April 19, 2019
Excitement on the 31 December 2018, when Brad Smith identified a very rare bird at the lodge, the Golden Pipit! This beautiful, gold and yellow bird with black breast band, enthralled many twitchers” who came from far and wide to see it. According to ornithological studies, the Golden Pipit is not usually vocal,but this one sang out loud and clear, and seemed to enjoy the Mavela environment. Brad cut back the grass in certain patches around the lodge , which our new feathered friend loved, and made it easier for birders to take photos and enjoy good sightings of him. He stayed at the lodge area for 44 days,just 5 days short of the longest it has stayed in South Africa, previously recorded in 1986. No other sightings of this beautiful rare bird have ever come close to that length of stay! The last sighting of him at Mavela was on the 12 February 2019 where he departed. Its was a pleasure having such a special bird at our lodge. R35 000 was collected in conservation levy by the reserve, from day visitors and lodge guests.
Travel with a purpose - Participate in conservation.
April 18, 2023
Sekane pride of Lions
July 31, 2022
The History of Rhino Conservation in South Africa
Feb 20, 2022
Photos of the Year - 2021
September 5, 2021
Nestled in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountain Range, covering an area of 23000ha the Manyoni Private Game Reserve forms one of the largest privately owned Big 5 areas in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
June 24, 2021
The best photos captured at Mavela during November
December 1, 2020
Some members of the Mavela team got together to participate in the annual birding big day. An event that sets out to identify the most amount of bird species within a 24 hour day. The guides at Mavela couldn't miss out on the fun.
December 1, 2020
The month of October brought with it much needed rainfall, the low hanging clouds signified the close of a long and dry winter period and the landscape has undergone a rapid change from arid savannah to a veritable garden of Eden.
November 30, 2020
On 24 June 2020 three critically White-backed Vultures were released back into the wild on Manyoni Private Game Reserve (MPGR) after being saved from mass poisonings last year.
July 27, 2020
As one of the most beautifully captivating animals to find on safari, the cheetah is a massive asset to any game reserve. Their sleek elegance and unique characteristics make it a truly remarkable animal to encounter.
July 27, 2020
Excitement on the 31 December 2018, when Brad Smith identified a very rare bird at the lodge, the Golden Pipit!
April 19, 2019