Game viewing in Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge

Game viewing - giraffe - in Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge  

A private lodge in the Balule Game Reserve – part of the Greater Kruger National Park

Mohlabetsi is the local African name for a small stream or “spruit” that flows here. It means “Place of Sweet Water” and weary pilgrims would be drawn to this wonderful location to enjoy refreshment. Nothing has changed over the aeons of time and even today we welcome travellers from around the globe to our sanctuary.

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge is a small intimate Lodge with only 20 beds, guests are assured of serenity and unobtrusive attentiveness, combined with an intimacy with nature. Come and be especially close to the African Spirit here. The Lodge is easily accessible, yet one enters an entirely different world once within the camp. Life slows down to the rhythms of nature and the rising and setting of the sun dictates our movements. The emphasis here is upon close-up encounters with Africa’s spectacular wildlife, from the mighty elephant, the impressive lion or the minuscule termite. But, paired with this, is the assurance of your comfort in this 4 star establishment, decorated in true South African style.

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge - elephant experience
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge - a lioness experience

The Family Lodges

These units follow the style and form of our Rondawels and are perfect for families. Comprising two rooms, separated by an interleading door, each room has its own facilities and an al fresco shower. Fully insect proofed, they have been appointed with your comfort and pleasure in mind.

These typical African dwellings are round huts (rondawels) with characterful thatch roofs. Fully insect proofed, they have been appointed with your comfort and pleasure in mind. International multi-plugs, personal safes, overhead fans and air conditioning are at your disposal, as well as free, unlimited WiFi access.

The al fresco showers bring you closer to nature and there’s no finer sensation than taking a steamy shower with the twinkling stars or a breathtaking Bushveld sunrise. The Rondawels are king or twin bedded and there is space for an extra bed to convert it to a triple room.

There is adequate space for an extra bed in each room, for any additional members of the family. This would allow a family of 6 to sleep in comfort in each Family Lodge.

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge open lounge for catching up on sightings and happenings

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge open lounge for catching up on sightings and happenings

The Lounges

Relaxation areas with serenity in mind, with free WiFi, beautiful views or cosy comfort, where a hot or cold beverage is always at hand. The bar lounge is furnished with comfortable chairs and offers beautiful views over the lawn and bush, making it the perfect place to meet after safaris to regale your exciting animal stories.

For the rare cool day our indoor lounge has an abundance of over-stuffed armchairs and sofas. An interesting collection of books, artefacts & knick knacks will ensure your time between game drives is well spent!

There may be nothing better than an afternoon siesta in a hammock under the shade of the trees – an activity highly encouraged in our hammock garden.

The Pool

The sparkling swimming pool is surrounded by sun loungers & provides the perfect place of relaxation during the warm midday hours. A number of “martini seats’’ in the pool itself produce the ultimate holiday spot.

A great place to relax between safaris – apart from our guests, who love it, we have had visits from Elephants, Warthogs, Baboons, Monkeys and on one particularly memorable occasion, even a Crocodile!!

Perfect for kids and adults alike, it is warm enough to swim in right through the year. After all, we live in the “Land of two Summers”!

Game Drives

The main reason for your visit, of course, is to view and appreciate Africa’s spectacular wildlife. The Rangers and Trackers will ensure that you have close up and extremely memorable encounters with animals, including the Big 5, as well as the myriad of other creatures in our neighbourhood.

The rate includes an evening game drive as well as an early morning safari too. Each excursion is different and there is no way of forecasting what your Ranger and Tracker will find for you. Every encounter and every experience is completely different. We have 12 000 ha (think of that as 12 000 square football fields!) of traversing area, giving us a myriad of options of what to look for and where to look. Of course, the Big 5 is important but there is so much more on offer! The Greater Kruger area boasts 149 mammal species (remember, many of these include a huge variety of small rodents and bats), as well as a spectacular variety of birds (our local count is more than 260 different sorts), along with an impressive amount of reptiles, insects and vegetation types.

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge big five game viewing experience
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge cheetah sighting

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge use specially modified Toyota LandCruisers for their game drives. Renowned for their comfort and reliability, they are able to conquer even the most difficult terrain. The 10 seater vehicles are completely open to allow for unrestricted views of animals and birds, trees and the stunning stars at night. You will be amazed at how close we are able to approach our quarry, to ensure unforgettable memories of your safaris with us. And this is what makes a game drive such a unique part of your holiday.

Their personable guides keep up a commentary during the drive, interpreting and informing you of the sightings. Their knowledge and unique relationship with the bush will ensure that your game drive is both a sensory and educational experience. They are also in radio contact with a number of other vehicles to maximize game-finding opportunities.

Game Walks

For true lovers of wildlife, nothing beats the adventure of getting close to nature on foot! Your Guide will lead you through pristine African Bushveld, stopping for anything of interest. Animal encounters take on a completely different feeling, once you come down to their level. And the silence allows you to listen to bird calls, appreciate the vegetation and be overwhelmed by the ways of the termite.

For many, this is a highlight of their safari experience! Once you have got close-up with Africa’s Big Game and taken all the photos that you want to, the time has come to get down to their level and experience a safari through the soles of your shoes!

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge boma dining experience

An ethnic dining area with the focus towards a blazing Bushveld log fire and the floodlit open plains beyond.

The Boma

An ethnic dining area with the focus towards a blazing Bushveld log fire and the floodlit open plains beyond. Memorable evenings are spent in the convivial atmosphere, sheltered by towering indigenous trees and entertained by Ranger’s tales and spectacular cooking on the open flames.

Guided by Tony, the chefs Jeanette and Salitah prepare traditional braais and fresh pot brood on the hot coals, or astound their patrons with a sensational flambe’ of bananas. Accompanied by a carefully selected wine list, you are assured of an unforgettable evening!

A Day at the Lodge

Arrive at our oasis around midday to a warm welcome and a cold drink. A light lunch and dessert is served on the lawns in the shade of an acacia tree, with a view over a well frequented waterhole.

In the late afternoon, arm yourself with binoculars and cameras and set off with your ranger in an open Landcruiser. Follow bush roads through our reserve, using all of your senses to find the animals. We stop for everything of interest, possibly the spoor of hunting lions or a herd of dazzling zebras.

We halt at a vantage point as the sun goes down and the day turns swiftly to night, to enjoy sundowner drinks and snacks. The flashlights come on as we search for secretive nocturnal creatures, from the sleek genet, the cute bush baby to an unforgettable view of a leopard.

Back at the Lodge, the campfire is blazing, heralding a romantic dinner in the boma. Dinners are a social affair, with guests mingling with their hosts as they enjoy fireside cuisine with an African influence. During the warmer summer evenings, we serve candlelit dinners under the stars.

Retire to your comfortable room, with a multitude of memories, to prepare yourself for the excitement of the day ahead.

Your ranger will knock on the door to awaken you to the Bushveld dawn. Coffee, tea and rusks are served in the outdoor lounge. Enjoy the antics of playful vervet monkeys as they too prepare for the day. Set off into the sunrise in the Landrover to find out what has been happening in the dead of night and follow spoor of animals on the move. Your ranger will lead you off on foot too, to discover sights which you would miss from a vehicle. The dawn chorus of birdsong is particularly memorable.

Return to the Lodge for a hearty breakfast, with an abundance of home-made “goodies”, including our famous Marula Jelly.

Relax around the pool for the morning or recline upon a chaise lounge with a view over the waterhole. Maybe it is time to take advantage of our Massage Lapa, for a massage that will unwind you!

A “feel at home” ambiance will ensure that you have a truly memorable stay with us.

Early morning, late afternoon and evening game drives are conducted in open 4x4 Land Rovers with qualified and experienced field rangers and trackers, ensuring an exciting and informative safari. An optional guided bush walk will open up the fascinating world of some of South Africa's intricate ecosystems with its varied fauna and flora.

This is Low risk Malaria area. (especially in the winter months)

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