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Private Lodge.
Big Heart. Wild Home.

LaLaluka means “grow in wisdom.” For us, it reflects the lessons we have learned living in the bush: slowing down, listening to nature and finding beauty in the smallest moments.

This is our home and not a traditional lodge. With only three guest rooms, we open our doors to share daily life in a Big Five game reserve. Wildlife gathers at the waterhole in front, our two ridgebacks, Farouk and Ska, wander between terrace and garden, and sometimes their small border collie friend Loco joins them too.

Game drives are planned flexibly around our guests, while meals are hearty and home-cooked, shared with the same care we offer family and friends. It is a rare and personal concept in the safari world, where guests are invited to step into our home and experience the bush as part of the family.

Sharing LaLaluka is deeply personal to us. Every stay is different, and we love creating a place where guests feel less like visitors and more like they belong.

Welcome to your home away from home, in the heart of the bush.

THE LODGE

Inside LaLaluka

Life at LaLaluka unfolds around open spaces where the kitchen, lounge and dining area flow together, inviting conversation, firelight and food to be shared. With earthy tones and playful touches of green, the house feels both personal and alive, a home that celebrates the bush.

See Inside

"A unique adventure, in style."

Comfort

3 en-suite bedrooms

Indoor & Outdoor Showers

Air conditioning throughout

Mosquito shutters

Chef kitchen

Indoor & Outdoor fireplace

Amenties

Outdoor bar with Beer on tap

Traditional Braai

Pizza Oven

Private Gym

Pool & Jacuzzi

Waterhole Views

More than a stay

step into our home and experience the bush as part of the family

Safari - On your terms

LaLaluka has its own dedicated safari vehicle, reserved only for guests staying at the lodge. Safari times are flexible and can be planned around your wishes. If there are other guests in house, drives are still arranged together to suit everyone’s preferences, with Karin and John offering recommendations to make the most of the experience. As landowners within the reserve, there are no fixed schedules, and the bush is yours to explore at any time of day or night.

Fully Inclusive

Wellness & Gym

Gather & Share

Safari - On your terms

Fully Inclusive

Wellness & Gym

Gather & Share

Safari - On your terms

Fully Inclusive

Wellness & Gym

Gather & Share

Safari - On your terms

Fully Inclusive

Wellness & Gym

Gather & Share

Come as a guest, stay as part of the family, and leave with the spirit of the bush in your heart.

ABOUT US

From A Dream To A Unique Home

We are John and Karin — German and Swiss by origin, but South Africa has been our second home for more than ten years. It was here that we met, fell in love with the bush, and began living the dream that became La Laluka. For us, this is not just a lodge but our sanctuary, built to be shared with those who also long for the rhythm of the wild.

The name LaLaluka means “grow in wisdom”, and it reflects what life in the bush has taught us: to slow down, to listen, and to live in harmony with nature. Our two ridgebacks, Farouk and Ska, are part of daily life here, often joined by their lively collie friend Loco. Together they remind us that this is not only a home for people, but for all creatures great and small.

LaLaluka runs entirely off-grid, powered by solar and sustained by a borehole, so every stay is a step closer to living lightly on the land.

Of course, we are not alone. LaLaluka would not be the same without our incredible team. Isabell, Cliff and Andile are part of the family, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and with care.

We built LaLaluka to be a place where guests feel less like visitors and more like family. It is our greatest joy to welcome you home.

We are John and Karin — German and Swiss by origin, but South Africa has been our second home for more than ten years. It was here that we met, fell in love with the bush, and began living the dream that became LaLaluka. For us, this is not just a lodge but our sanctuary, built to be shared with those who also long for the rhythm of the wild.

LaLaluka runs entirely off-grid, powered by solar and sustained by a borehole, so every stay is a step closer to living lightly on the land.

Of course, we are not alone. LaLaluka would not be the same without our incredible team. Isabell, Cliff and Andile are part of the family, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and with care.

We built LaLaluka to be a place where guests feel less like visitors and more like family. It is our greatest joy to welcome you home.

LOCATION

Discover
Makalali Reserve

LaLaluka is set within the Greater Makalali Game Reserve, a Big Five wilderness in the heart of the Lowveld. Here, every journey brings you closer to wide horizons, untamed wildlife, and the quiet magic of the African bush.

There are several ways to reach LaLaluka:

By Road

Self-drive from Nelspruit takes around 3.5 hours, or from Johannesburg approximately 5.5 hours.

By Commercial Air

Daily flights operate from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Hoedspruit Airport. Transfers to the lodge can be arranged at an additional cost.

By Private Charter

Direct flights into the reserve can be arranged on request.

Get Directions

CONTACT

Plan your stay

Get in touch with us directly to arrange your visit to LaLaluka. For onward journeys and other experiences, we highly suggest our trusted partner RefinedRoutes to craft the rest of your Southern African adventure.

Email Us

CONTACT