Overview, trip report, images, and reviews from our visit to Bushtime at Mabula.
Overview
Situated at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains in a private game reserve, is one of Africa’s hidden secrets. Whether taking a short break or a well-deserved holiday, BushTime at Mabula has it all. Situated at the foothills of the Waterberg mountains, within the 10 000 hectare Mabula Private Game Reserve, this bush resort offers prolific game which includes the “Big 5” and more than 300 recorded bird species.
The accommodation units are located in four separate camps each with its’ own unique setting. “Modjadji” has the bush and wide open plains, “Sunset Hill” has views forever and sunsets that only Africa can offer, while “Bush and Game Lodge” have magnificent views over the plains and distant hills. The chalets have been spaced to maximize privacy and enhance the feeling of being in the wild.
All the units are fully self-catering and range from one-bedroom chalets to six bedroom bush camps. A mere two hours drive from Johannesburg this malaria free Reserve will ensure that you leave feeling rejuvenated, with memories of quality time spent with family and friends, having experienced the wonders of the African bushveld.
Bushtime at Mabula Trip Report
10 Magical Mabula Years!
We purchased our timeshare week in 2012 and visited for the first time in Feb 2013. Through these years we were privileged to make precious memories during time spent with our family. Our annual family holidays started out as parents taking their kids on holiday but now progressed to adult children with their children joining their parents for a holiday. We are truly blessed to be able to share this experience with our kids and grandkids. We also had endless opportunities to take photographs of the magnificent wildlife of the Mabula Private Game Reserve. We plan to document this experience in the near future. Watch this space!
As before, our planning and preparation started in January to ensure this annual event progressed smoothly. Menus, sleeping arrangements, and hosting duties were laid out. A comprehensive shopping list was compiled as there are no shopping facilities in the near vicinity. Safari drives were planned to ensure all family members were afforded an opportunity to view the abundant game.
Soon enough the big day arrived and we departed for our magical destination. Good progress was made and we arrived at Mabula with enough time to check in and enjoy a complimentary Boerewors roll and a glass of fruit juice. With our complementary bag of firewood loaded, we set out for the Bush Lodge camp, where our unit was. Upon arrival and inspection, it was found that various upgrades were made to the unit. Thank you, Mabula! It really adds to the already high standard of accommodation. We quickly unloaded our vehicle during a break in the summer rain and eagerly awaited the arrival of the rest of our party.
Kids and grandkids arrived during the course of the afternoon and evening and all were accounted for and settled in. A light supper was prepared and our “home” was prepared for the week ahead.
The days that followed were spent on safari drives, with highly knowledgeable safari guides, educating us on wildlife and nature, as a whole. Delicious meals were prepared and shared with much laughter and discussion. Everyone contributed to the daily tasks and everything ran like clockwork. Time was set aside to catch up on family matters and to exchange ideas and future plans. Sharing the day-to-day happenings of our kids with their kids really made us proud as parents. Ample opportunities were provided to take photographs of family and wildlife and preserve these precious memories.
Due to work commitments, some had to depart earlier than others, but we were still afforded enough time to catch up. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and the last of us also had to pack, load our vehicles and return to the mundane. En route, we were met with heavy rain but made it home safely. The weekend was spent wrapping up our trip. This surely was a milestone and we are looking forward to the next 10 years!