WHEN AN invite pops up in your email asking for your presence at one of the country’s hidden gems- how does one react?
Considering we were leaving the country for the annual MTN Bushfire in eSwatini, the following day, the excitement was palpable in that one shall spend an evening at one of exclusive Villas in mzansi Kingfisher, and secondly, since the advent of the pandemic one has been denied traveling internationally, and this opportunity could not just pass-by.
Perched in the sprawlingGreater Mabula Private Game Reserve in Limpopo, one has to either drive two-hours on the road (no potholes thanks to levy we pay at toll plaza) right up to Bela Bela or use a private light-airline since an airstrip has been designed for those preferring to fly in.
Having opened to the public in January 2023, theexclusive-use luxury Kingfisher Villa boast an exclusive and elegant bush getaway for family and friends to enjoy a private safari experience.
It allowsguests the freedom and flexibility to design their own day, from breakfast through to safari activities and dinner from private butler, private Chef to concierge-style service at every point.
Meals can be served whenever guests wish, day or night- like we did but unfortunately we missed being pampered with full body massage due to late arrival. But that was accounted for as we set for a late game drive- a pleasure to be in the company of well-informed Isaiah Banda, safari manager, who took us for a Zebra kill, courtesy of a male Lion.
With scarfs, beanies and thick lumber jackets on tow, and minor coughs from some of my colleagues, off we set for sundowners, and Banda told us the lodge comprises of 120 square kilometres of African bush, a home to BIG FIVES- rhino, lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo, as well as cheetah and wild dog, in addition to more than 300 bird species.
Featuring ONLY five luxury suites, sophisticated décor and fine furnishings, it was designed by award-winning interior designer Esley Georgiou, who has created comfortable spaces that are distinctly African, taking inspiration from the beautiful natural surroundings and harnessing the expansive views with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Overlooking the Mvubu Dam, the Villa also boast a rim flow pool, a boma, a state-of-the-art entertainment centre and Wi-Fi throughout. The most unique touch is undoubtedly the swings made for two on the wooden deck, suspended from the high thatched ceiling.
With only a handful of travel reporters exclusively invited to immerse in this luxury par excellence- we feasted on specifically designed dinner for our pallets and whet our deep throats with top of the range beverages- thanks to our host for the evening Tebogo, and staff who made sure our glasses never ran dry since our arrival at Kingfisher Villas, as birds whistled joyfully and usual suspects Springboks welcomed us gleefully.
Extraordinary General Manager for Operations Wouter Pienaar says: “Guests can custom design their entire stay, choosing to do as little or as much as they wish, at their own pace, while reconnecting with one another in a magnificent setting.
This addition to our portfolio offers our discerning guests a home-away-from-home, but one where their every need is still met.”
Established in 2009, Extraordinary owns, manages and represents a portfolio of lodges, hotels and resorts in southern Africa.
Guests staying at Kingfisher Villa have the flexibility of a private safari vehicle and personal guide, allowing them to explore on their own schedule.
The Greater Mabula Private Game Reserve has been involved in numerous conservation projects, including the introduction of a pack of breeding wild dogs in the Waterberg. With this species being among the most endangered mammals in the world, the reserve allows guests the unique privilege of encountering them in their natural habitat.
A variety of other activities are also available on-site from hot-air ballooning to horse riding, quad biking or taking part in some of the conservation activities on the reserve.
As we bid-farewell to this astounding place in wee hours of Saturday morning (missing out on another drive) heading up to a border-gate, one does not regret ever, missing out on an invitation specially designed for YOU.
So, why not pay Kingfisher Villa a visit and custom design your own stay?
Rates for Kingfisher Villa are from R 50,000.00 per night.
For bookings send email to info@kingfishervilla.co.za or visit www.extraordinary.co.za or call 014 734- 7000.
Top image supplied (Overlooking the Mvubu Dam, the splendour Kingfisher Villa, perched inside the Greater Mabula Private Game Reserve in Limpopo. Guests are likely to see the peeping Hippos).
