Mavela Game Lodge

What an amazing experience! The staff, the location, the nature! Everything is as spectacular beyond our expectations! Thanks so much for the best experience! The welcoming was amazing! The services and friendliness of all staff were infectious. Our game drives was definitely something for the books! We same the entire big 5 and the rangers made sure of that! The food was amazing! The accommodation and location are exceptional!

Mavela Game Lodge is a hidden gem located in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve in South Africa. It is an ideal place for those seeking an authentic safari experience, immersed in the wild with a touch of luxury. Lodge and Accommodations: The lodge offers luxury tented accommodations, all well-furnished and equipped with modern comforts, while still maintaining a close connection to the surrounding nature. Each tent is spacious, with comfortable beds, breathtaking views of the savannah, and a private bathroom. The combination of wood and natural fabrics creates a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere. Safari Experience: The real heart of Mavela Game Lodge is the safari experience. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, able to share their deep understanding of local wildlife and flora. Safaris are organized both early in the morning and late in the afternoon, allowing guests to spot the “Big Five” and an incredible variety of other animals. The reserve is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with a rich diversity of bird species. Food and Service: The service at Mavela is excellent, with a staff that is attentive and eager to meet every need. Meals are another highlight, with dishes prepared using fresh, local ingredients. The cuisine is a delightful blend of African and international flavors, and meals are often served in a picturesque setting, sometimes outdoors under the starry sky. Environment and Atmosphere: The tranquility and natural beauty of the reserve make Mavela Game Lodge a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The small size of the lodge ensures an intimate and personalized experience, far from the crowds of larger resorts. In summary, Mavela Game Lodge is an ideal destination for those wanting to experience an exclusive and high-quality safari in an extraordinary natural setting. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, birdwatching, or simply looking to relax, this lodge offers an unforgettable experience.

The absolute best experience I could have had for my first safari. The staff is SO attentive and kind - they make sure you always have everything you need from coffee, tea, linens, etc. The tents are like staying in a five star hotel. The chefs also make it a fine dining experience every day and night. The game drives are spectacular. We saw one of the big five every time we went out with a very close encounter with lions twice. The bird watching is also unreal!! I will recommend Mavela to everyone I know!

I extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible staff at this lodge. Their friendliness, professionalism, and hospitality made our stay perfect in every way. From arrival to departure, we felt like royalty yet "at home." The blend of luxury and proximity to nature surpassed all our expectations and previous experiences abroad. We will definitely return to celebrate our engagement. Highly recommended!

The Lodge was beautiful and all of the staff without fail were amazing, friendly and helpful. The rooms were stunning, with a balcony overlooking the most incredible view, and positioned well above ground level with game roaming outside. The public area was well stocked and welcoming. Food was beautiful. Our guide on the game drives was very knowledgeable and interesting. I would thoroughly recommend a stay.

This is one of the most beautiful places we've ever stayed at. The landscape will leave you breathless and the lodge itself is simply stunning. Each safari had something new. The food, accommodation and team on the ground is just incredible, making each minute of your stay special. We'll definitely come back as soon as we can!

The lodge is run by a very capable team. The game viewing and guiding is incredible. Do not expect a ‘safari Ferrari’ where you chase from one animal to the next. This is proper tracking, looking, waiting, listening and viewing. Our guide (also manager of lodge) is a qualified guide and his knowledge of the bush and intense rules of safari is out of this world. Not our first game viewing but certainly the best in terms of gaining knowledge. The food and accommodation was 10/10 too!!

We were blessed with this Safari getaway by a family member to celebrate a big birthday event. The whole camp was booked for this family gathering and our experience was world class. Accommodation - Food - Game drives - Rangers bush knowledge - hospitality - it was excellent. 10 out of 10 from start to finish. Highly recommended as a safari destination for locals and international travellers.

After a 3 year gap since our last visit we decided to celebrate our 49th wedding Anniversary at Mavela and are delighted that we did so. The new tents with their décor , spaciousness ,setup and panoramic views are spectacular , the food was sublime and the all the staff we encountered went out of their way to make our stay wonderfully pleasurable . Rowland was our guide and his knowledge and understanding of the bush and it’s inhabitants is profound , especially regarding the birdlife. I thoroughly enjoyed the bush walk I did with him and would recommend both the walk and him to anyone. Of all the beautiful sightings we had while we were at Mavela , including a lioness and her 2 young cubs, rhino , elephant , buffalo , towers of giraffe , multitudes of birds and many others; the lasting memory we will keep with us forever is that of a tiny 75mm Leopard Tortoise scrabbling his way across the dirt road in front us- that was nature at it’s best – priceless! Our congratulations to everyone at Mavela and hopefully we will be back next year for our 50th. Ian & Stella