Itaga View offers the ultimate in self catering luxury, located in the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve near Bela-Bela in the Limpopo province. Itaga View is able to accommodate 14 guests in 4 bedrooms and an open loft all fitted with double and single beds... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hornbill Private Lodge offers a self catering bushveld experience in the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve near Bela-Bela in Limpopo. Hornbill Private Lodge (sleeps 8) is a discreet private lodge situated within the 12,500 hectare big 5 game Mabalingwe Nature... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kanaan Lodge is located in Cyferfontein Mabalingwe near Bela-Bela in Limpopo and offers the epitome of luxury in the form of a self catering lodge. 4 bedrooms - sleeps 8 people. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Shasha Lodge lies within the Cyferfontein camp of Mabalingwe Nature Reserve approximately 40kms from Bela-Bela in Limpopo. The lodge sleeps up to 20 guests (8 adults and up to 12 children). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Milkwood Safari Lodge offers an authentic self catering bush lodge experience in the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve near Bela-Bela in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo province. (Sleeps 8 adults and 4 children). Ever dreamed of an 'Out of Africa' experience …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bush Dream Mabalingwe is located in Mabula, 29 km from Feracare Wildlife Centre. Featuring free private parking, the chalet is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as hiking, cycling and ping pong. Mabalingwe Nature Reserve features... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Tholo Lodge provides an authentic self catering bush lodge experience in the acclaimed Mabalingwe Nature Reserve near Bela-Bela in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo province. (Sleeps 8 adults + 4 children). This is an "Out of Africa" experience... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Gecko Lodge and Cottage (sleeps 14) is a very spacious, well equipped self catering holiday house ideally located in the Mabalingwe Game Reserve. The reserves offer private and guided game drives, spa facilities, restaurants 12500 hectares of African... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
25 Cyferfontein Mabalingwe provides self catering accommodation in the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve near Bela-Bela in the Limpopo province. Get really close to nature in this fully equipped luxury home (Sleeps 6 + 4 children), ideally situated... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Siyanda Lodge is situated in the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve and offers accommodation for up to 10 guests in a beautiful lodge with a lovely forest feel and modern finishes. The lodge comprises two en-suite bedrooms plus two lofts - one being open-plan... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mingwe Private Game Lodge offers a self catering bush lodge experience in the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve near Bela-Bela in the Waterberg region of Limpopo. This self catering lodge has 4 en-suite luxury bedrooms (Suitable for 4 couples or 8 guests). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Feeskraal Private Safari Lodge (sleeps 8) is a luscious Waterberg Getaway, situated on the Elandsfontein Private game reserve. The Farm Elandsfontein is a private game reserve adjacent to the majestic Mabalingwe big five nature reserve. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Phumelelo Lodge offers game reserve and bush lodge accommodation in the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve near Bela-Bela in the Waterberg region of Limpopo. Phumelelo Lodge is an authentic African experience and exclusive but affordable luxury accommodation... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Experience a true African sunset in the bush at Tebuah Private Game Lodge nestled in the heart of Mabalingwe Nature Reserve. The house sleeps 16 people on a self catering basis and is fully equipped. Enjoy breathtaking views from the deck. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Elements Private Golf Reserve Lodge 278 offers self catering accommodation in a golf estate near Bela-Bela in the Limpopo province. (Sleeps 4 adults). Set in the heart of the Bushveld, Elements Lodge No 278 is a privately owned Golf lodge... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Golfers Lodge 167 is a Family lodge of 13 bedrooms located at the Zebula Wildlife and golf resort just 40km from the town Bela Bela. Escape the madness and enjoy some bushveld environment where free roaming animals add to the scenery and help... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Rooibos Lodge is located in Kromdraai about 55km outside Bela Bela towards Thabazimbi. Rooibos is a 35 ha farm with good security fencing around the whole farm. Rooibos have two cottages, each cottage with two en-suite double rooms and a loft room. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
BomaVista is a private self catering bushveld retreat nestled in the heart of the Limpopo Waterberg, offering a peaceful escape where modern comfort meets authentic African living. BomaVista is a private sanctuary designed for rest, reconnection... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hoogland Spa Resort provides self catering accommodation in the heart of Bela-Bela in the Limpopo province. This holiday resort offers 11 stunning self catering chalets for the best nights sleep. We have 4-sleepers, 6-sleepers and 8-sleepers... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mabalingwe Nature Reserve is a sprawling bushveld sanctuary west of Bela-Bela, where rolling hills, indigenous woodland and open grassland provide a striking setting for a wildlife escape. It is a place where the rhythms of the bushveld take precedence, with game drives, walking trails and outdoor adventures offering visitors an opportunity to experience Limpopo at close quarters.
The name Mabalingwe was created by combining the Setswana words “mabala a nkwe”, meaning “spots of the leopard” – an evocative name for a reserve where wildlife encounters are central to the experience. The reserve began life quite differently. In 1972, the Wessels family acquired the Boschpoort farm, a 2,141-hectare property used mainly for maize and cattle farming. Basie Wessels later envisaged turning the farm into a wildlife and holiday destination, and the first chalets were completed in 1988.
Today, the reserve is renowned for its abundant wildlife and offers opportunities to see a variety of species, including elephant, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope. Guided game drives are a popular way to explore, while birdwatching, nature walks and horse-riding provide slower-paced alternatives. The reserve’s varied terrain also makes for rewarding landscape photography, particularly around dawn and dusk.
One of the more intriguing chapters in Mabalingwe’s history came in 1996, when elephants facing culling in Kruger National Park were relocated to the reserve. Their arrival added another significant species to an increasingly diverse conservation area and helped establish Mabalingwe as a destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Set within the Waterberg Region, the reserve also benefits from a landscape recognised for its rugged hills, rich biodiversity and ancient cultural heritage. The surrounding area offers opportunities to explore archaeological sites and rock art, as well as enjoy the region’s many other game reserves and outdoor attractions.
For travellers seeking a bushveld break within easy reach of Bela-Bela, Mabalingwe combines wildlife, scenery and a fascinating conservation history in one memorable destination.
Here are five things to see and do in and around Mabalingwe Nature Reserve:
Wildlife Safaris:
Big Five Game Viewing: Embark on thrilling guided game drives to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) as well as other iconic African wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more.
Sunset Safaris: Experience the magic of the African bush during sunset game drives, offering the opportunity to witness predators becoming active and stunning sunset views over the landscape.
Reptile Centre:
Educational Experience: Visit the Reptile Centre within the reserve to learn about various reptile species, including snakes, lizards, and tortoises. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the importance of reptiles in the ecosystem.
Snake Shows: Enjoy thrilling snake shows where experienced handlers showcase the behavior and characteristics of different snake species, dispelling myths and misconceptions.
Birdwatching:
Birding Hotspot: Mabalingwe Nature Reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 250 bird species, including raptors, waterbirds, and endemic species.
Bird Hides: Explore the reserve's bird hides strategically positioned near waterholes and dams, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Hiking Trails:
Scenic Trails: Discover the natural beauty of Mabalingwe on foot by exploring the reserve's network of hiking trails. Choose from short walks to longer hikes, each offering stunning vistas, diverse vegetation, and wildlife sightings.
Guided Walks: Join knowledgeable guides on guided walking safaris to learn about the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage of the area while enjoying the tranquility of the bushveld.
African Bushveld Experience:
Boma Dinners: Immerse yourself in the African bushveld experience with traditional boma dinners under the starlit sky. Enjoy delicious South African cuisine cooked over an open fire while listening to the sounds of the wilderness.
Stargazing: Experience the magic of the African night sky with guided stargazing sessions. Learn about the constellations, planets, and celestial phenomena while marveling at the millions of stars above.
These activities offer a glimpse into the diverse wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural experiences that Mabalingwe Nature Reserve has to offer, making it a memorable destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.