Game ReserveBig Five
Idube Game Reserve
South Africa 100 km² (39 mi²) Est. 1983
About Idube Game Reserve
Idube Game Reserve is a private concession within the renowned Sabi Sand Wildtuin, offering exceptional Big Five game viewing with a particular reputation for close-up leopard encounters. The name 'Idube' means 'zebra' in Zulu, and the reserve has been operated as an exclusive safari destination since the 1980s.
Situated in the central Sabi Sand with open traversing rights across approximately 10,000 hectares, Idube shares the same extraordinary wildlife as its neighbours — Londolozi, Sabi Sabi, and MalaMala. The reserve's mix of savannah, riverine bush, and open grassland provides varied habitats. With only one lodge and limited guest numbers, Idube delivers the intimate, uncrowded game viewing that makes the Sabi Sand the world's premier private safari destination.
0
Safari Tours
4.0
Avg Rating
5/5
Big Five
43
Years Protected
Highlights
- Outstanding leopard sightings in the Sabi Sand
- Single lodge — intimate and exclusive experience
- Open traversing across 10,000 hectares of prime bushveld
- All Big Five reliably seen
- Experienced guides with deep knowledge of individual animals
Considerations
- Expensive — Sabi Sand premium pricing
- Only one lodge — limited availability
- Malaria area
- No self-drive or budget options
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
common
🐆
Leopard
common
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
common
Notable Species
Lion
Common
Leopard
Common
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
White Rhino
Common
Giraffe
Common
Impala
Common
Hyena
Common
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Idube is accessed via Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or Skukuza Airport, followed by a road transfer (1-2 hours). Charter flights to Sabi Sand airstrips are available. From Johannesburg it's approximately 500 km (5.5 hours) by road.
Nearest Airport
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)
Nearest City
Hazyview
Drive Time
5.5 hours