About Mavela Game Lodge
Mavela Game Lodge is an intimate tented bush camp in the heart of the 22,000 ha Manyoni Private Game Reserve, northern KwaZulu-Natal. With only five guest tents, the lodge offers a truly personal safari experience for birding enthusiasts, nature lovers, and wildlife photographers.
Set in the Mkuze Valley Lowveld, the reserve’s landscapes range from open savanna thornveld to riverine woodland, home to acacias, marula trees, the Big Five, and an exceptional variety of bird life. Morning and afternoon drives, led by experienced guides, are tailored to guests’ interests and provide intimate encounters with the wildlife, while also being carefully regulated to protect the animals and environment.
At the main lodge, the thatched roof, inspired by a diving raptor, shelters a spacious lounge, dining area, and upstairs bar, all with sweeping views across the reserve.
Guests can unwind at the swimming pool on warm Zululand days, or enjoy evenings around the open-air boma beneath a star-filled sky.
There are 7 new spacious and luxurious safari tents that lie nestled on a gently sloping hillside overlooking a waterhole below. Two of the tents take three guests
Each en-suite guest tent features a private deck overlooking the bushveld, tasteful decor, ceiling fans, and in-room tea and coffee facilities, creating a relaxed home-away-from-home atmosphere. Wooden walkways lead from the tents to the main lodge area. Choose between enjoying the views from the deck of your luxury tent or take a walk to the lodge and enjoy the views from the upstairs bar!
Mavela is easily accessible by normal vehicle: around 3.5 hours’ drive from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, or 6 hours from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
The lodge is accredited as Birder Friendly by Bird Life South Africa, and offers both specialist birding safaris and outstanding Big Five game viewing. Guests can also look forward to gourmet three-course dinners, complemented by an exceptional wine list curated by the lodge’s passionate chefs.
To Remember
At Mavela, every detail is designed to create an unforgettable safari experience — from exclusive Big Five encounters to evenings under the stars and the comfort of a private tented retreat.
- Exclusive Tented Bush Camp: Just 5 guest tents, each with private decks overlooking the bush, ensure an intimate and personal safari experience.
- Big Five & Birding Safaris: Guided drives offer incredible game viewing and specialist birding opportunities, accredited by Bird Life South Africa.
- Exceptional Dining: Enjoy gourmet three-course dinners and a carefully curated wine list, prepared with passion and flair.
- Relaxation & Comfort: Cool off in the swimming pool, unwind in spacious lounge areas, or stargaze by the open-air boma fire.
- Prime Location: Nestled within the 22,000 ha Manyoni Private Game Reserve, easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg.
Walking Safaris
The Walking Safaris are not included in the rate, they are a separate activity which takes place instead of morning game drive or after breakfast, depending on the guide availability and weather. Walking Safaris are not available in the summer months due to the heat and long grass.
Drinks available at Mavela
Beers and Ciders
- Windhoek Draught
- Hansa Pilsener
- Castle Lager
- Black Label
- Castle Light
- Hunters Dry
- Savanna Dry
Soft drinks
- Coca-Cola
- Coca-Cola Light/Zero
- Bitter Lemon
- Ginger Ale
- Soda Water
- Indian Tonic Sugar-Free
- Pink Tonic Sugar-Free
- Blue Tonic
- Grapefruit Tonic
Soft drinks
- Cheeky Cranberry
- Passion Power Liqui Fruit
- Orange Liqui Fruit
- Breakfast Punch Liqui Fruit
- Berry Blaze Liqui Fruit
- Lipton Lemon Ice Tea
- Lipton Peach Ice Tea
- Sprite
- Stoney Ginger Beer
- Fanta Orange
- Creme Soda
Red Wines
- Zandvliet Shiraz
- Klein Zalze Merlot
- Byerskloof Pinotage
- Hartenberg Shiraz
- Paul Cluver Pinot Noir
- Rustenburg Cabernet Sauvignon
Rose
- De Grendel Rose
- Boschendal Blanc de Noir
White Wines
- Alvi's Drift Chardonnay
- Diemersdal Unwooded Chardonnay
- Alvi's Drift Chenin Blanc
- Painted Wolf de Den Chenin Blanc
- Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc
- Alvi's Drift Sauvignon Blanc
Spirits
- Belgravia and other local brand gins
- Amarula
- Captain Morgan Dark rum
- Captain Morgan Spiced Gold
- Smirnoff Vodka
- Bacardi White Rum
- Bitters
- Aperol
- Martini
- Jagermeister
- Triple Sec Orange
Port and Sherry
- Allesverloren
- Bo Plaas Cape Ruby
- Monis Medium Cream Sherry
Whisky
- Famouse Grouse
- Three Ships
- Ballantines
