? And since February is the month of love, we’re running a fantastic special on luxury suites, click here to see what you’re in store for.

The Top 5 Safari Parks in Africa and what makes them special

2017-11-27T00:00:00+02:00

5. Chobe National Park, Botswana

In the northwest corner of Botswana, bordering on the Okavango Delta you’ll find this incredibly diverse park. Spanning four different ecosystems, Chobe is home to an array of fascinating animal and bird species, each flourishing in their unique habitat.

4. Etosha National Park, Namibia

This vast park houses the big five and many threatened and endangered species including the black rhinoceros. We love it because not only is it one of the largest national parks in the world, it is also home to some of the tallest elephants in Africa.

3. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango river flows through the Kalahari desert to create some unique landscapes. Here you’ll see an incredible range of wildlife, as you meander through riverside forests, wetlands, savannas, and the harsh Kalahari desert.

2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Masai Mara is the stage for one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world, the annual East African Great Migration. If you’re planning to do a safari here, be sure to go around July to October, when more than two million wildebeest, zebra and other antelope migrate from Tanzania to Kenya across the mighty Mara River. It really is one for the bucket list.

1. Kruger National Park, South Africa

The sheer diversity of life in the iconic Kruger National Park is unmatched. With more than 130 species of mammals and 500 bird species, a safari here really is a rich and rewarding experience. It’s a fantastic place for family safaris and it is considered to be the best place in the world to see a leopard.

The Kruger National Park is South Africa's best-maintained safari park and one of the world’s top game reserves and that’s why we think it’s the best Safari Park in Africa. If you agree, or you’re interested in finding out, book a stay with us now and enjoy a top-notch safari experience while you stay in a luxury villa in the bush. See our packages and special offers here.

Things you should know before you start packing for your South African safari

2017-10-27T00:00:00+02:00

The reality is, the things that are deemed important vary greatly depending on the type of safari you’re doing and the location. Something like shoes can make a big difference if you’re doing an active safari that involves a lot of walking, climbing, or canoeing, but this is not important when you’re doing a classic game drive – which is something that most game lodges offer.

Today, we want to help you decide what is important by highlighting some of the things that are often underestimated and overestimated when it comes to packing for a safari holiday.

The things that are often underestimated:

1) The power of the African sun

Many people underestimate the harshness of the sun and its ability to ruin a holiday. To prevent sunburn or sunstroke we recommend packing sunscreen with a sun protection factor of between 30 and 50, and good protective headgear. A lot of people wear baseball caps but these don’t protect those fragile areas like the tops of your ears and the back of your neck. We suggest taking a wide-brimmed hat that shades your entire face and neck.

Pro tip: Make sure you get a wide-brimmed hat with an under-chin tie. These hats tend to take flight on safari vehicles and you might end up having to rescue your beloved hat in very dangerous territory…or leaving it there as part of the lion’s share.

2) The usefulness of binoculars

This might seem like an archaic one but you’ll be amazed by the difference it makes to have a pair of binoculars on a safari. The rare and shy animals might be unapproachable and thus the only way to get a good look at them would be through binoculars. If that isn’t a reason enough – there is also a very nifty trick that you could try with a camera phone and a pair of binoculars. If you place your phone’s camera over one of the lenses of the binoculars, you’ll be able to get some pretty great zoomed-in photos. No need for a fancy camera.

The things that are often overestimated:

1) The importance of the type and colour of clothes you wear

The type and colour of clothing you wear will depend greatly on the kind of safari you’ll be doing but generally, people tend to overestimate the importance of this. First of all – don’t fall into the tourist trap – fancy safari gear is not necessary. Just wear comfortable, breathable and fairly dull-coloured clothes. Sure, it’s common to wear neutral tones, but that doesn’t mean that your kids can’t wear their favourite Shaun the Sheep t-shirts on your family safari. Chances are they’ll go completely unnoticed in the large, green safari vehicle.

2) The type of shoes you pack

Unless you are doing an active safari, there’s really no need to pack heavy duty hiking boots. A trusty pair of trainers or sneakers is all that you need on a classic safari. Of course, you might also want to pack a pair of slops or sandals for walking around the lodge or pool.

Some other things

These are just some of the things that we think are important to know before you start packing. Of course, you should always think about things like having enough layers of clothes for those chilly morning and evening drives, and – for the ladies – wearing a bra that offers enough support for the bumpy rides on the safari vehicle. Also, don’t forget to pack the basics, like a good camera, insect repellent, medication (including anti-malarial – if required in the area) and – most importantly – your sense of adventure!

At Indlovu River Lodge, we make it easy for you to live out your sense of adventure with your family and friends. All of our accommodation packages include two game activities per day. This means that you can choose the type of safari or game excursions that suit you (and your wardrobe) best. That being said, we know that camo is 'in' right now, so if you want to use this as an excuse to go shopping – we say go for it!

To see some of our specials and packages, click here, or get in touch via email to find out more. We hope to welcome you to our lodge on the river soon.

A photographer's wildest dream

2017-09-21T00:00:00+02:00

At Indlovu River Lodge we love seeing the amazing pictures that our wildlife and bird photographer guests produce. To help them in their quest to get those special shots, we’ve created some unique sunken hides with a few very interesting vantage points. We’ve also geared our safari vehicles with everything that is needed to capture those rare moments in the wild.

Our sunken hides at the watering holes are below ground level, fully equipped with directors chairs and gimbals on independent support systems and carpeted to minimise noise. If you book a slot at Thapama hide or Hoseng hide, you’ll be able to place your lens millimetres above the water level and capture those incredible pictures of the animals drinking water with their reflections on the water surface.

If you’d like an elevated perspective, why not try our photographic platform on stilts? This is a favourite among photographers looking for a bird’s-eye view of the animals and it’s a great opportunity for birding photographers to capture the behaviour of bird species that nest high up in tree canopies.

For those who want to venture out into the bush to try and get some pictures of the animals in their natural routines, why not go on a photographic safari and catch those special moments from the back of an open safari vehicle? Our staff is expertly trained to track the animals and their behaviour and our safari vehicles are equipped with all the tools you need to get that perfect shot.

So, if you’d like to take on a new challenge and add something different to your portfolio, why not give one of our interesting photographic vantage points a try? Or better yet – why not try all of them? With our 4-night Photography special, you’ll be able to experience all of these vantage points, and save on accommodation too! If this sounds like your next photography challenge, get in touch to make a booking. Also, have a look at our wildlife photography competitions here. Who knows? Maybe you could be our next winner!

An all-inclusive wildlife experience for you and your family

2017-08-29T00:00:00+02:00

Our family packages are carefully put together to create an atmosphere of relaxation and connection for you and your family. We know that no family is alike, and so we have specifically designed our packages to be flexible – giving you a range of options to build your own perfect family holiday.

Arguably the best part of a holiday is to relax with the people that you love. At Indlovu River Lodge, we try to foster this environment by giving you your own private, luxury villa overlooking the river. Your villa has its own swimming pool and private boma for those special bonding moments around the fire. To further ensure that you are as relaxed as possible, your stay with us includes all meals, soft drinks, and house wine and beer, so there is no need to worry about carrying your wallet around.

For families who love wildlife, the outdoors, and new experiences, there is a list of activities that can be included in the price of your package. For every day that you stay with us, you can go on a complimentary game drive or see wildlife from one of our photographic hides. Trips can also be arranged to learn about the local culture or the endangered species in the area – or maybe a relaxing cruise on the Blyde River Dam is in order? These activities – and so much more – can all form part of your family holiday package. Of course, if there is anything else in the area that you would like to try, just talk to us, we’ll always do our best to make your holiday exactly the way you want it.

We know that it can be difficult to find the time to take breaks like these, but sometimes even a weekend break can be enough to restore the energy levels and renew bonds. So, whether you need a quick weekend getaway or a 4-night stay, we can accommodate you.

Have a look at our 2-NIGHT packages, 3-NIGHT Packages , and 4-night packages or get in touch to organise a longer stay. Book now to get some quality time with your family.

2017 Winners Announced!

2017-08-01T00:00:00+02:00

First of all, we would just like to say thank you to everyone that entered the competition this year. We are very excited to say that both entries and engagement for our Amateur Wildlife Photography Competition have more than doubled since 2016 and we are absolutely delighted by the high quality of photos received.

Now, without further ado, we are pleased to announce that the overall winner of our Amateur Wildlife Photography Competition is Louise Victor! Congratulations Louise for winning with this amazing profile of the elusive leopard.

Louise has won a 7 night Bush and Beach Safari worth R 31 000! This amazing experience combines the best of both worlds in one, luxurious package. Read more about it here.

All category winners came into contention for the first prize. The overall winner was then selected by our panel of judges.

We are also very excited to announce our category winners for this year. Congratulations Erica Demetriou, Heinrich Neumeyer, Braeme Holland, Stephan Olivier, Ilna Booyens and of course Louise Victor for getting the most Facebook likes in your category! Our category winners will all receive a VIP entry to the Wild Shots Photography Symposium in Cape Town on 23 September 2017, as well as a R 3 000 cash prize.

Here are the winning category photographs:

Creative Big 5 Category: PapiLIONoidea by Erica Demetriou

A great photo with a very creative title! Well done Erica Demetriou for using colour contrasts and depth of field to create this great composition.

Elephant Category: Treading on fire by Heinrich Neumeyer

Heinrich did a great job at capturing this moment in time. All of the elements of the image fall into place perfectly to create a beautiful moment captured against a backdrop of interesting colours and textures, making it seem like the elephant is, in fact, treading on fire.

Lion Category: Windows to the soul, by Braeme Holland

A great use of depth of field and structure to draw the eye to the intensity of this well-titled ‘Windows to the soul’. A truly captivating image by Braeme Holland.

Buffalo Category: Nighttime reflection by Stephan Olivier

There is something special about capturing this mighty animal with its large horns and boss in such a still and tranquil setting. The buffalo’s perfect reflection on the water makes for a beautiful, multi-perspective composition.

Rhino Category: Black Rhino quenching her thirst by Ilna Booyens

Another beautiful and detailed moment captured by Ilna Booyens. The critically endangered Black Rhino looks up from the watering hole and seems to be staring the viewer right in the face. It sets an interesting mood.

Leopard Category: Night-time synchronicity by Louise Victor (featured at the top).

A great close-up profile of this elusive creature. This photo captures the focused gaze of a skillful hunter. Well done, Louise for capturing this rare sight in such a special way.

We hope that you have enjoyed admiring these photographs as much as we have and we would like to thank everyone again for entering.

Keep an eye out for the 2018 Amateur Wildlife Photography Competition, for your chance to win big. To find out more about Indlovu River Lodge and how you can get up-close and personal with wildlife, check out our Wildlife Photography page.

Your luxury wildlife experience is about to get even better

2017-06-30T00:00:00+02:00

We have decided to make your experience at Indlovu River Lodge even better by giving our already excellent suites an even more luxurious touch. Imagine waking up after a great night’s sleep and watching the sunrise from your private deck before you head off on an early morning game drive with a fresh cup of coffee. Now, imagine soaking away in a nice big bath tub with nothing but quiet tranquility and the distant calls of wild animals. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, we’re sure that you’ll love our newly upgraded suites and that a stay at Indlovu River Lodge will leave you feeling rejuvenated and connected with nature.

Much of the renovation has already been completed – which means it’s ready and waiting for wildlife lovers and photographic enthusiasts from all over the world. Look out for our next blog where we’ll share the vision behind the renovations and the value they add to the unforgettable Indlovu River Lodge experience with you.

And don’t forget to take a look at our Special Offers page to see how you can have a luxurious wildlife experience at great prices.

Family Safari? Why Indlovu River Lodge is the best choice in the Greater Kruger Park

2017-05-28T00:00:00+02:00

One shouldn’t have to trek through the wilderness in order to come face-to-face with Africa’s most majestic animals. A wildlife experience should be something that everyone can enjoy. With our photographic safaris, sunken hides, 4-star luxury accommodation and kids activities, we make sure that the whole family can join in on the adventure. What sets Indlovu apart for family safaris, is the exclusive use of your own private villa, complete with its own boma, deck and swimming pool.

We have always prided ourselves in offering our guests the most luxurious, all-encompassing wildlife experience. The daily game drives are fun for the whole family, and should the little ones need more entertainment, there is always the swimming pool, table tennis and a trampoline to keep them thoroughly engaged. With platforms on stilts and sunken hides, we’ve created numerous intriguing vantage points for those who want to try their hand at wildlife photography.

Being a family driven business, we know the highs and the lows of keeping a family together. We also know that some time in the African wilderness brings perspective on most things! With that in mind, we've made sure that Indlovu River Lodge brings you as many of those happy outdoors moments as possible. We also made sure that we and our staff take care of most of your daily housekeeping checklists!

You will enjoy great peace of mind if you book our all-inclusive packages, where everything is taken care of and there’s no need to book dinner or even carry your wallet with you. Among other treats, all your meals are prepared by our local staff and served in your private villa

Don’t forget to take a quick look at our Special Offers page to see how you and your family can have a care-free wildlife experience at discount prices.

2 Night Family Safari 3 night Family Safari 4 Night Family Safari

Winter Special - 40% discount Photo Safari

2017-04-25T00:00:00+02:00

For any photographer - this is what dreams are made of... Two nights in the middle of the African Bush, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, starlit skies and the African Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant and Leopard).

Add to this the exceptional experience of the sunken photographic hides at Indlovu, and you are in heaven. These two hides are sunken below ground level, with the camera lens a few millimeters above the water level of the drinking hole. This enables the photographer to capture images of both the animal, as well as its reflection, on the surface of the water.

RATE: R2375 pppn sharing

Includes:

Accommodation
All meals, soft drinks, house wine and beer.
Two game activities per day (game drive or photography hide session)

Please note that hide sessions are subject to availability and must be booked when the reservation is made.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW HIDES BOOK AND STAY before 30 June 2017.

2016 WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

2017-04-01T00:00:00+02:00

GRAND PRIZE

We are delighted to announce that Simon Beevers is the winner of the 2016 Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition!

The image above - "Kingfisher" - has won him the eagerly contested prize of an 8 night Bush and Beach Safari at Indlovu River Lodge in the Greater Kruger Park, and Strand Beach Lodge in the Cape Winelands.

Click here for Judges Comment:

2016 RUNNER UP

The second runner up is Braeme Holland! The stunning image above - "Zebra reflection" - has won him a four-night all-inclusive guided photography safari for two at Indlovu River Lodge.

Click here for Judges Comment:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR ABLE WINNERS!

View all 2016 Bi-monthly winners 2016 Public Favourite Winners 2016 All entries

Have you entered the 2017 Amateur Wildlife Photography Competition yet? ENTER NOW

Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition - Public Favorite February

2017-03-31T00:00:00+02:00

We are proud to announce our Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition’s Public Favourite Winner for February!

Another great image by Braeme Holland - as voted by our loyal followers on Facebook. This image wins him the monthly cash prize of R500.

Braeme's image got 118 Likes, 13 Shares and 10 Comments on Facebook.

ENTRIES FOR THE COMPETITION HAS ALREADY CLOSED. The winner will be announced on 1 April 2017 on FACEBOOK.

The 2016 Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition has prizes worth R184 400 up for grabs!

The Grand Prize is an 8 night, fully inclusive Bush and Beach Safari for two, at Indlovu River Lodge in the Greater Kruger Park (4 nights) and Strand Beach Lodge in the Cape Winelands (4 nights). This includes a morning trip with Apex Shark Expeditions, owned by world renowned Chris and Monique Fallows, for the winner to photograph great white sharks.

The runner up receives a four-night, all-inclusive, guided photography safari for two at Indlovu River Lodge.

Monthly Winner – Public Favourite Most Likes on Facebook
R500 cash and of course the all-important bragging rights that is part and parcel of being a winner

Bi-monthly Winner – Selected by Panel of Judges
Two-night all-inclusive stay at Indlovu River Lodge with access to our photography hides.
These winning photographs will then come into contention for the Grand Prize

To book your PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI at Indlovu River Lodge, contact Louisa at the lodge
+27 (0) 15 383 9918 or via email at reservations@irl.co.za

Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition - Bi-monthly Winner January and February

2017-03-29T00:00:00+02:00

Congratulations to Braeme Holland! He is the Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition bi-monthly winner for January and February 2017! The stunning image above was selected by our panel of judges, and has won him a two-night, all-inclusive stay at Indlovu River Lodge, with access to our sought after photography hides.

This winning photograph will also come into contention for the Grand Prize, which is an 8 night, all inclusive bush and beach holiday for two at Indlovu River Lodge and Strand Beach Lodge in the Cape Winelands.

This is what our judge, Albie Venter, had to say about this photograph:

"I have been looking at birds since 1992 and have never seen something like this before. And to be able to capture this so well in great light makes it my obvious and easy choice."

Here are the technical details of Braeme's winning shot:

Title: Iam not greedy....i just like a lot!

Date: 25 February 2017

Location: Intaka Island, Cape Town.

Description:After several attempts I was watching and waiting for quite some time for this grey heron to successfully make a catch. What was about to occur was clearly an absolute treat for both myself and the heron!! Certainly my first time I have ever witnessed two fish for the price of one!!!

Name: Grey heron with two tilapia

Camera: Canon 7dmk2

Lens: Canon 100-400mmmk2

Apperture: f5.6

Shutter speed: 1/3200

ISO 500

Entries for the 2016 Photography Competition has already closed. The winners will be announced on 1 April 2017 on FACEBOOK.

VIEW PHOTOGRAPHIC PACKAGES at Indlovu River Lodge, or contact Louisa at

Lodge: +27 (0) 15 383 9918 or email: reservations@irl.co.za

Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition - Public Favorite January

2017-02-28T00:00:00+02:00

We are proud to announce our Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition’s Public Favourite Winner for January!

Another great image by Braeme Holland - as voted by our loyal followers on Facebook. This image wins him the monthly cash prize of R500.

Braeme's image got 66 Likes, 12 Shares and 10 Comments on Facebook.

ENTRIES FOR THE COMPETITION HAS ALREADY CLOSED. The winner will be announced on 1 April 2017 on Facebook.

The 2016 Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition has prizes worth R184 400 up for grabs!

The Grand Prize is an 8 night, fully inclusive Bush and Beach Safari for two, at Indlovu River Lodge in the Greater Kruger Park (4 nights) and Strand Beach Lodge in the Cape Winelands (4 nights). This includes a morning trip with Apex Shark Expeditions, owned by world renowned Chris and Monique Fallows, for the winner to photograph great white sharks.

The runner up receives a four-night, all-inclusive, guided photography safari for two at Indlovu River Lodge.

Monthly Winner – Public Favourite Most Likes on Facebook
R500 cash and of course the all-important bragging rights that is part and parcel of being a winner

Bi-monthly Winner – Selected by Panel of Judges
Two-night all-inclusive stay at Indlovu River Lodge with access to our photography hides.
The winning photograph will then come into contention for the Grand Prize

To book your Photography Safari at Indlovu River Lodge, contact Louisa at the lodge
+27 (0) 15 383 9918 or via email at reservations@irl.co.za

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s someone on a flying safari in Hoedspruit!

2017-02-17T00:00:00+02:00

While most people choose to admire wildlife from the back of a safari vehicle, more and more people are combining their game drives with a flying safari experience. Indlovu River Lodge is the perfect base from which to experience a flying safari over the Hoedspruit area with its nature reserves, wildlife, birdlife, and – of course – the Blyde River Canyon.

Flying safaris don’t just take place in a plane, wildlife and nature viewings are also done from a hot air balloon or a lightweight aircraft, like a microlight.

If you are looking for a relaxing nature experience with loved ones, ballooning is a breathtaking experience for the whole family. In the course of an hour you will go from skimming the treetops to rising to 2 000 feet above the game below. Let the gentle breeze be your guide as you drift slowly over the wild animals, leaving them undisturbed. Each adventure is capped off by the ground crew with a refreshing juice or a glass of fine South African sparkling wine.

For the more adventurous, there are the microlight flying safaris. If you would like to go higher and faster than a balloon – this is for you. If you are lucky you might catch a herd of buffalo running across the plains as you zip across the sky. You can even combine your microlight safari with a brief flight lesson if you visit the Leading Edge Flight School, which is less than an hour’s drive from Indlovu River Lodge.

So, whether you take it slow on a hot air balloon or fly high in a microlight, you are guaranteed to experience wildlife from a unique point of view.

Get in touch and ask us to book you a flying safari as part of your Indlovu River Lodge package. If you want to give one of our photography competitions a try, a flying safari will make for some breathtaking landscape shots.

VIEW 2 NIGHT FAMILY SAFARI PACKAGE VIEW 3 NIGHT FAMILY SAFARI PACKAGE

VIEW 4 NIGHT FAMILY SAFARI PACKAGE

Or contact Louisa at the Lodge: +27 (0) 15 383 9918 or email: reservations@irl.co.za

Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition - Bi-monthly Winner November and December

2017-02-10T00:00:00+02:00

Congratulations to Dave Cox! He is the Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition bi-monthly winner for November and December 2016! The stunning image above was selected by our panel of judges, and has won him a two-night, all-inclusive stay at Indlovu River Lodge, with access to our sought after photography hides.

This winning photograph will also come into contention for the Grand Prize, which is an 8 night, all inclusive bush and beach holiday for two at Indlovu River Lodge and Strand Beach Lodge in the Cape Winelands.

This is what our judge, Albie Venter, had to say about this photograph:

"Everything in photography revolves around light and undeniably this image is captured in that exquisite moment when the best rays hits the scene. Sufficient detail in the foreground and on the cat lifts the image beyond a standard silhouette. The fact that the subject is an ever popular leopard caught in action makes this an easy choice for the monthly winner."

Here are the technical details of Dave's winning shot:

Title: Leopard at sunset
Location: Timbavati Region Lowveld - South Africa
Date taken: 4/12/2016
Brief scene description: A female leopard taking to a tree against a glorious sunset.
Species in the photograph: Leopard
Camera settings: Nikon D5, 200-400 F4 lens @ 200mm iso 1250 1/250

Our Photography Competition ends at the end of this month. This is your last chance to enter! Closing date 28 February 2017.

Click here for more info on our yearlong Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition

View Photographic Packages at Indlovu River Lodge, or contact Louisa at

Lodge: +27 (0) 15 383 9918 or email: reservations@irl.co.za

Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition - Public Favorite December.

2017-02-02T00:00:00+02:00

We are proud to announce our Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition’s Public Favourite Winner for December!

Another great image by Braeme Holland - as voted by our loyal followers on Facebook. This image wins him the monthly cash prize of R500.

Braeme's image got 83 Likes, 2 Shares and 14 Comments on Facebook.

Title: European Bee-eater

Date: 26 December 2016

Location: Eden on the Bay,Blouberg, Cape Town

Description: I was tipped off by a friend that the European bee-eaters were nesting quite near to my home in Cape Town. I was really excited as i had never seen nor photographed them before.

I was fascinated how they flew in and out of their nest, a hole in the sand, bringing bees, wasps, flies,moths to their hungry young. I was also thrilled to capture this image where an adult bee-eater was attempting to catch food for its young. It was mission successful for both bird and photographer!

Camera: Canon 7dmk2

Lens: Canon 100-400mmmk2

Apperture: f6.3 Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO 640

LET THE ENTRIES ROLL IN! THE COMPETITION ENDS 28 FEBRUARY 2017.

The Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition has prizes worth R184 400 up for grabs!

The runner up receives a four-night, all-inclusive, guided photography safari for two at Indlovu River Lodge.

Monthly Winner – Public Favourite Most Likes on Facebook
R500 cash and of course the all-important bragging rights that is part and parcel of being a winner

Bi-monthly Winner – Selected by Panel of Judges
Two-night all-inclusive stay at Indlovu River Lodge with access to our photography hides.
The winning photograph will then come into contention for the Grand Prize

Be sure to enter and make the most of your chances to win the Amateur Wildlife and Birding Photography Competition!

Wildlife Photography Blog - Giraffe

2017-01-26T00:00:00+02:00

Wildlife Photography Blog: Giraffes Legs at Sunken Photography Hide – Photo taken at Indlovu River Lodge

This stunning photograph was taken here at Indlovu River Lodge at our sunken photographic hide by Anna-Mart Kruger from iCapture Photo Safaris. The photo is of a Giraffe’s legs, captured from ground level.

Some fun facts about the Giraffe: Characterized by its long legs, long neck, and distinctive spotted pattern, many people first believed the giraffe was a cross between a leopard and a camel, which is reflected in its scientific name, Giraffa camelopardalis.

Giraffes live primarily in savanna areas in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Their extreme height allows them to eat leaves and shoots located much higher than other animals can reach. They seek out acacia trees. Their long tongues are helpful in eating because they help pull leaves from the trees.

Indlovu River lodge prides itself as one of only a handful of lodge’s in the whole of Africa which can boast unique, sunken photographic hides. These exceptional hides create the opportunity for photographers to capture close-up images, taken from the water level of the waterholes.

Our sunken photography hide offers the following to photographers:

- Shoot from a few mm above water level.

- Eye-level, wide angle.

- Adjustable director’s chairs on wheels for 4 persons plus guide.

- 4 Gimbals on independent but adjustable support system.

- Carpeted to minimise noise.

- Water holes regularly visited by Big 5 and wide variety of other animals and birds.

Due to the diversity of our hides you’ll require lenses covering the following focal length:

- Wide angle 12mm – telephoto up to 600mm

- Recommended:

- Wide angle 12 – 30mm

- Mid-range telephoto 70 – 400mm

- Long telephoto 400 – 600mm

We offer the following photography package at Indlovu River Lodge:

4 Night photography package:

- Accommodation, meals, house wine and beer, soft drinks, Wifi, gate entrance fees, TOMSA levy 1%, VAT 14%.

- 3 Game drives and 5 hide sessions

- Single R 16 500-00

- Sharing R 13 500-00

Click here for more information on the Photographic Safari Packages at Indlovu.

For more information about our next Photographic Course, contact Louisa at

Lodge: +27 (0) 15 383 9918 or on email: reservations@irl.co.za

Birding Photography Blog - Dark Chanting Goshawk in flight

2017-01-19T00:00:00+02:00

Birding Photography Blog: Dark Chanting Goshawk - Photo taken at Indlovu River Lodge

This is a spectacular action photograph of a Dark Chanting Goshawk ready to catch prey from the ground taken by Albert Froneman here at Indlovu River Lodge.

The dark chanting goshawk is a bird of prey, often seen in full view, perched upright on long, orange-red legs. The dark chanting-goshawk feeds mainly on rodents, birds and reptiles but will also take frogs and insects. It typically hunts from the perch, spending long periods attentively scanning its surroundings before swooping down to catch prey off the ground. Just like it is doing in the photograph.

Birds of prey are some of the most exciting wildlife subjects you'll ever photograph, but their fast movements and the bright sky behind them pose big obstacles for photographers. The majestic presence of birds of prey and their elegance in flight makes for striking bird portraits and on-the-wing action photos alike. Birds of prey are notoriously tricky to find and photograph in the wild.

Here are some tips for perfect bird portraits:

Go telephoto: You don't need masses of specialist kit to shoot bird portraits. You will be able to get by with just a kit lens and your DSLR, but a telephoto zoom lens with a 300mm, or even 400mm, setting is a great asset for really striking wildlife shots.

Three legs better: Another piece of kit that will make a big difference to bird portraits is using a tripod.

Aperture priority: Get out of auto mode and switch to aperture-priority as this will put you in control of your depth of field.

Stop the shakes: Crank up your shutter speed to at least 1/500 sec (we chose 1/1000 sec) to avoid camera shake and make sure you can keep up if there's any sudden movement.

Watch the background: Before you decide exactly how to frame your shot, look for a clean and uncluttered background behind the bird to avoid it being a distraction.

Switch to continuous mode: Switch to continuous shooting mode. This will allow you to snap off a quick volley of shots as your subject glides past.

Stand downwind: Watching the bird's behaviour will help you figure out where to stand to get the perfect shot.

Click here for more information on the Photographic Safari Packages at Indlovu River Lodge.

For more information about our next Photographic Course, contact Louisa at

Lodge: +27 (0) 15 383 9918 or on email: reservations@irl.co.za