Spectacular golden plains, breathtaking sunsets and wildlife, with the song of nature the only sound around - this is Kwafubesi, the 'Place of the Giant Eagle Owl'.
Here, in the scenic 12,000 hectare malaria-free Mabula Private Game Reserve, an unequalled variety of game viewing experiences include guided day and night open Land Rover safaris and walking safaris, after which the bush experience is perfectly rounded off by the warm and personalised Kwafubesi hospitality, in true Mabula tradition.
The reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife and birds, including the world famous Big 5.
All activities at Kwafubesi are expertly handled by highly qualified and experienced game rangers, and are sure to awaken the senses and quicken the pulse.
Nothing can compare with the excitement and thrill of big game viewing on horseback - a deliciously unique close encounter of the wildest kind.
Or, for a truly unique game viewing experience, then you will be sure not to pass up the opportunity of viewing the Big 5 from a hot air balloon (on request and subject to a minimum number of passengers per flight).
Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp pampers guests in 5 well appointed luxury canvas tents where romantic oil lamps add to the 'Out of Africa' ambience.
All tents are fully furnished with a private deck and en-suite bathrooms, however there is no electricity.
Surrounded by natural game paths that lead to the Mvubu dam, the camp has frequent visits by wildlife inhabitants on their way to and from the dam, ensuring memories that will last a life time.
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Rates Include
All meals and morning/afternoon game drives are included. PLEASE NOTE: For all visitors, there is a Conservation fee of R365 per vehicle to enter the reserve (in cash and subject to change).
Children Policy
Children aged 8 years and older are welcome. Adult rates apply and own room required.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided bush walks in the reserve. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and camp manager.
Directions For Drivers
From Johannesburg: Take the N1 northwards towards Pretoria/Polokwane. Continue past Pretoria, and take the Bela Bela/Settlers/ Codrington off ramp (Exit 224). Turn left at the top of the off ramp onto the R576 towards Codrington. After 2.5 km you will reach a T–Junction where you turn right onto the R101 towards Bela Bela.
Continue on the R101 for 17.9 km until you reach the junction with Potgier Road (Total and Engen garages are on the opposite side of the junction) - turn left here onto Potgier Road, and after 160m the road bends round to the right and becomes Ritchie Road. After another 220m you will reach a 4-way stop - turn left here onto Voortrekker Road and follow this for 800m until you reach a roundabout. Take the first exit from the roundabout onto the R516 towards Rustenburg.
Follow the R516 for 32.5 km and then turn right on the Rooiberg Road (tarred road - D2533). Follow the Mabula signs for 11 km to the Mabula Gate.
Self-drive guests are required to pay a Conservation fee of ZAR 327 per vehicle to enter the reserve (in cash and subject to change).
Follow the signs to the lodge. Whilst driving within the Mabula Game Reserve, please adhere to the legal speed limit of 30 km per hour.
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE WRITTEN DIRECTIONS AS THE GPS DIRECTIONS CAN BE MISLEADING.
General Information For Guests
All tents have a private deck, en-suite bathrooms with a large stone bath, and mosquito nets. The tents all have electricity.
Additional activities that are on offer at an additional fee include bush walks, horseback safaris and quad bike trail.
The bush walks depart from the main lodge, with the guides taking you around the 10,000 hectare reserve, focusing on the fauna and flora and some of the Big 5 animals (excluding lions). The walks last approximately 2.5 hours. Comfortable walking shoes and khaki coloured clothing are recommended so that you blend in with the natural environment - so no bright coloured clothing is allowed. The walks depart 05:30 (Summer) and 06:30 (Winter). The guides will be equipped with the necessary equipment (rifle, water, first aid kit).
The quad bike trail is a 1.5 hour trail where you spend a half hour on transfers and safety procedures and one hour in the bush. All safety gear (helmets) is supplied for your trail. The quad bikes are semi-automatic 250 cc Suzuki bikes, you can either drive manually or in automatic gear. Children below the age of 3 are not permitted on this activity.
The horseback safaris last around 2 hours. The guides will go through all the safety aspects of the trail and will show you all the tricks to be a good rider. It is requested for you to wear long trousers and closed shoes due to the terrain covered by the horse trail. Children below the age of 3 are not permitted on this activity.
Guided star gazing involves a 1.5 hour drive that gives you the chance to learn all about the common constellations in the night sky and the myths and legends surrounding them. Children below the age of 3 are not permitted on this activity. The activity departs at 20:00 (Summer) and 19:30 (Winter) on a Tuesday and a Thursday only.
Hot Air Balloon safaris can also be booked with Bill Harrops, who fly on the reserve. These need to be booked in advance and there is a minimum of 6 pax required. The Bill Harrops standard terms and conditions apply.
Additional facilities can be found at the neighbouring Mabula Game Lodge including a full spa, curio shop and tennis courts.
Credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) with a 5% handling fee.
There is no Wi-Fi available at the lodge.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided bush walks in the reserve. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and camp manager.
It was an amazing experience. Kwafubesi was perfect - the location, staff and food all brilliant.