With a host of long weekends and school holidays on the horizon, many people are looking around for something fun for the whole family to do. While it would be great to stay home and fuss about what to cook next over the Easter weekend, why not go on a thrilling getaway in the Waterberg instead?
Mabula Game Lodge, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, is a great adventure-filled escape for families, whether looking to relax, take flight or learn more about the game-changing conservation work happening at the lodge and in the greater Mabula Private Game Reserve.
Accommodation at Mabula Game Lodge is in superior rooms and suites, all designed to provide comfort while blending with the natural surroundings.
The lodge recently underwent some upgrades, with refurbs to the reception area, the lounge bar and terrace and the outdoor boma.
The accommodation rate includes three meals and two game drives per day but it also has a menu of additional activities. Options include horseback safaris; quad bike trails; guided walking tours; night drives; and star gazing. There is also a children’s activity centre and Play Station & Wii rentals available.
BIG FIVE SPOTTING FROM THE AIR
Hot air balloon rides over the reserve are offered by Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris.
During our trip, several species of game could be spotted with our pun-prone and humorous pilot giving as much information about their movements as he could. The flights last for about an hour with breakfast and mimosas (or juice) on offer after a brief award ceremony for everyone for making it up to the skies.
THE STORM CHASERS
Another great activity is a visit to the award-winning Mabula Ground Hornbill Project. These odd birds with their distinctive red patches around the eyes and throat are classified as “endangered” in South Africa with only around 1,500 left in the wild. The project's mission is to stabilise and increase their numbers through reintroduction programmes, habitat protection and education.
Conservationists at the project run a tour where visitors can see them in action. If you have any younguns along on the trip, make sure they listen to instructions and avoid feeding the feathered fowls, as they can be aggressive. In fact, they have a reputation for breaking windows when they appear in residential areas. This is because they are territorial and will attack any other ground hornbills that invade their territory — they smash windows when they mistake their own reflection for a nemesis. Human retaliation for this annoyance has also played a role in the birds' dwindling numbers.
Ground hornbills are often called “rain birds” or “thunderbirds” due to their association with rain and storms in African folklore and culture. Their deep, booming calls are said to resemble the sound of distant thunder, and in many traditional beliefs, their vocalisations are thought to signal the arrival of rain or stormy weather. According to conservationist Nthabiseng Monama, this is actually the birds reacting to distant thunder.
THE MABULA PRIDE
The reserve is known for its big-five spotting potential, and game drives are bound to turn up a few, along with some of the thousands of species that call this land home. If you're lucky, you may even see their lions. Currently in a solid pack, the pride also features lions straight from the Kalahari.
Mabula also puts a fun twist on the tradition of pausing in the middle of a drive for a leg stretch and treats with a stop for ice-cream cones.
SWEET ON SAFARI
We also spent a night at another lodge on the reserve called Safari Plains. Like Mabula, it is part of the Extraordinary Group holding company.
This one has safari-style suites built on timber wraparound decks. Six luxury suites have a larger main area and a private sala. It also has “family style” suites with a second bedroom with twin beds.
Outside of their recently revamped pool deck, the space includes two dining areas with an especially catered menu on arrival. En-suite chalets give an upscale spin on glamping with a tub for those lazy days to help you unwind or cool down away from the pool.
GETTING THERE:
The 12,000 ha Greater Mabula Game Reserve is about 212km north of Johannesburg. By car, it typically takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes. It's about 47km from Bela Bela. Limpopo.
PRICES
Mabula Lodge: From R4,979 per person sharing in a superior room. Includes accommodation, three meals and two safaris daily. Excludes transfers, beverages and conservation fees (R200 per person per stay). See mabula.com
Safari Plains: From R6,804 per person sharing in a luxury suite. Includes accommodation, three meals and selected beverages (soft drinks, water, beer, selected wines and spirits) and two safaris daily. See safariplains.co.za.
Ballooning: Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris are available to guests staying at the Extraordinary Group's lodges in the Mabula Private Game Reserve. Trips can be arranged for guests by the lodges. Minimum of six passengers required, though these can be from separate bookings. On a flight of six or more, the cost is R6,250 per person. See https://balloon.co.za.
The Ground Hornbill Experience: Open to any of the lodges in the Mabula Private Game Reserve. R135 per person through Mabula Game Lodge. See https://ground-hornbill.org.za.
• Ntwasa was a guest of Mabula Game Lodge and Safari Plains.
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