Luxury Big 5 Reserve Safari

Welcome to Mavela Game Lodge — a family-owned and operated safari retreat set within the 23,500-hectare Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Here, heartfelt hospitality meets exceptional Big 5 wildlife viewing in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s largest privately protected reserves. With just seven luxury tented suites, Mavela offers an intimate and authentic safari experience where conservation, comfort, and connection to the wild come together.

Our Safari Experience

Stay in Comfort

Luxury Safari Tented Accommodation

Relax in our seven luxury safari-style tents, where modern comfort meets the natural beauty of the African bush. Enjoy en-suite facilities, premium amenities, and private decks designed for an intimate and immersive safari stay.

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Activities in the Wild

From thrilling game drives to immersive bush experiences, each activity at Mavela is designed to connect you with the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes of Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Discover moments of adventure, serenity, and discovery in the heart of the African bush.

manyoni

Private Game Reserve

The Manyoni Private Game Reserve has a large traversing area with varied habitats, and healthy wildlife populations and is the ideal destination for a memorable African safari. Manyoni Private Game Reserve is one of the largest privately-owned reserves in Kwazulu-Natal, in the east of South Africa. This 23,500-hectare reserve is the product of 17 dedicated landowners who dropped their fences in 2004 to create one contiguous protected area for our wildlife. The selection of the area as a potential release site for the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project was a major driving factor in the establishment of Manyoni. When you’re on our game drives, our specialised guides will be able to show you the very best of the reserve. For more information about where we are located have a look at the Manyoni Reserve site.

Discover Exclusive Safari Specials at Mavela Game Lodge

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Cancellation policy

Cancellations and Changes: We understand that travel plans can change. To support our guests, we offer flexible date changes and a clear refund structure. Please note that this policy applies consistently in all circumstances, including force majeure events beyond our control.

New dates are subject to availability and the rates applicable to the new travel period. We will honour the original quoted rate for any postponement rebooked within 6 months, subject to availability and excluding peak periods. Only one date change is permitted.

Refunds are issued less any credit card processing fees, and the final refund amount may vary slightly due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Return Guests

Return Guest: This exclusive special is only available through Mavela directly. Tap "Get the Special" and we'll sort everything out. As a special thank you to our returning guests, we will offer a 20% discount for your next booking. Inclusions:

Exclusive Use Rate

Bring your friends and family to Mavela and book out the entire camp to enjoy exclusive use of all our facilities. The lodge can hold a maximum of 14 people, which is great for a family celebration or a friends getaway. We can offer a minimum of 20% discount when booking out the entire lodge, but please get in contact to see if we can arrange an even better deal. Inclusions:

Family Getaway

Family getaway special: Bring the kids on a family safari! Children between 5 and 12 years old receive a 50% discount.

Pay for 3 stay for 4

This offer is ideal for the serious wildlife enthusiast who is looking for a 4-night stay with enough time to experience everything Mavela has to offer, at 25% less than the standard rate. We look forward to welcoming you in style to our beautiful neck of the woods, and its unique opportunities to experience rare and endangered wildlife species. This all-inclusive rate includes: