Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge

Situated in the vast Balule Nature Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, this is Africa at its very best! Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge is a timeless place in the heart of wild Africa where nature rules and we are fascinated observers. A Safari is an ancient African word meaning a journey and this is the perfect venue for your travels into Big Game Country!

At this small, intimate lodge, with only 20 beds, guests are assured of serenity and unobtrusive attentiveness, yet combined with nature. Come and be especially close to the African Spirit here. The Lodge is easily accessible, yet one enters an entirely different world once within the camp. Life slows down to the rhythms of nature and the rising and setting of the sun dictates our movements. The emphasis here is upon close-up encounters with Africa’s spectacular wildlife, from the mighty elephant, the impressive lion or the minuscule termite. But, paired with this, is the assurance of your comfort in this 4-star establishment, decorated in true South African style.

Accommodation at Mohlabetsi consists of 8 Rondawels (African round huts with characterful thatch roofs), 2 of which are family suites, and 1 Impala Lily Suite.

The Rondawels are fully insect proofed, they have been appointed with your comfort and pleasure in mind. International multi-plugs, personal safes, overhead fans and air conditioning are at your disposal, as well as free, unlimited Wi-Fi access. The alfresco showers bring you closer to nature and there’s no finer sensation than taking a steamy shower with the twinkling stars or a breath-taking Bushveld sunrise. The family Rondawels, which can accommodate a family of 6, feature two rooms, separated by an interleading door, each room with its own facilities.

Take your safari experience to the next level in our Impala Lily Suite. Superior & extremely private lodgings, with your own private swimming pool, indoor and outdoor showers, romantic free-standing bath and nothing but unspoilt nature as a view. Enjoy exceptional privacy & selected romantic dining experiences all on your own, a couple’s massage and preferential game viewing seats with a front-row view of the action. In-room amenities include insect-proofing, air conditioning & an overhead fan, mini bar, tea & espresso-making facilities and a mini-safe. The package includes a private dinner, a private breakfast & private lunches.

Get the most out of your African Safari at our Lodge. Enjoy amazing close-up encounters with Big Game, without forgetting the birds and the rest of our unspoiled natural environment. Your Ranger and Tracker are a close-knit team, who will track down everything of interest, astounding you with their bushcraft and skills. The photographic opportunities are exceptional as animals allow the vehicles to come in close range.

Take part in a game walk to discover more about our intricate ecosystems. Your Guide is an expert on the medicinal uses of plants, or the local fables surrounding the smallest of beasts.

Your day at the lodge may be spent soaking up the sun around the pool or catching up on a few chapters of your book from the comfort of a hammock. Or take our advice and enjoy a chilled cocktail in the shade of a leafy tree while keeping an eye on the waterhole and the bush inhabitants stopping by to slake their own thirst. You might even decide to do a little bit of shopping at our curio shop for mementoes of your African safari.

Evenings are convivial, warmed by the glow of an African campfire. The Boma is the ideal venue to reminisce over the day’s adventures and enjoy fine meals and wine in the company of your hosts and fellow guests.

You may even wish to explore further afield – a Panorama Tour to view the Drakensberg Mountains and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. A sunrise Balloon Safari requires an early start – but is well worth it, and the local Shangaan Cultural Village welcomes visitors with open arms. There is so much to discover in our wonderful country!

This lodge guarantees a memorable stay.

About Balule Nature Reserve

Balule Nature Reserve was established by a group of like-minded, private landowners in the early 1990s. From the start, their objective was to create a larger, open system with no fences to hinder animal movement thus creating a much healthier habitat for fauna and flora.

The Reserve has since grown from the initial 11, 000 hectares to 55, 000 hectares, approximately 150 km of fences have been removed and it consists of both private and commercial properties. In 2004, the Eastern boundary fence was removed and Balule was officially incorporated into the Kruger National Park.

Thus, Balule is now part of an open system that covers over 2 million hectares in South Africa and is widely regarded as one of the most successful conservation areas in the world. Balule is mostly made up of mixed Acacia and Combretum woodlands, which sustain 94 mammals, 280 bird, 72 reptile and 128 tree species, not to mention the insect, fish, amphibian and other plant species.