Winter Weekend Getaways: An affordable luxury game experience for the family
South Africans are spoilt for choice when it comes to bush experiences, but sadly not all lodges guarantee a truly luxury experience that welcomes the entire family. That’s where Extraordinary have hit the mark when it comes to exceptional luxury for the entire family at very competitive prices. Extraordinary are a collection of luxury lodges and hotels in Southern Africa that include destinations such as Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo and Western Cape to name a few.
In February 2022 we decided to put two of their lodges in Waterberg, Limpopo to the test and let me tell you that we were ‘extraordinarily’ impressed with every aspect our our stay. The following is a brief look into our adventure to Mabula Game Lodge and Safari Plains:
Mabula Game Lodge
Best for family and groups
Mabula is a unique South African heritage destination as the lodge and reserve have been creating family memories for many generations. Built with ‘African Luxury’ in mind, the main lodge and rooms invoke the true spirit of African. Common areas and rooms have been designed with comfort and space being the main priority. Natural colours and contemporary furniture and fittings complete the environment and make guests feel comfortable and relaxed will enjoying a cocktail by the pool or viewing the Mabula Reserve from their private patios.
With multiple game vehicles, guests enjoy a personalised viewing experience and one-on-one interaction from very knowledgable rangers. Having two young toddlers, ages two and three, we weren’t confident that a game drive would be on the agenda during our trip. However the lodge arranged our very own vehicle and game ranger and this completed a memorable experience for the entire family. This can be arranged for any guest if requested in advance and subject to availability.
The lodge has a variety of games and activities for every age group. With a kiddies play area, volleyball courts and an onsite spa, you’ll never go board. Oh and let’s not forget the exceptional food on offer. Multiple courses, including a variety of salads, main dishes and desserts served three times per day.
Our trip to Mabula Game Lodge couldn’t have gone better and we will definitely return for another adventure very soon.
Safari Plains
Best 5* luxury experience
After enjoying the luxury and comfort at Mabula, we thought things couldn’t get better… We were wrong. Safari Plains is another one of Extraordinary properties but with a very different experience. The lodge is a five star tented camp, just eight kilometres from Mabula and share a part of the Mabula Reserve with an abundance of wildlife on their doorstep.
The fabric tents are exquisitely furnished with contemporary African decor and all the modern comforts like air-conditioning, heated blankets and a phone connection to the lodge reception just in case you need anything. The main lodge is designed with a uncomplicated, open-plan layout and they have an extra large swimming pool to cool down from the harsh African sun.
All meals are plated and served at your table and while the menu is limited, they have something for everyone and the food was very good. Sundowner cocktails by the fire pit, directly opposite your own private waterhole are a standard experience every night and set the scene for a relaxing and restful evening.
The lodge has a unique kiddies entertainment program that includes nature walks, arts and crafts sessions, movies and even a dedicated educational safari after breakfast. As all parents will know, this is a huge plus when traveling with kids and trying to find something for them to do at a remove lodge in the bush.
Rates for both these lodges are surprisingly affordable and include all game drives and meals. Checkout our Travel Deals portal for ongoing specials.
