Safari Experience
KWAFUBESI TENTED SAFARI CAMP – IN THE HEART OF MABULA GAME RESERVE – IS HOME TO 60 MAMMAL SPECIES AND MORE THAN 300 BIRD SPECIES, MAKING IT ONE OF BEST GAME RESERVES NEAR JOHANNESBURG TO SPOT BIG GAME, EITHER FROM THE CAMP OR ON TWO DAILY SAFARIS.
Dicks Hill lookout point showcases panoramic views across Mabula Private Game Reserve where animals big and small, from antelope to elephants, graze on the grasslands. It gives guests on a safari break near Gauteng a taste of what they might expect during their encounters with the wilderness.
The private game reserve and its game lodges are renowned for various conservation projects, including the introduction of a breeding pack of wild dogs in the Waterberg. This makes Mabula the closest big game reserve near Gauteng where visitors can experience these captivating carnivores in the wild while staying at one of the reserves safari lodges.
Early morning safaris in an open 4×4 game viewing vehicle from Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp, offers guests the chance to see nature awakening to the glow of the morning sun as it paints the savannah plains golden. Warm blankets and a tea and coffee break dissipate the morning – or winter – chill. Afternoon sundowner safaris allow for a few hours of safari before dusk descends over the majestic Waterberg.
It need not be mentioned that no two safari experiences are alike. We encourage guests to delight in morning and afternoon safaris, and the chance to watch as nature unfolds her secrets. Seasons change the malachite green thicket to the yellows of winter before the savannah is rebirthed following the first summer rains that coincide with impala birthing their lambs.
Activities
FROM HORSEBACK SAFARIS AND GUIDED WALKS TO QUAD ECO-ADVENTURES AND GUIDED STARGAZING, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF EXCITING WAYS TO EXPLORE MABULA MAKING IT ONE OF THE BEST GAME RESERVES NEAR JOHANNESBURG. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW.
All the activities are accessible at an additional cost to Kwabubesi Tented Safari Camp guests from Mabula Game Lodge, our sister safari lodge, a 20-minute drive away; this includes the game lodge’s private airstrip for helicopter transfers or private airplane charters.
Download the Mabula Activity Rates Sheet here
Horseback Safaris
Feel one with nature when exploring the African savannah on horseback with our qualified horse trail guides, who will take you on an adventure to experience the thrill of getting closer to wildlife than on a safari. The 10,000-hectare reserve makes for one of the best safari breaks near Gauteng.
Before the horseback safari, trail guides take guest through all the safety aspects of riding in the game reserve. Guests are required to wear long trousers and closed shoes.
Departure times:
Summer: 06h00 – 09h00 – 16h00
Winter: 07h00 – 10h00 – 15h00
Frequency: Tuesday and Thursday
Age restrictions: Older than 3 years
Length of the trail: : 2 hours (1.5 hours on the trail and 30 minutes for transfers to the stables and safety checks).
Eco Adventure Trails (Quad Bike Safaris)
Experience the African savannah on the back of a quad bike. This hour-long adventurous safari is conducted by a qualified guide across the 10,000-hectare reserve to observe the smaller nuances of the wild environment.
The quad bikes are semi-automatic 250 cc Suzuki bikes, which can be operated manually or in automatic gear. Please allow for 30 minutes for transfers and safety briefing, safety gear (helmets) is provided.
Times:
Summer: 07h00 – 10h00 – 15h00 – 17h00
Winter: 08h00 – 11h00 – 14h00 – 16h00
Frequency: Daily
Age restrictions: Older than 12 years
Guided Bush Walks
This 2.5-hour guided walk focuses on the biodiversity of the reserve’s fauna and flora. It begins from Mabula’s main lodge and is accompanied by our qualified safari guides who are equipped with a rifle, water and first aid kit.
Please wear comfortable hiking shoes and khaki or neutral-coloured clothing to blend in with the natural environment, as bright colours are not allowed.
Departure time: 05h30 (Summer) – 06h30 (Winter)
Minimum Guests: 02 (without backup)
Age restrictions: Older than 12 years.
Guided Star Gazing
Our 90-minute stargazing experience includes a night safari during which guests learn facts about the Milky Way’s constellations and the myths and legends that are associated with them.
Departure time: 20h00 (Summer) – 19h30 (Winter)
Frequency: Tuesday and Thursday
Age restrictions: Older than 3 years
