Raise a glass…or two! Mabula Game Lodge is ecstatic to be reopening their doors on Friday 28/08/2020. With the proper paperwork and permits in place, I visited during Level 3 for business purposes and this posting is a depiction of what I experienced in June. A lot of work has been done since then, especially involving maintaining social distancing and the safety precautions for both staff and guests.
After 5 months of enforced lockdown, the gates will be opened and guests will once more be welcomed by staff who have waited patiently for this moment. At the end of this posting, you will find a video, produced by the Lodge, explaining what is being done regarding the COVID-19 protocols that have been put in place in anticipation of returning visitors.
This is what a brochure image of the renovated accommodation looks like. The rooms are light and airy, with neutral colours for both the walls and the soft furnishings. The linen is superb and the beds extremely comfortable. However, the bathroom is where the WOW factor is…but no pictures as I want that to be a surprise for when YOU visit. Suffice to say that we enjoyed the shower unit so much that we went to the supplier to bought one for our home.
This is what our room ACTUALLY looked after a few days of a week-long stay. With respect to the staff who offered to tidy up, we were happy with the unorganised ‘look’. Actually there is not that much aside from bulky jackets and the extra pillows off the bed…and shoes and my laptop bag and binos and water bottles and clothing ready for the early morning drive!
A delicious burger on the deck outside the main dining room. Seated here, with the sound of rushing water, I was almost lulled to sleep…but NOT before I had devoured my lunch. In case you are wondering, I specifically turned the plate so that the chips were hidden behind the burger, but they were definitely there
While you are at the Lodge, try and pay a visit the Southern Ground Hornbill Project that can be found in the game reserve. Dr Lucy and her team are doing excellent research with this species.
And, if the hornbills are nowhere to be seen, then hopefully you will find some or all of the cheetah currently on the property. Like the Ground Hornbill Project, Mabula is also part of the EWT Cheetah Relocation Project. This litter of cubs is currently being taught how to become independent by their mother.
Returning visitors might even be lucky enough to get to see this elusive nocturnal Aardvark out in daylight hours as I did. Not once, but on two separate occasions.
And if you just feel like relaxing at the lodge instead of venturing out, then you will find that some of the bush inhabitants will stop by to visit you. Like this Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, known affectionately as Zazu from the Lion King.
The lodge is alive with these Rock Hyrax (aka Dassie). The young are the epitome of cuteness as they scamper between the rooms, stopping occasionally to have a look at the humans that have returned.
And who does not enjoy a slice of cake for dessert? The kitchen staff cannot wait to be cooking up a variety of delicious meals for returning guests.
The lodge takes on a different persona as the natural light fades and the hidden electric lighting subtly highlights various aspects of the pool that can be found outside the boma.
Even a harmless Brown House snake might pop out to see who has stopped by to visit.
While the African bush environment offers natural social distancing, the Mabula team has worked hard to ensure that guest safety is their priority. So, time to gather around the bush TV and share not only game drive experiences, but lockdown stories as well. A time to realize that we are not alone and although a visit to the bush might not be a cure for COVID-19, it certainly alleviates the stress that the pandemic and the isolation has caused.
Click on the image to watch the video that will explain the COVID-19 protocols that Mabula will follow, utilizing the guidelines of leading global health authorities and tourism organisations.
Visit their website:https://mabula.com/what-are-the-new-protocols/ for up to date information, specials and reservations. At Mabula, it is not always about the iconic Big 5 or for that matter the more popular animals like zebra and giraffe. Take a moment and revel in the totality of your Mabula Game Lodge wildlife experience.
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