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Welcome to
Mavela Game Lodge
Your All-Inclusive Luxury Tented Safari Escape
About Us
Accommodation
Activities
Rates & Specials
Check Availability

Experience a True African Wildlife Safari Escape
on manyoni private game reserve
Mavela Game Lodge is nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Big 5
Manyoni Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This
exceptional five-star all-inclusive luxury lodge offers safari-style tented
accommodations, allowing both local and international travelers to
have close encounters with Africa's magnificent wildlife.
Owned and run by the Stevens family, the lodge is committed to the
conservation and protection of wildlife for future generations. As
enthusiastic birders who have spent ample time in the reserve, we
appreciate the area's unique allure.
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About Us
Renowned for its remarkable birdwatching and excellent game
viewing experiences, we are excited to share its marvels with you. Our
dedication to warm hospitality and exceptional service reflects our love
for this lodge and the significance of hands-on management.
It’s truly impressive how Mavela has become a beloved destination for
guests in search of authentic wildlife encounters and sightings of the
"Big 5." Moreover, the reserve actively safeguards some of Africa's
most endangered species, including the Temminck's Pangolin, Black
Rhino, and Cheetah, making your African safari adventure even more
memorable. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our bush
paradise.
The Mavela Family
- 2 adults | King or Twin
- From R6250 per person sharing a night
Luxury Tents
- 3 guests - Multiple configurations, please enquire
- Rates are age dependant, kids under 12 qualify for a 50% discount
Family Units
Accommodation
Inclusions
- Accommodation provided.
- All meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Safari Activities: Two daily game drives led by a professional guide.
- All beverages offered: soft drinks, South African wine, spirits, and beers.
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, breakfast juice, and filtered water available throughout the day.
- Snacks and refreshments served during both morning and afternoon safaris.
- Wi-Fi access in the main lodge area and within your luxury tent.
Excluded
Conservation levies per night of R190.00 per person & R95.00 per child under 12.
Night/Extra drives – R1000 per person (min 2 guests for a booking)
Walking Safaris – R600 per person (min 2 guests for a booking)
Private vehicle hire per day (afternoon & morning) – R4000 per day
Any conservation or spa activities, please enquire on availability and rates.
- South Africans can enjoy a 30% discount on stays of 2 nights or more. Valid for the month of May 2025.
- Take advantage of our Pay 3 Stay 4 offer – enjoy a 25% discount on stays of 4 nights or more. Note that valid dates apply, this offer excludes long weekends and public holidays.
- Enjoy a 30% discount on full camp
bookings of two or more nights. Please note
that valid dates apply, and this offer
excludes long weekends and public holidays.
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Direct Booking Specials
- Book three nights at full rate directly at Mavela and receive a complimentary spa treatment of your choice, along with a delightful bush breakfast. This offer is valid for stays in May and June 2025.
- Book a four-night stay at the standard rate with
Mavela and receive a complimentary conservation
activity, spa treatment, and bush breakfast. This offer
is valid for stays in May and June 2025.
May & June Packages
- Included in this package is
exclusive access to a private
game drive vehicle, along with a
skilled photographic guide who
will assist you with any
inquiries you might have.
- Photographic safari
- Birding Safari
- Mavela is famous for its
outstanding birdwatching
experiences, boasting over 430
recorded species within the
Manyoni Private Game Reserve.
The guides at Mavela are
experts in ornithology and can
often identify numerous birds
just by their calls.
Extra Activities
- Walking safaris typically occur after breakfast. For details on pricing, what to bring, and additional information, please check with our reservations department.
- Walking safari
- At Mavela, we offer our guests
the opportunity to rent a private
vehicle for game drives, as well
as the option to book additional
drives and night excursions.
- Private vehicle / extra drive / night drives
The Bush
Telegraph
Arrivals Lodge Telephone +27(0) 35 940 0996
Whatsapp Chat +27(0) 72 347 6438
To Make a Direct Booking
Connect with us online
Scan or click the QR Codes below
Policies
No cancellation penalty will be levied should the guest change their travel dates.
Changes must be made at least 7 days before the original travel dates.
Less than 7 days before arrival: 100% cancellation charge.
7 – 30 days before arrival: 50% cancellation charge.
More than 30 days: no cancellation charge.
Please note that there is always a slight possibility that any extra activities or conservation activities can be canceled for
any unforeseen event, such as bad weather.
Cancellations of extra activities that will be moving forward should be done 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.
Cancellations
Bookings
Please be aware that a booking can be reserved for 72 hours following the issuance of a proforma invoice, during which a 50%
deposit is necessary for confirmation. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to check-in.
Check-in time: 13:30 & Check-out time: 10:30
We regret to inform you that children under the age of 5 are not permitted unless the entire lodge is booked.
Reviews
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!
-
Haille
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!
-
Nicola
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!
-
Sherpa