When it comes to breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, Limpopo is a top-tier destination, with the added benefit of a rich history and friendly people.
Recently, I experienced a holiday gem in the province, the Mmakuba Private Game Lodge, which is in Mookgophong, previously known as Naboomspruit, in the Waterberg region.
Mmakuba is a 600ha hideaway about two hours' drive from Johannesburg, and 42km northeast of Modimolle. It's a great escape from the fast-paced daily grind in the City of Gold. I was excited to spend an unforgettable two nights there with my sister as my plus one.
This family-owned lodge has manicured gardens with lemon trees, rustic cottages and friendly, detailed-focused staff, setting the scene for a perfect bush escape.
Lodge director Refiloe Mufamadi tells us the lodge was named after her maternal grandmother and opened just before Covid-19. Like most lodges, it had to close during lockdown, which decimated the hospitality industry. The establishment reopened late last year.
SUITE SOMETHINGS
We stayed in a two-bedroom villa, which had appliances including a microwave, a fridge and a tea and coffee station. We were impressed, especially with the handwritten welcome letter and the complimentary room spray, bath salts, diffuser and vanilla-scented sticks from MKS House of Scents adding opulence to the ambience.
The suite’s timeless design combines classic colours like cream and grey to create a vintage look with a modern twist. The beige curtains create a calming effect while the wood-and-glass sliding doors add to the rustic feel of a safari getaway. The balcony is an awesome spot for lounging and enjoying the picturesque views.
The two bedrooms are immaculate. Each has a king-size bed, luxurious linen, en-suite bathroom and air conditioner while the white lattice cabinet adds to the aesthetics.
Guests receive white robes, slippers and an extra blanket, perfect in winter. Our bathroom had a shower and a sublime bathtub.
All that was missing were TV sets and Wi-Fi access. However, especially if you want to switch off and connect with nature, having no Wi-Fi for a few nights won't hurt. If you really need it, there is Wi-Fi in the restaurant to catch up with emails and socials. We are told the lodge has been waiting “forever” for the installation of a tower that will make Wi-Fi more widely available.
DINING IN STYLE
The rate at Mmakuba includes breakfast and supper. Guests can also request lunch from the kitchen staff. The food is top class. The five-star fine dining experience is heavenly, a five-course meal that is worth every cent. The meal is paired with white and red wine and you also have a choice of cold drinks, spirits and ciders.
For starters, we enjoy a roasted butternut soup, with crispy bacon bits and pesto oil served with toasted ciabatta bread with an appetiser of salmon roulade in a cucumber roll, accompanied by avocado purée, lemon zest and balsamic glaze.
The main did not disappoint with guests choosing between roasted beef sirloin or pork belly. I opted for the pork belly with sweet-potato mash and bok choi while my sister had the sirloin. The pork was crispy and cooked to perfection. A vegetable casserole with coconut cream and mashed potato was on offer for the vegetarian guests. Dessert was a lemon tart, which was lovely.
After the heavy supper, for breakfast, we had the choice of an English breakfast or bacon pancakes with cream, which add centimetres to our waistlines.
SOMETHING BREWING
Based in Marble Hall, Setsong African Tea Crafters uses indigenous plants to make choice tea in partnership with the communities of Ga Phaahla village and Ga Matlala Ramoshebo. Normally, they offer tea tours and special experiences at their farm in Marble Hall, but we are treated to a tea-blending class in the lodge's dining area.
The regal tea crafters clad in their Pedi attire sing and give us a taste of their rich heritage. The women are led by CEO Retang Mutale, who found a sweet spot for the tea that fuses traditional tea making with a modern twist.
The two main ingredients in their tea range are the tepane leaf and the diya root, wild harvested from Sekhukhune land in Limpopo. These teas emulate the herbs and herbal remedies used by rural communities in Limpopo for centuries.Ingredients such as berries, pepper, nutmeg, ginger, lemon, strawberries can also be included to make unique tea blends. The teas are caffeine free and with vitamins A, C, E, and properties to avoid degenerative issues.
The royal treatment continued with a neck and shoulder massage from Berry Tops Beauty Bar, a local massage parlour, which was amazing.
PICNICS AND FISHING
If you enjoy a romantic picnic, Mmakuba offers a cosy experience along the bank of the establishment’s dam that will have you relishing in serenity and peace while soaking in the sunset.
You can enjoy sundowners including bubbly, cider or beer. There are also nonalcoholic options available. The eats include springrolls, fruit sticks, salad, chicken nuggets and chocolate brownies.
Whether you are looking for a locale for an idyllic wedding proposal or simply a spot to unwind with your loved ones, choosing a picnic at the dam can make your vision a reality. For R500, you can enjoy a picnic with snacks and drinks.
Anglers are also catered for, as Mmakuba offers day fishing for enthusiasts, who can attempt to catch fish including catfish, bass and carp for R100 per person per hour.
GO FOR GAME
What is a game lodge without a game drive? Mmakuba’s do not disappoint and cost R380 per person. Choose either an early morning or afternoon game drive for animals like zebra, nyala, wildebeest, kudu and giraffe.
The gold wildebeest are secluded in a gated area to avoid cross breeding and the spread of deadly diseases like foot and mouth. Martin Scholtz, Mmakuba’s game ranger, tells us the gold wildebeest are more prized than their black brethren, fetching up to R1m at auction.
It is essential to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, insect repellent and warm jackets as it can got chilly, especially on the morning game drives.
WALK IN THE BUSH
Guests can choose to take a guided walk in the bush. Scholtz leads us on a moderate trek, which can be enjoyed by people on all fitness levels. On the walk, Scholtz tells us giraffes sleep two hours a day and eat thorny trees. We see a footprint of a leopard, which he suspects jumped the fence to feast on the game in Mmakuba.
We were also lucky enough to spot an African harrier hawk.
Scholtz tells us that many people have died from inhaling smoke from the burning of the tamboti tree. It should never be used as firewood as the fumes given off by the burning wood are poisonous to humans.
Mmakuba is home to two 600-year-old trees, the perfect setting for intimate weddings. Depending on your fitness levels, you can select 5km to 20km guided walks, priced from R280 to R380 per person. The walks can be enjoyed by the entire family as they are suitable for all fitness levels.
GETAWAY AT A GLANCE
WHERE IT IS: Situated on the Rietbokspruit game farm on the outskirts of Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) in Limpopo, Mmakuba Lodge offers sweeping views of the Waterberg range. It is 215km from Johannesburg.
WHAT IS HAS: A bar/lounge; conference facilities; outdoor pool; restaurant; picnic/braai area; Wi-Fi.
RATES: From R3,150 per night in a deluxe chalet, which sleeps a maximum of two people. Rates include lunch and dinner. The two-bedroom villa is from R7,350 per night (sleeps four). For more rates and specials, visit mmakuba.co.za.
• Faku was a guest of Mmakuba Private Game Lodge.
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