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📍 Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga · Kruger Gateway · South Africa
A three-generation, family-run camp on a private stretch of the Sabi Sand, reached only through Newington Gate.
About the Property
Louis and Marilyn Marais bought Idube in 1983, starting with a caravan and no water or electricity on site. The name, Shangaan for zebra, has stayed with the camp as it grew into a full lodge on the Sabi Sand. Sally Kernick joined as co-director in 1989, and the family's third generation is now involved: son Carl Marais was recently appointed director and led a 2025 renovation with his wife Nicola.
The lodge sits among large rock outcrops overlooking a riverbed that runs only occasionally, in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, reached exclusively through Newington Gate. Fourteen suites are split across three categories — Safari Suites, Makubela Suites and Linked Suites — each with its own plunge pool, and the camp runs two open-vehicle game drives a day alongside guided bush walks.
Idube was among the first lodges in the Sabi Sand to prioritise water sustainability through wetland recycling, and the family says it hires locally wherever possible and supports South African artists through its on-site curio shop.
Rooms & Pricing
Prices are approximate and vary by season and booking platform. Check the current rate with the stay.
Meeting hall for corporate events, training, birthday parties and baby showers. Tailor-made packages available.
Breakfast, lunch and supper are served in a variety of settings around the lodge, with the kitchen able to cater for vegan, vegetarian and other dietary requirements.
Facilities
Nearby Attractions
All distances by road from Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga.
Access gate
Idube is reached only through Newington Gate into the Sabi Sand (Shaw's Gate is not permitted for this lodge). The gate is open 5am to 10pm, and access to the reserve is strictly limited to those hours.
Tours & Activities
Two guided game drives daily, morning and evening, in open safari vehicles with FGASA-trained rangers and trackers.
Daily
Walking safaris led by an experienced guide and tracker.
Birdwatching across the reserve, a noted strength of the area.
Getting Here
GPS COORDINATES
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Johannesburg: Take the N4 highway toward Mbombela (Nelspruit), continue to Hazyview, then follow GPS directions to Idube. Around 5.5 hours' drive.
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