Safari Plains

Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Waterberg Mountains, Safari Plains combines the elements of a great safari with excellent hospitality.

The varied habitats found in the Greater Mabula Game Reserve are host to an astounding selection of large mammals including the Big Five, other predators such as the brown hyena, jackal and cheetah, and a variety of antelope species from red hartebeest to eland, gemsbok and blesbok. That’s not even mentioning the fearless honey badger and the characterful warthogs that might come across your path during your safari.

Explore this 12,000 hectare private game reserve and all it has to offer, either on a morning or late afternoon game drive, a guided bush walk, hot air balloon safari, on horseback or even on a quad bike.

See impala, zebra, giraffe, and ostrich all graze together on the vast open grassland plains; or admire the resident lion pride lazing under an African thorn tree after a tiring hunt; watch a herd of elephant crashing through thick bush to get to the juiciest leaves; or maybe at a waterhole you will see a shy hippo hiding everything but their protruding nostrils under the water. Each excursion and activity will reveal something new, whether it’s an animal sighting or bit of bush knowledge, so who knows what you'll discover or learn. 

Each of the 14 standard tented suites have a romantic swing or authentic safari seating on their private wrap-around wooden decks - the perfect spot to sit outdoors and enjoy the views over the nearby waterhole.

There are also 6 luxury tented suites which are slightly larger and come with a private sala, and also have a second bedroom with 2 single beds, making these ideal for families.

Safari Plains main guest areas feature an elegant lounge, impressive bar, and a relaxing spa. After a day out in the reserve, dining and wining is a chic affair taking place either in the lodge’s magnificent high–ceiling dining room or a candle lit bush dinner accompanied by spectacular African entertainment. After a delicious meal, join your fellow guests in the bush for some star gazing and navigate the endless night sky.

Rates Include

Three meals; selected beverages; and 2 game drives per day are included. PLEASE NOTE: For self-drive visitors and visitors arriving by transfer vehicle, there is a Conservation fee of R327 per vehicle to enter the reserve (in cash and subject to change).

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 5 years of age are not permitted on game drives, horseback or quadbike safaris. A kiddies bumble is offered in the morning after breakfast.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Safari Plains offers a Kids Program your children will never forget. Imagine roasting marshmallows over a boma fire under the Milky Way, stargazing drives, bird calling, learning to track the Big Five, the Small Five and the Ugly Five, or simply spending the afternoon outdoors enjoying all that the lodge has to offer.

A host of child friendly are available, taking place either in the bush or at the lodge, such as I spy, yoga on the lawn, arts and crafts, nature walks, Bumble Safaris, and movies with popcorn all making sure that your children go to bed tired, happy and sun-kissed every evening!

Directions For Drivers

From OR Tambo International Airport: Follow signs for Kempton Park/R21/Pretoria and merge onto the R21. After 31.3 km, take exit 134 for the N1 and head towards Polokwane. Merge onto the N1 and travel 70.2 km. Take the exit 238 to Bela Bela and from there head northwest on R516 for 2.8km. At the T-junction, turn right onto the R101, before turning left onto Potgieter Road. This becomes Ritchie Road, and at the end of the road, turn left onto Voortrekker Road. Continue until you reach the roundabout and take the 1st exit onto the R516. Keep on the R516 for 33 km and then turn right onto the D2533, following the road for 3.5 km. Safari Plains will be on your left.

For self-drive visitors, there is a Conservation fee of R327 per vehicle to enter the reserve (in cash and subject to change).

General Information For Guests

All room have a fully stocked mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, a fan, a safe, electrical sockets, a hair dryer, mosquito nets, a verandah, and air conditioning. All rooms also have a sunken bath and separate shower in the bathroom.

The family rooms have a second bedroom with twin beds. A babysitting service is available on request at an additional charge.

The lodge has a main dining area, bar, lounge, swimming pool, spa and a curio shop. There is also complimentary W-Fi.

Activities that are available at Safari Plains include morning and afternoon game drives and guided safari walks. Your guides are specifically qualified to undertake walking safaris and are well equipped to ensure safety.

Quad bike and horseback safaris can be booked at the reception (additional cost). Children under 5 are not permitted on these activities. 

Hot air balloon safaris can be pre-booked with the lodge (additional cost).

A laundry service is also available (additional cost).

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted.

The lodge is approximately 185 km from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Popular Alternatives to Safari Plains

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Safari Plains, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Safari Plains was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.