“If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari once again. Karen Blixen (Danish Author of "Out of Africa")
Returning from an afternoon game drive, we stopped on a bridge over the river to admire the golden sunlight bathing the river below. A pod of hippos was submerged in the water, with just their heads visible, while a crocodile basked on the river banks. Suddenly, the hippos began grunting furiously and an alpha male began asserting his dominance by opening and shutting his jaws repeatedly to an almost 180-degree angle. We sat transfixed, enjoying the spectacular scene below us.
Game drive
It had been a long and trying five months of provincial lockdown and the excitement of being in the bush was what I had missed the most. So, as soon as inter-provincial travel opened up again, we headed off to Safari Plains near Bela-Bela in Limpopo.
Main Lounge
Just over two hours away from Johannesburg, Safari Plains is situated within the malaria-free Greater Mabula Private Game Reserve, one of the closest Big 5 game reserves near Johannesburg, against the backdrop of the majestic Waterberg Mountains. The lodge opened in December 2018, and is the luxury option to its sister property, the popular Mabula Game Lodge.
Tented Suites
Our temperatures were checked at the entrance of the reserve and we proceeded to the lodge where we received a warm welcome from Dries and his friendly staff. It was obvious that they had broad smiles even though they were wearing masks, and they told us how happy they were to be hosting guests again. Safari Plains was one of the first lodges to re-open once travel was permitted again.
Dining Room
Introductions completed, our luggage was sanitised and taken to our suite, while we were briefed on what to expect at the stylish main lodge. A number of safety protocols had been introduced on account of Covid-19, putting our minds and that of our fellow guests, at ease. We were among the first guests to be experiencing them. They included sanitizing stations in public places, daily temperature checking, wearing of masks indoors in public areas and the removal of non-essential items from the rooms.
Main bedroom
The twenty glamorous air-conditioned tented suites are reminiscent of a bygone era, but enhanced with modern luxuries. Dotted along winding sandy pathways, each one commands its own private space, inspiring a feeling of being at one with nature. Six of them are family tents.
Kids bedroom
Our deluxe family tent comprised a spacious main bedroom with an adjacent twin bedroom for the kids, and a huge bathroom with a sunken bathtub and a separate shower. It also featured a relaxation area, a writing desk, a beverage station and a mini-bar. Plush gowns and slippers were provided. The friendly housekeeper would leave beautifully folded towel animals on the beds for us after cleaning our rooms.
Sunken Bathtub
A wrap-around timber deck with our own private sala (day bed) and hanging chair provided panoramic views of the open plains, and we loved relaxing there during the day.
Private Sala
The indoor public areas consisted of an uber-stylish, high-ceilinged main lounge and dining room, the reception area which had a small curio shop, and a wellness spa offering a range of Africology treatments. The pool deck with its loungers overlooked the waterhole and the savannah where we could see the wildlife grazing, and this is where we chose to enjoy our breakfasts and lunches.
Lunch on the pool deck
We were served three hearty meals a day, afternoon tea - which we were usually too stuffed to partake in – and snacks and drinks on game drives. Buffets are currently paused and food was brought to our table wrapped in plastic. Dion, the genial chef, wowed us with his delicious cuisine. He took our dietary requirements seriously and constantly checked on us to see if we were happy.
Dinner Time
Game drives are conducted in the 12 000 hectare Greater Mabula Game Reserve, where the lions rule their own section. Russell was a great game ranger and he enthusiastically showed us some amazing wildlife scenes, especially when no one else was brave enough to get out of bed at dawn during the cold front.
Some of the wildlife we saw
During our game drives, we saw four of the Big Five and much more. Apart from the hippos, our sightings included a mama rhino with her baby, cheetahs devouring their kill, sleeping lions and a buffalo traffic jam. We saw a wide variety of plains game too, including some less common species like sables, elands, tsessebes and white blesboks. My bush cravings were certainly satisfied.
Guided bush walks, quad biking and horse-back safaris are conducted in the non-predator section. You can even do a hot air balloon safari! Avid and amateur stargazers can indulge in stargazing as the night skies are clearer and the stars brighter.
Hanging chair
Safari Plains welcomes children of all ages and those up to five years stay free. There are entertainment programs for the younger kids. My kids are teenagers but they loved their stay too. The highlights for them were the game drives, the food, the sala and the fast wi-fi, of course!
Towel crocodile
Prices have been slashed to attract more locals and you can see their current specials here. Rates cover accommodation, all meals, local beverages and two game drives daily.
Safari Plains’ proximity to Johannesburg is a huge plus, especially for weary Joburgers who need to nourish their souls. This makes it a great weekend getaway near Gauteng. The lodge is also perfect for corporate getaways and intimate weddings.
For more information, visit Safari Plains or book here.
See some highlights of our stay here:
Disclosure: 7
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
This places looks sooo gorgeous. An African Safari has been on my bucket list for a ling time and I will have to consider this specific one for my trip in the future. Thanks for the great source of information.
Thanks Ju. I think that an African safari should on everyone's bucket list. There's nothing quite like it!
Let me tell you, my experience with safaris was nothing like what you are showing. And even though it was different, not worse, I am just a little bit jealous. I am happy that now they are promoting local tourism so that these lodges can survive the crisis. On the animal side, I am shocked all the animals you managed to see. During my visit, I never included Mabula GR and now I am regretting it. Lovely post!
Thanks Jenn. We are lucky in that Mabula Game Reserve is only 2 hours away from Johannesburg where we live. I think the chances of seeing wildlife in a private game reserve are often higher than a national park because they are smaller with a higher concentration of animals.
Love the towel art crocodile! Must have been great to be able to go on a safari again.
I was dying to go on a safari for months now! It wasn't a moment too soon :-).
This was the first time I saw a towel crocodile. think of you every time I see towel animals now -since you did the post on it. 🙂
Wow, what an incredible trip! The accommodation looks really old school, I love it! And the wildlife looks stunning. This is defo somewhere if visit!