Mmakuba Game Lodge – Magic Under the African Sun
Crisp air on morning game drives and picturesque mountain ranges are synonymous with bush breakaways. To experience a true African bush breakaway at the Limpopo-based Mmakuba Private Game Lodge was simply magical.
Feeling at Home at Mmakuba
We were welcomed by Mmakuba’s lovely host, Refiloe Mufamadi and her team – a friendly, helpful group of hospitality professionals who went the extra mile with everything. Our romantic sunset picnic next to the dam was testimony to that. While we leisurely soaked up the beautiful surroundings, they ensured that we not only had an enjoyable, picture-perfect picnic, but also games and extra blankets to elevate the experience even further.
The first night’s tantalising menu surprised with our choice of a perfectly prepared medium-rare steak, while the following morning lured us into the bush with a nature walk – one of the many highlights, for sure. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of insight into the fauna and flora of the Limpopo region. In addition, he was very patient with our slow pace (following the previous night’s indulgence at dinner) and our various questions.
After our walk, we all needed a spruce of caffeine and then, breakfast – certainly a pleasant experience for our tastebuds.
An Indigenous Cultural Experience
One of the biggest highlights of our visit to Mmakuba Private Game Lodge was learning more about how to make our own tea. Local ladies from the community developed the brand, Setsong and during an informative edutainment session, they told us more about the locally sourced tea ingredients and the benefits thereof. Of course – with it being winter – we just had to try making an immune-boosting tea. On top of that, the Setsong ladies also showed us how they grind the ingredients without a machine and well, all we can say is that we certainly have a new-found respect for tea!
Our tea-making experience then flowed into the opportunity to unwind even further, with rejuvenating massages – yet another reason why we would recommend Mmakuba. Here, one really feels disconnected from reality, while simultaneously feeling deeply connected to nature.
A Game Drive and a Last Supper
At Mmakuba, no itinerary is set in stone. While some people opted for the afternoon game drive, we stayed at the lodge to catch up on some reading. Lying on a comfy couch, reading a book with the Waterberg as a backdrop most definitely served as self-love moments well spent.
The grand finale was the last evening’s boma dinner, complete with a fire pit, good conversations and a lekker braai. And – once again – the chef did not disappoint.
We got to slip in a morning game drive the next morning, spotting giraffes, warthogs, kudu, wildebeest and so much more. We will always recommend morning game drives – summer or winter – with the crisp air and stunning sunrises offering an experience worth getting up for at the break of dawn.
But wait, there's more
In addition to delectable cuisine, nature walks and delightful game drives, Mmakuba Private Game Lodge has a range of other activities that entertain both young and old. The lodge boasts a lovely pool for summertime, as well as the opportunity to hone your fishing skills. Plus, you can host conferences at Mmakuba too, or even say ‘I do’ under a 600-year-old tree.
Mmakuba Private Game Lodge is a premier destination in the Waterberg region, offering a unique blend of luxury, adventure and natural beauty. It’s the place where you can experience true, African magic.
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