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FAQs | Luxury Tented Lodge | Mdluli Safari Lodge

Our team is available to answer any questions you may have.

Below are the most common questions we get asked.

What is the location of the lodge? Are you inside the Kruger?

Yes, we are located inside the Kruger National Park, in the south-western region, not far from Pretoriuskop Rest Camp. Please click here to view the pinned location on Google Maps.

Coordinates:
-25.185226, 31.229787
25°11’06.8”S, 31°13’47.2”E

GATE ENTRY OPTIONS

Which gate options are best to use when entering the Park?

Once inside the Park, the lodge is easily accessed by the sign-posted private road branching off Numbi Gate Security and Control Point. Guests can choose which Park entry gate they prefer.

Malelane, Phabeni, Kruger and Numbi Gates offer convenient access with a scenic drive (likely lots of sightings too!) en route to the lodge once inside the Park.

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.

Numbi is the closest access gate to the Park from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). 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.

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.

Do you have parking?

Yes, we do have complimentary on-site parking.

Do you offer transfers/shuttle service to and from airports?

Yes, we can arrange a transfer to and from the lodge. Please enquire with our reservations team at least 48 hours your arrival.

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.

Are you Halaal or Kosher friendly?

If you do have specific dietary requirements, we are more than happy to assist in accommodating them. You are welcome to bring your own prepared meat, which we will store in our cooler room and warm up for you during meal times. In addition, our menu also offers a variety of delicious vegetarian and fish selections for you to enjoy.

Do you cater for vegetarians/pescatarians?

Yes, our chefs prepare various meal options for the buffet dinners that cater for both, as well as our a la carte menu.

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

What are the rates for children?

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).

Is there a nearby landing strip and how far is it from our lodge?

There is a private air strip in Hazyview, which is about a 30 minute drive to the lodge. For more detailed information, contact our reservations team.

Where can I book additional game drives and get Park entry permits?

You can book game drives and issue Park permits directly at the lodge reception. You will not need to go through the permit process at Numbi Control Point. Contact our reservations team for more information.

African beauty at its best

“The tents are luxurious and you are spoiled with an indoor and outdoor shower. The view from our tent was spectacular and we could see buffalo from our room daily. You can spend long summer days at the swimming pool overlooking the Kruger with a cocktail in hand.”

Fantastic lodge

“Fantastic lodge. My visit to Mdluli was nothing short of fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere at the lodge and of course the beauty of the bush. The tent was very luxurious and well appointed. I particularly liked the bathroom which you don’t expect to be so spacious in a tent. Waking up from the chilly nights to be met by the warm sun outside your tent is amazing. The food was excellent and I especially enjoyed the boma dinner under the stars.”

Mdluli is a must

“Mdluli is a MUST. Absolutely 5 star. Our whole family of 14 (including 7 young kids) went to Mdluli for my mother’s 70th birthday. They went out of their way to make sure this special occasion will never be forgotten. Everything was truly sensational, from the amazing staff, food, accommodation, boma dinner, to lining up the big 5 for our last drive.”

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More of Mdluli

An eco-conscious luxury safari experience.

A luxurious tented 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.