Get back to nature at
Mabalingwe
Nature Reserve
WHERE THE WILD
Meets Wonder
Long before this breathtaking landscape became a retreat for nature lovers, the SeTswana words “mabala a nkwe”—meaning “spots of the leopard”—were woven together to form the name Mabalingwe.
A name as rich in history as the land itself. And just like the leopard’s distinctive spots, the reserve is dotted with unforgettable moments waiting to be discovered—untamed nature, unforgettable family adventures, and unfiltered fun.
Spanning 8,500 hectares of pure, untamed South African bushveld, Mabalingwe is more than just a getaway—it’s a return to the essence of nature. Wake up to the call of a fish eagle, traverse rugged landscapes teeming with wildlife, and soak in the beauty of indigenous trees and endless African skies. This is where adventure and relaxation intertwine, offering you a place to reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself.
STAY & UNWIND:
A place for every Explorer
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly retreat, a romantic escape, or the thrill of sleeping under the stars, Mabalingwe offers an accommodation experience tailored just for you.
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Ingwe, Kubu, Phiri & Kwalata Camps
Cosy, well-appointed units blending homely comfort with the untamed beauty of the wild.
However you choose to stay, every sunrise at Mabalingwe brings a new adventure, and every sunset invites you to unwind beneath a sky ablaze with stars.
NATURE & FUN
Adventure is Calling
At Mabalingwe, the spirit of adventure runs as freely as the wildlife. Whether you crave pulse-raising excursions or peaceful moments in nature, there’s something for every explorer.
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Game Drives & Guided Walkss
Track the Big Five and experience the magic of African wildlife up close. -
Bush Spa Retreats
Indulge in soothing treatments that blend luxury with nature. -
Family-Friendly Activities
From kids’ entertainment programmes to exciting bush excursions, there’s endless fun for all ages. -
Thrilling Outdoor Experiences
Whether it’s 4X4 trails, birdwatching, or a lazy afternoon by the pool, your perfect adventure awaits.
MABALINGWE
Where memories are made in the wild
Here, the rhythm of nature sets the pace, the wilderness welcomes you home, and every experience leaves an imprint on your soul. Whether you come to explore, unwind, or reconnect, Mabalingwe invites you to do it all.
Are you ready to embrace the wild, breathe in the beauty, and create moments that last a lifetime?
Awards
And Good Words
Our 6-night stay at Mabalingwe Game Resort was truly magical. The stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and luxurious accommodation made for an unforgettable experience. The service was exceptional, with friendly staff ensuring every detail was perfect. From breathtaking sunsets to exciting safaris, every moment was special. We can’t wait to return!
– Portia Mpho Poppy Ntjana
Stunning getaway Nature Reserve with peaceful and beautiful houses.
– Conrad Wentzel
Amazing breakaway in the Bush 👍👍 Stayed in 6 Sleeper chalet, modern, clean, and tranquil surroundings. Serviced daily and local warthog welcome party.
– Stephen Langley
What a weekend, great food, and excellent staff. All round super service
– Johann du toit
Beautiful place, with great people, and the best bars
– Kobus Van Den Berg
Such a great escape for a good holiday. Always plenty of animals to see and friendly staff. The restaurant is amazing and the views are breathtaking.
– Anthony
Always amazing to stay at Mabalingwe, the views are amazing, the accommodation is comfortable, and all our visits have left us relaxed and recharged
– Bryan Botha
Great facilities, nice accommodation, and a little getaway 2hrs from JHB. Very picturesque and lovely setting in the mountains.
– Riaz Moonda
Fantastic place. Well maintained, with friendly staff and lots of animals to see. Lots to do!
– Ina Swanepoel
Been coming for over 10 years and love it every time.
– Didier Miguel
Great viewing of wild animals, especially the predator park. Well-informed guides, great experience!
– LiandePaul Engelbrecht
What a weekend to remember! You can see all of the big 5 here, which is special. There is a conservation saving wild cats and other activities. I’d recommend this place for any family, couple, and business getaway
– Nicola McLeod
What an absolutely lovely place to visit. We enjoyed our stay so much we did not want to leave. A lot of animals to see. Nice restaurant and coffee shop. We loved the Kalahari Oasis and game drives. We had the best experience with Ettienne Cronje ( ranger and field guide) – what a lovely young man! He made every game drive so much fun as he is very informative about every animal and has a huge sense of humour. Our lodge was clean every time we came back from our drives or breakfast. The restaurant staff is very friendly and the girls at reception are very nice and helpful. We will visit again soon!
– Cherise Bornman
Amazing place for game-watching. Great location. Beautiful landscape
– Gonçalo Chen
Amazing resort and facilities with the friendliest staff. Well maintained and all animals are in excellent condition. A must-visit!
– Heila Louw
We would like to thank the staff and game drive guide for such a memorable weekend at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve. The lady that serviced unit 10 where we stayed, thank you for your kindness and big smile. We saw a lot of game and it was heartwarming to see that all the animals were in good condition despite the bushfires that they experienced the previous year. We can recommend tourists to come and experience the Bushveld and the beautiful African sun. Thank you again!
– Laurette Hanekom Vorster
The location is great and easy to find. Enough to do but also enough to just rest and recharge. Great food at the restaurant. Very friendly and helpful staff
– Elize B
Mabalingwe is an excellent resort close to Gauteng. We try and visit on a yearly basis. The resort is maintained well and offers a variety of activities to do. Also various accommodation options. The best is probably the easy access and view of wildlife. I will recommend this resort for couples and families – an excellent option for a holiday
– Nico Grobler
Wonderful family time. We were fortunate to see the elephants and the rhino on our game drive. Nicole the game driver was wonderful. We managed to see the elephants migrate on the side of the mountain which was quite a site to see. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, we enjoyed their hospitality.
– Anneline Smit