There are moments on a journey when you just know you’ve discovered somewhere truly special, and that’s exactly how Brian and I felt when we arrived at Mavela Game Lodge, tucked away inside the spectacular Manyoni Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Manyoni is vast, with around 23,000 hectares (about 57,000 acres) of pristine wilderness and a true Big Five reserve, yet Mavela itself is wonderfully small and intimate. With just seven luxury tents and a maximum of 14 guests, it feels wonderfully exclusive. What we loved immediately was the sense of space and calm.
During our game drives we rarely encountered other vehicles, which meant every wildlife sighting felt completely private and unhurried. From the moment we arrived, Brian and I had that lovely feeling of “this is going to be good.” The lodge feels like a hidden sanctuary in the bush, beautifully designed to blend comfort with nature.
The Accommodation
Our tent was absolutely gorgeous, spacious, elegant and incredibly comfortable, with crisp white linens, air-conditioning and a beautiful en-suite bathroom. But the real star? The outdoor shower overlooking the bush. There is something rather magical about showering under the sky while listening to birdsong.
Each tent also has a large private deck, which quickly became one of our favourite places to sit with a cup of coffee and simply watch the world go by. The reserve is famous for its birdlife, with more than 420 species have been recorded, so there is always something fluttering past, from colourful little sunbirds to majestic raptors circling overhead. If you enjoy birdwatching, this place is an absolute dream.
Safari Life at Mavela
Safari life follows a wonderfully gentle rhythm at Mavela.
Our mornings began with a 5am wake-up call, followed by a quick coffee before we headed out on the morning game drive at 5:30am, just as the bush was beginning to stir. The vehicles here are honestly the most comfortable we’ve ever experienced. Beautifully adapted Toyota Land Cruisers with tiered seating, padded armchairs and uninterrupted views across the landscape.
Thoughtful touches like blankets, ponchos, bottled water and a handy amenity kit with bug spray and wipes were tucked into a box between the seats. Our guide, Vaun, was absolutely fantastic: knowledgeable, passionate and brilliant at tracking wildlife. During our stay we saw four of the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino, including plenty of magnificent white rhino, which are thriving in this reserve. The only one that eluded us was the leopard. They are definitely here, but as any safari guide will tell you, leopards are famously shy.
The wildlife sightings were extraordinary. We followed two lionesses quietly moving through the bush, spent time observing rhino grazing peacefully, and encountered jackals, impala, kudu, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and hyenas. With over 70 species of mammal in the reserve, every drive brought something different. And the birdlife… simply incredible
Our Daily Life at Mavela.
We usually returned to the lodge around 8 or 8:30 for breakfast. One morning we were treated to a magical bush breakfast overlooking a waterhole where hippos were wallowing, one of those unforgettable safari moments.
The middle of the day was wonderfully relaxed. Some guests read on their decks, others cooled off in the swimming pool, or simply enjoyed the peace of the bush. There’s also a treatment menu available if you fancy a bit of pampering. Brian and I treated ourselves to a wonderful massage right on our private deck, with the breeze and birdsong providing the perfect soundtrack, safari relaxation at its best.
Lunch was served at 2pm and was probably my favourite meal of the day: fresh, light and absolutely delicious. Then, at 4pm, it was time for the afternoon game drive, which built towards one of my favourite safari traditions, sundowners in the bush. As the African sun dipped towards the horizon we stopped for drinks, usually a perfect gin and tonic or a cold beer, accompanied by biltong, crisps and, rather amusingly, marshmallows!
The final part of the drive took place after dark, when the bush transformed completely. With the help of spotlights we searched for nocturnal creatures, and above us the sky became a blanket of stars that simply took your breath away. Back at the lodge around 7 or 7:30 in the evening, some guests freshened up while others gathered around the fire pit for a drink and a chat.
Dinner was served around 7:30 or 8 and was a lovely three-course affair. What we particularly enjoyed was that each couple had their own private table, something we really appreciate as it creates such a romantic atmosphere. The food was excellent, and all local drinks were included, from wonderful South African wines to local beers, gins and of course Amarula, the delicious creamy liqueur made from the marula fruit.
My Final Thoughts
One of the things that really stood out during our stay at Mavela was just how much was included. Once you’re there, there is very little to pay when you leave. Even our laundry was done for us at no extra charge, which, on a longer trip like ours, was an absolute godsend! Really the only additional cost to think about is gratuities for your guide and the wonderful lodge team.
It’s worth remembering that wages in this part of the world are relatively low while the cost of living continues to rise, so tips are genuinely appreciated. After the exceptional service we received here, from our brilliant guide Vaun to the warm and attentive lodge staff, it was something we were more than happy to do..
One memorable moment came during our final night when a proper African storm rolled in. From inside our luxury tent we could hear the rain drumming and the wind sweeping through the trees, quite dramatic! Yet the tents here are incredibly robust, and rather than being worrying it was actually rather magical, listening to nature putting on a show while we were snug and comfortable inside.
Now our wonderful three-night stay at Mavela has come to an end, and as I wrote this Brian and I were in the car heading towards the coast for the next chapter of our journey, the beautiful Oyster Box in Umhlanga, about three hours away.
Having experienced several safaris over the years, Brian and I both agree on one thing: this has been our favourite so far. The luxurious tents, the intimate feel of the lodge, the superb guiding, the incredible wildlife and the genuinely warm team who looked after us so beautifully all combined to create something really special.
So if you’re dreaming of an authentic safari experience, luxurious but relaxed, wonderfully wild but without the crowds, then Mavela Game Lodge in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve should absolutely be on your list.
We loved every single moment there… and I have a feeling we’ll be back.
If you’re interested in any parts of my South African tour and want to try some elements out for yourself, get in touch! We can tailor your entire itinerary to suit your preferences. Give us a call on 01902 288104, send us a message, or book a holiday planning meeting today.
