Mabula Game Lodge

We have just returned from a week at Mabula (booked through Newmarket Holidays) i am a firm believer in giving an honest unbiased review so here we are. Mabula is about 2.5 hours transfer by bus, the driver stopped for 20 minutes at a service station which was welcome for a loo break, sandwich or icecream. On arrival at Mabula we were welcomed by a team who ushered us to get checked in with a lovely aromatic hand wash and towel and cold drink. Our bags were taken to our room for us. The rooms are spacious and traditional in design. We had room 17 which was behind some rocks which was home to some fluffy Hyrax and lizards. We didn’t have any unwelcome visitors in our room (spiders) but it is Africa so it is possible as some of our group witnessed. There is a fridge and aircon in the rooms, and daily room servicing with a turn down service at night with a little surprise left on the bed. The rooms are spread out around the grounds, at night the paths are lit by low lighting but we were ok with this. If you are worried take a torch. There are some improvements being made to the lodge at present but the work did not affect our stay in any way. We were on an ‘all-inclusive’ package, we were given a list of what was included to avoid any confusion. Included drinks started at 12noon, i think this is fine for alcohol, but soft drinks could have been served earlier or water even. This isn’t a party place and people were not drinking to excess. The included drinks end at 10pm, and that is late enough as the game drives start early. Sadly the bar staff at both the pool bar and terrace bar are not the fastest or most friendly (Moses and James) and even refused to serve us at 21.55 one evening. We aren’t big drinkers but were celebrating a friend’s birthday. The restaurant is a lovely space serving fabulous meals, the meals are all buffet style with such a great choice, from cereal and fruit to cooked items at breakfast, Theo on the egg station is so friendly and hard working but possibly this should be the start of the cooked items as by the time you have your eggs the other items on your plate are not as hot as when you got in line. Before the morning and afternoon game drives you are served tea/coffee and biscuits or cake. Our drives lasted 2.5 hours. We had Frans as our driver who was always well presented and super knowledgeable, he went out of his way to make the experience fun and we saw so many animals. We were the ‘naughty’ van but appreciated everything he taught us and can now differentiate elephant and rhino poo although that skill won’t be able to be put to use on the streets of the UK. One improvement that needs looking at are the sun loungers, there are a lot of damaged ones and they are quite uncomfortable. There is a new curio shop being built but there was a lack of quality items to buy. You have a captive audience so why not have us spend our money with you instead of at the airport. Although there was no rain umbrellas to buy along

What an absolute fabulous place! The staff are amazing , so friendly and nothing seems too much to ask. A shout out to chef Warren and the kitchen staff - the food was lovely and tasted amazing everyday! The safaris were just incredible , we were so lucky to see everything we did. Our guide was so knowledgeable and knew the spots we needed to be, to either catch a look at some wildlife or take in the breathtaking sunsets.

Absolutely amazing experience. Staff are super friendly and helpful. Food really good, something for everyone. Our guide was Nicki and I cried when I had to say goodbye, she is awesome, very knowledgeable and professional. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff. Pool was too cold to swim in, I think they should look at heating it in the winter months as they are open all year round and there is plenty of down time to relax. The only downside side to the holiday was a group of guests acting very entitled and rude, the children were allowed to climb on furniture, spit around the pool area, throw litter all around the entrance to lodge, and parents did nothing. Parents and children climbing through the windows instead of using the doors in the restaurant and pushing in front of others instead of queuing like everybody else. Very disrespectful to staff and other guests, and then had the nerve to lease a 1 star review. Please ignore, this place is amazing.