Mabula Private Game Reserve, 0480 Mabula, South Africa
#6 of 66 hotels in Mabula
Guests' ChoiceBased on 113 hotel reviews
8.9Cleanliness
9.4
Comfort
9.4
Location
9.4
Facilities
9.2
Staff
9.3
Value for money
8.7
Free Wifi
8.1
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End of dialog contentReviewed: September 1, 2025
Ronelle
South AfricaThe plumbing needs serious attention in the tents. The bath literally trickles and took 30 minutes to run a small bath. Bathrooms pretty outdated and need renovation. Ranger was quite knowledgeable but enjoyed talking about himself a little bit too much. At the drinks stop he first used the bathroom (no problem), then spent 10 minutes at least setting up drinks table and decorating it with branches and flowers, then taking photos for another while, and only then did he go about getting his guests a drink.
The food at Kwafubesi was excellent. Of the best i've had at any lodge. Most of the staff were lovely. Ambience very nice. Beds big and comfortable with beautiful fresh linen.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: June 20, 2025
Neha
South AfricaFor the staff to be clearer on where we can find drinks etc given that it was unlimited
Loved the place. We felt special! It’s an absolute unique experience and we absolutely loved it! The food was also delicious!
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: June 6, 2025
Jacqueline
United KingdomThere was little time between the final morning game drive and the required check out time so we were unable to shower and change, as we had hoped to, before leaving for our 2+ hour drive to Johannesburg.
This was our second visit to Kwafubesi and it did not disappoint. The tent was comfortable, staff helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed all the game drives. Hope to make a return visit again one day.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: May 23, 2025
Charl
South AfricaTop class and into nature…absolutely amazing and just what we needed. An African Gem.
The exclusiveness and individual attention from the staff that went the extra mile to spoil us. A great shout out to Nikita, MJ, Tristan, Johannes, Maggie and Cathy.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: May 12, 2025
Craill
South AfricaWhat drinks are included. Maybe a drinks menu will help. Did not know what was available.
Staff are excellent and very accommodating. From Arrival to departure everything is exceptional. Highly recommended.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: April 29, 2025
Tarryn
South AfricaGreat service from all staff
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: April 29, 2025
Debbie
South AfricaIf for any reason you encounter an Abigail be insistent on taking all your luggage as I truly feel she could have been more accommodating - as our very first experience she created a very bitter taste of the establishment upon arrival - we learnt that she is still new and still has a lot to learn so we are forgiving but she was the reason that Nikita and MJ had to work twice as hard on our first night to rescue our review. The property can only accommodate a limited amount of people at any time which is wonderful if you want a romantic weekend away - the reception area where meals are served in my opinion remains too small regardless of the limited guests with everyone being to close to each other - Nikita however accommodated us by having a table taken to our tents porch and all our meals being served there. The bath is big enough for one if you are big or small but as a couple to bath together it would only work if you are small enough - the shower either way is exceptional and recommend it as a couples activity. The bed is comfortable if you are short enough - my husband is 1.83m and I am 1.72m and we had to sleep diagonally every night as we where restricted by the beds frame which was slightly uncomfortable. The toilet needed several flushes to work even for tp nevermind anything else, I do think plumbing maintenance is advised. The game drives are wonderful if you get Ethan, just bare in mind there's 2 drives per day and you are advised to rush to the Cruiser if you hope to sit next to your partner and not seperately due to limited seating which isn't ideal if you planned a romantic trip and use the bathroom before hand the drives are 2 and a half hours long. If you want to book horse riding make sure you are under 90kg as it is a limitation.
The best thing about Kwafubesi would be Nikita the Manager she goes above and beyond to ensure Customer Satisfaction, Ethan is exceptional and the most pleasant Game Ranger also constantly going above and beyond, and Anna the Chef - this woman performs miracles in the kitchen - they are all true assets of Kwafubesi and if they weren't a part of our experience I truly believe that it just would not have been what it was. The shower in the luxury tent is awesome! Word of advice - don't pack snacks they supply an excessive amount of food - you are never hungry, however if you like good coffee it might be worth packing your own preferred brand - they offer sugar and milk - your own coffee would just help to kick start your day the way you enjoy it yourself. If you drink something specific I would recommend contacting them before leaving and enquiring if they stock it before hand so you can get what you need before you get there as your vehicle won't be accompanying you to your accommodation so quickly running out to get what you need isn't an option. The stars are phenomenal to view on the property and you can see the milkyway clearly at night. And the game drives gives the opportunity to see South Africa's Big Five up close and personal.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: April 26, 2025
Trott
South AfricaNot applicable
Everything from the reception, attention to detail and the food
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: March 23, 2025
Nireshini
South AfricaCould have been clearer about the directions or location on the website. Guest should be told to drive to main lodge and then transport will be provided to camp.
Excellent staff. Great ambiance. Kudos to the chef.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: February 27, 2025
Simon
South AfricaRelaxing, staff extremely friendly and helpful
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: February 19, 2025
Werren
South AfricaI liked that everything was all inclusive and I do understand the timing surrounding the stay but the price (at least for a local) was just a bit too much.
Absolutely everything was amazing. The fact that they kept us busy, with food and safaris was great and the safari guide/driver (MJ) was thr best.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: February 16, 2025
Kabelo
South AfricaNothing
unforgettable experience with its delicious, expertly crafted meals by a talented chef Johannes and thrilling game drives led by a friendly and knowledgeable MJ Every dish is beautifully prepared
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: February 4, 2025
Michael
United KingdomThe moths
Everything. The staff were very accommodating. Ethan our guide was amazing.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: February 3, 2025
Kerrie
South AfricaThe communication from the Staff could be improved a little, as we were unaware of the guided safari walks, but we were informed of other activities 😊 other than that the staff were very polite and wonderful 😁 Maybe also spray the rooms when closing the curtains with a bit of room spray to keep some bugs out, but the ambiance was amazing 🤩
The Food was AMAZING Especially Johannes, he made the BEST food on Friday night!! 🤩🤩 it was so peaceful and seeing the whole pride of Lions was the Highlight of the Trip, thanks to Ethan for going above and beyond on our game drives!😁
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: January 20, 2025
Lalage
South AfricaThe baths and showers need some attention.
The team at Kwafubesi were absolutely amazing. MJ, Nakita, Johannes, Margret, Elliot and Anna made our stay unforgettable. MJ spent endless hours answering all sorts of questions about the animals, Forna and flora. Nakita made sure we had everything we needed and booked all experiences. Johannes and Anna made exceptional meals even with are long lists or allergies and intolerances we have. Margret and Elliot kept everything spotless which is super hard in the bush. Our tents were a pleasure to be in. Always clean and tidy. Overall one of our best family holidays. Thank you 🙏
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: January 19, 2025
Nancy
South AfricaNothing
Excellent staff, great food
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 10, 2025
Ketley
South AfricaThe toilet at the lapa could have been better monitored and restocked.
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 5, 2025
Letsatsi
South AfricaThere was slight challenge with our reservation and Lungile (reservations) resolved it without any problems. The staff was amazing. The food was great. The accommodation and other facilities were awesome.
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 3, 2025
Dr
South AfricaThe tents could do with a bit of maintenance, things like taps, zips, should be looked at.
The catering, staff and location were excellent. I would especially mention the chef and our guide Ethan, who went out of their way to ensure we had a great stay.
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: December 19, 2024
Peter
GreeceWe loved the friendly helpful staff who could not do enough to make our stay a wonderful experience, from the chef Anna to Catherine, Wesley, Margaret who waited on us and MJ and Vincent our game rangers. Thanks for making our stay incredible!
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: December 12, 2024
Camilla
South AfricaI would have appreciated staff asking me if I wanted the continental breakfast before it was served to me, especially since a hot breakfast is served after. A buffet for continental would be better. South Africans are known to enjoy a drink or two, and with it being all inclusive it would have been great to have access to a wider variety of drinks from the mini fridge. For the most part because staff were often not around to take orders. An ice machine wouldn’t go amiss either.
The rooms are simultaneously rustic and romantic. The food was divine, particularly the oxtail. The game rangers were knowledgeable & friendly.
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: November 23, 2024
Justin
SwitzerlandI honestly cannot think of anything that we didn’t like.
Everything!! Everything was to delivered to a high standard. Thoughtful touches throughout the day and discreetly executed to ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay. Staff were super attentive and friendly and the overall experience was executed with absolute professionalism.
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: November 20, 2024
Julia
United KingdomNothing
We had the best couple of days at Kwafubesi. The location and tents were very luxurious and comfortable- loved the outdoor shower. We enjoyed lounging by the pool inbetween game drives. The food was outstanding and every staff member we interacted with was very friendly and professional. We had Vincent as our guide who really made our trip- he was so knowledgeable about the game and reserve and brought a great energy and humor to our rides. Loved the drinks stops on our game drives. Would highly recommend this intimate experience.
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: October 21, 2024
Ingela
SwedenDon’t book transfer with them. It’s really expensive. We asked them to arrange with transfer to and from the airport and we got a fixed price and payed in advance. The taxi driver didn’t know the way so we went around for a while before he found the entrance, and he asked us to find the way :( In our confirmation it said that 4 bottle of water was included but it wasn’t. The day before we were going home the lodge told us we had to pay an extra 10% because we wanted to go earlier than they wanted but we hadn’t agreed on any times and we wanted to be at the airport on time, it’s not nice to be late because the driver don’t know the way. This was not a good end and not nice to treat guest like this. They said that they use an external company so they couldn’t do anything but it would have been easy if they wanted.
A small nice safari camp with beautiful tents. The staff and the food is very nice. The best was our safariguide Wincent, we give him 10/10.
Stayed in October 2024
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