Authentic Safari-Style Luxury Tented Camp in a Private Big Five Reserve

We had the most amazing time here at Mavela Game Lodge for a 2 night stay (we wish it could have been for longer). The staff, lodge, food, room and Safari were all incredible. The staff were all so lovely and looked after our every need. They always went above and beyond to ensure our stay was a memorable one. Our guide Jason was super knowledgeable and answered all the questions we had our on our game drives. The main lodge is stunning. From the help yourself bar to the immense views over the reserve, we didn’t want to leave this place. Sitting having a lunchtime beer overlooking the watering hole was a real highlight for us. When the sun came out we sat by the swimming pool which is a lovely option to have as well. The food was delicious. Having a nut allergy and dairy intolerance between us, the chefs always prepared us separate food to ensure we could eat with confidence and this food was exceptional. The best food we ate in South Africa. Our room was very spacious and well decorated. We loved the option of having an outdoor shower in the day overlooking the reserve, as well as having a lovely seating option on our balcony area. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the room in general has everything you need and more for a super comfortable stay. Lastly the Safari was our highlight. The amount of animals we saw on our four drives was incredible. We loved going to different areas within the reserve and seeing the wide range of animals and birds that live there. We are glad we only managed to see 4 of the big 5 as we definitely have to come back to find our 5th! We couldn’t recommend Mavela more highly, we had the most incredible stay and can’t thank the staff enough for making our time there so special.

Firstly I would like to state that we have stayed in far more expensive lodges and that our experience at Mavela showed us that you don't need to spend a pile of money to get a sensational African experience. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful at all times. The food was fantastic and the variety was great. Views from both the tents and the guest areas are phenomenal and exactly what you need to take in the surroundings and feel part of the game reserve. The tents themselves are large and comfortable and all of the amenities could not be faulted in the slightest. The range of wild animals in the park is right up there with much bigger and pricier game reserves which is a great bonus. Our guide (Jason) was nothing short of fantastic, his knowledge of the animals, their behavior and the area made the drives all that much better. He was always friendly and professional and while I can only speak for our guide, if the others are only half as good this is the place to go!

Could not want for anything. The staff were attentive and everything that you could want was available. food was plentiful and delicious. We had Sitelo on the game drives and he was the most knowledgeable i have ever experienced - and he was amazing with our 5 year old while still being a fantastic guide to all of us. On the drives we got an up close experience with Elephants and Lions…while seeing buffalo, cheetah, jackal and a ton of other animals up close as well.

We had a more than wonderful week stay at the Mavela Game Lodge. The lodge is beautiful settled in Manyoni Private Game Reserve. The main lodge and the seven luxury tents are beautiful designed, tastefully decorated in a modern African style and equipped with every luxury you can wish for. We were threated by all the staff with great hospitality and kindness and enjoyed every meal in the great setting and atmosphere from the main lodge. The game drives with Roland were fantastic, through his experience and super knowledge as ranger we experienced wonderful meetings and sightings with the animals, who are very relaxed and close. That gave us many opportunities to make great pictures such as from the very rare secretary bird, the cheetah’s looking for a hunt, lions, the elephant herd and the very endangered pangolin. Fantastic. Mavela Game Lodge is in every sight a five-star lodge, we had an unforgettable time here.