About Mavela Game Lodge
INCLUDES DRINKS! The 7 gorgeously stylish and luxurious new tents, boasting light oak wooden floors and feature walls, are the star of the show at Mavela, an owner-managed lodge in the Manyoni reserve that now rates in the top ranks of game lodges in KZN!
Mavela Game Lodge has been around for a long time, but it’s the magnificent mid-2021 upgrade to its tented accommodation that has successfully elevated it to the ranks of THE most desirable game lodges in KZN! In fact “upgrade” really doesn’t do full justice to describing the transformation here, as these are effectively completely brand-new and significantly more luxurious, spacious and stylish tents then was previously the case!
But let’s not jump the gun too much, but rather go back and re-trace the basics. Mavela is located in the heart of Zululand, specifically the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, a 23 000-hectare conservation area that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five plus cheetah, wild dog, not to mention a multitude of other game as well as prolific bird life. Mavela is owned and run by the Stevens family (always a huge plus in our books as we inevitably find that owner-managed properties benefit from the innate passion and hands-on commitment that translates into a more personal and satisfying guest experience)
You’ll stay in one of the 7 new and spacious and luxurious safari tents that lie nestled on a gently sloping hillside studded with acacia trees overlooking a waterhole below. With their light oak wooden floors and wood-panelled feature wall at the head of the bed, the tents are attractively light, airy and contemporary in looks. A new and welcome introduction is an air-conditioning unit which takes the edge off the heat of the fierce KZN summers. We especially love the bathrooms with their open walk-in shower and double vanities – but it’s perhaps the twin outdoor showers that are the highlight. After all there's nothing quite like showering under the sun or stars with your partner! And it’s not just the guests that benefit from outdoor bathing facilities - each tent has a birdbath positioned in front of its own private deck so you can relax whilst watching the birds attracted by the prospect of enjoying a refreshing splash or drink!
Wooden walkways lead from the tents to the main lodge area, where you can relax in the lounge, dining room or upstairs bar with its gorgeous views out over the rolling landscapes of the Manyoni reserve. And in line with the family-run “home from home” feel of Mavela, you’re welcome to just help yourself to a drink “self-service” whenever you fancy, as the lodge is all-inclusive. Alongside the main lounge and bar area you can also enjoy the swimming pool, boma and fire pit, where you can socialize with other guests and watch the stars. And as you can imagine, the lodge prides itself on its warm hospitality and delicious cuisine which attracts consistent rave reviews from guests!
Manyoni has gained a decent reputation over the years as a safari destination that offers you the opportunity to see the Big Five as well as other endangered species such as cheetah, wild dog, pangolin, and black rhino. At Mavela you will be guided by experienced and knowledgeable rangers who will take you on game drives in open safari vehicles or on bush walks where you can get closer to nature. The reserve is also home to over 420 bird species, making it a bird watcher's paradise. But it is perhaps some of the more unusual activities that are occasionally on offer that are a potential highlight here: for example the Pangolin Experience where you can observe and follow rehabilitating pangolins, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, on foot through the bush; or perhaps you could join the reserve’s wildlife management team to assist in a rhino de-horning experience!
