Note: We used a different image for this review. See the corrected version.
This exclusive hideaway invites travellers to explore the secrets of Safari Plains Lodge, one of the best kept secrets in mzansi.
Yours truly was invited along with his ‘crew’ to experience the ambience and stunning retreat for two-days in an effort to discover a unique sanctuary offering a big game and refined luxury experience.
Welcomed by the warmth of huge smiles from the gracious staff (yes we could spot that though everyone was in masks), the hustling and bustling of Jozi seemed like a distant memory as we quenched our thirst with cold welcome drinks at the main entrance.
A haven of tranquillity- why not- as the expansive and beautiful lounge, boasting soft leather sofas and inviting armchairs next to the gigantic swimming pool, this proved we were in for treat, and boy did we.
While sipping cocktails, our luggage was carried to our respective exclusive safari styled tents and whilst our lunch was being prepared, kaboom, a Giraffe appeared not far from the pool- to welcome us, and being typical a Jozi bunch we all hurried for our cameras, click, click it went…
Talk of tents- the six luxury tents offer a slightly larger main area and come complete with a private sala which is perfect for whiling away a lazy afternoon. All tented suites are perfectly appointed with sunken baths, separate showers and toilets.
The hospitality armoire offers a fully stocked mini bar fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
Air conditioning throughout ensure guests enjoy year round temperature controlled tented accommodation.
Proudly family friendly, the family-style luxury tents consist of a second bedroom with two twin beds.
These safari style tents offer great comfort and a luxurious ambience with private timber wrap around decks. A romantic swing or authentic safari seating offers a great space to sit outdoors and enjoy the views over the waterhole.
Having downed a few cold ones and lunch out of the way- we hesitantly rushed to our tents for refreshing and ‘puffing’ in time to the experience our first evening game drive, inside the one hundred and twenty square kilometres big five private game reserve.
“You’ll never know your luck- at times you might end up seeing a Lion kill or an Elephant brushing off against trees like last week when we took some guests for a drive,” he said unflinchingly.
Tucked against the Waterberg Mountains- Mabula Game Reserve where Safari Plains Lodge is located, is a beautiful South African bush-land, perfectly poised to provide travellers with a world-class game experience.
Having opted for evening excursions- only four of us -our outings yielded many incredible sights, though no big fives were on sight, but that was quickly put aside thanks to more drinks that were offered right in the middle of the bush.
As we made our way back to the lodge in anticipation for and an elusive Safari Plains dinner – a Jackal from nowhere- led our way for a mere 20m, much to the delight of guests KerryLee Brandt- Salamon and Lucia, that was followed by more click, clicks…
The big cats of the ‘Kingdom’ played hard to spot on our second evening drive but that did not despair us, as we relished on the tranquillity of the hills and mountains of Limpopo province.
Mabula Game Reserve is teeming with lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos. In fact, you can experience most of South African’s animal species here.
Some of the mammals that are not found here are blesbuck, spotted hyena and nyala.
It’s not just the Big Five that draw people here. The antelopes do as well. The reserve is home to the unusual tsessebe.
As we feasted on our last night of hideaway, the three-course meal signature topped our to do list as and when one returns to the lodge. Yes, it’s a must.
“For me this is not a job but a calling,” noted Philemon a sangoma, with a huge smile that broke a camel’s-back upon arrival at the lodge -as he laid out cutlery and neatly white tucked serviettes. And yes, he deserved our tip.
On the pandemic compliance, Beverley Kilian, Assistant Resident manager at the lodge says they’re adhering to strict Covid- 19 rules and regulations.
Immediately after breakfast, while we wished of staying forever, every good thing must eventually come to an end. And, as the heavy gates closed behind us, we looked forward to the next time we would return to Safari Plains.
From Joburg it’s only a 2 hrs drive, via Bela-Bela in Waterberg.
Rate Inclusions:
Accommodation, three meals, selected beverages, two safaris daily and VAT at 15%
Rate Exclusions:
Transfers, premium brand beverages and conservation fees, (currently R 270. per vehicle).
For bookings go to www. www.extraordinary.co.za
Extraodinary Lodges & Hotels is an international company that owns Safari Plain Lodge, Mabula Game Reserve amongst others.
Special Readers Offer: Get 25% off your booking by quoting : SPLAINS25
For bookings go to www. www.extraordinary.co.za
Extraodinary Lodges & Hotels is an international company that owns Safari Plain Lodge, Mabula Game Reserve amongst others.
Image (The exterior of one of exclusive tents at the majestic Safari Plain Lodge in Waterberg- Limpopo).
