Heritage Day

Posted on September 3, 2020

What first comes to mind when you think about our unique attributes as a country? Our rich cultural heritage! The melting pot of cultures has birthed amazing food, art and music which we still enjoy today. We cannot deny that South Africa has a distinctive flavour that can only be found in this beautiful country.

Heritage
noun · singular
Those features belonging to the culture of a particular society such as traditions; languages or buildings that were created in the past and still have historical importance.

On 24 September, South Africans observe National Heritage Day. This is a momentous day meant for us to reflect, share and embrace the many cultures that make the very fabric of our colourful and diverse nation. In celebration of this important day, we would like to share with you the special things about our Mabalingwe heritage that make us #proudlySouthAfrican.

THE ORIGIN OF OUR NAME

Our country has a catalogue of eleven beautiful languages which served as a source of inspiration for the unique name for our Resort. ‘Mabalingwe’ was created by melding together the Setswana words “mabala a nkwe”; which translate to the “spots of the leopard.”

INDIGENOUS FLORA

Our Nature Reserve is home to a vast variety of indigenous flora; from the popular acacia tree; the ever-green succulent aloe vera plant and the tall amber-hued grass that stretches across the horizon. Each plant, unique in form and function, serve an important part of our eco-system. Even though most of these indigenous plants need very little care, we work to protect them to maintain a well-balanced eco-system which gives life to the abundant wildlife and birdlife on the Reserve. Our Ranger Team lead the Eco-Tainment programme that teaches guests about the great outdoors and how each element in the wilderness is vital in the cycle of life within this unique South African biome.

SPECTACULAR WILDLIFE AND ABUNDANT BIRDLIFE

We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be home to an array of indigenous animal and bird species. As a Nature Reserve, it is our responsibility to maintain a natural landscape that these species can live and thrive in. In doing so, we preserve a sacred part of our heritage that future generations will be able to enjoy. On a game viewing tour, you get to spot all sorts of beautiful wildlife species, dotted all along our Nature Reserve. Avid bird lovers have the opportunity to view over 250 bird species from Mabalingwe alone. Watching how they navigate in the natural surrounds is a fascinating experience that we cannot get enough of.

A #PROUDLYSOUTHAFRICAN TREAT

The Kalahari Oasis Pub is a guest favourite for that ‘local-is-lekker’ experience. Situated in the heart of the bushveld, this unique pub was once the set of a TV film and the iconic Castrol Oil Ads before it was converted into this distinctively South African venue. Evenings at the pub are filled with laughter; sizzling smells of flavour from braai’ing good food and families having an absolute ‘jol’ under the starry African sky.

On the topic of Heritage Day, our Team had to definitely oblige to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to take part in the phenomenon that has taken over the globe – the Jerusalema dance challenge. Check out our response to the challenge:

If you are looking for the quintessential bushveld experience, look no further than Mabalingwe. We bring you closer than ever to the essence of the exquisite South African wilderness for an amazing holiday experience. We love embracing our heritage and being able to share with this amazing slice of #proudlySouthAfrican pie with you. Share with us on our Facebook page how you will be celebrating your unique heritage this month!

To book an amazing getaway for you and your loved ones get in touch with us on contactus@mabalingwe.com or +27 (0) 14 001 7011.

What your Mabalingwe family has been up to this lockdown period

Posted on June 18, 2020

Can you believe it? What started as a 21-day national lockdown turned into more than 80 days, and we are still counting. This period has served us with many challenges, however, we have decided to look for the positive as we all work together for a safer and healthier world.

This period has allowed us to pause for a little while and appreciate our extraordinary Resort. We miss having families and their loved ones fill our space with lively laughter and joy. But that doesn’t mean we are waiting idle – our small onsite team has been hard at work with projects to spruce up the Resort with upgrades that will make for an even better return for our guests. The animals have also used this time to enjoy the natural surrounds to the fullest. All in all, we, your Mabalingwe family, the wildlife included, have taken this period in stride as we eagerly prepare for your return.

We would like to let you in and share with you how we have been holding up during the lockdown period.

The upgrades we have been busy with

We have repainted the bathrooms at the recreational area with vibrant patterns and colours. The Plaaswinkel has also been given a facelift. It has been fully repainted and re-decorated, giving it a whole new look.

We haven’t forgotten about the general maintenance

We have been busy with the maintenance of all 105 of our units all in preparation for your return! All of the laundry items have been washed and steamed to avoid them getting dusty and germ-ridden. The team has been busy clearing the bushes and maintaining the fields as well as the gardens in between the units. We are keeping the pools crystal clean and ensuring that they remain in tip-top shape, ready for the perfect splash!

The stillness has brought a deeper appreciation of nature and wildlife

We have missed having guests with us, the vivacious energy they bring to the Resort is infectious. However, this time has given us an amazing opportunity to spend more time appreciating our surrounds and the majestic animals that also call Mabalingwe Nature Reserve their home. We have had the privilege to see and appreciate the incredible views of nature and animal sightings which have been the highlight of our days in this time. Here are some amazing sightings that we have been able to capture:

The views of the sun rising are still priceless

SPOTTED! A tower of giraffe’s striking a pose

The majestic Nyala bull, with his ethereal features

A herd of Zebra’s – their striking stripes are a wonder to look at

Thank you for your continued support and patience during this time. We are preparing for the day we can welcome you and your loved ones back with open arms for a wonderful holiday in the Waterberg. Until then, stay safe and keep healthy.

For more information and the latest COVID-19 updates, please visit www.mabalingwe.co.za/index.php/covid/.

Turn your home into a lockdown haven

Posted on April 14, 2020

Our country, and the globe at large is dealing with a pandemic that has forced world leaders to implement unprecedented measures in the fight against the COVID-19 virus. On Monday, 23 March 2020, South Africans all tuned in as President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the country to announce a 21-day national lockdown, which has subsequently been extended for a further two weeks. Everyone, with the exception of essential service providers, has been ordered to stay indoors for their safety and the safety of others.

Unfortunately, the lockdown also means that any of our plans to travel, locally and internationally, have been brought to a screeching halt – well temporarily so, as we all wait in the hope that things will return to normal sooner rather than later. 35 days is a very long time to be cooped up indoors, and whether you will be spending this time alone or with family, the days can feel like an eternity as you yearn to be out and about doing your favourite things. Here are a few Mabalingwe-inspired tips to keep yourself busy with during the lockdown:

DIY sugar scrub treatment

Do not neglect your body’s largest organ during the lockdown. You may not be able to book a Mbali Day Spa treatment at the moment, but you can still treat your skin to some tender-loving-care with a refreshing home-made scrub. Gently exfoliate your face and body with an easy-to-make scrub you can make with ingredients you can find in your kitchen!

You will need:

½ cup brown sugar
½ cup oil of your choice (coconut, jojoba, olive or grapeseed)
essential oil (optional)
spoons for mixing
mixing bowl
measuring spoons or cups
sealable container to store excess scrub

Directions:
Pour all of the ingredients into the mixing bowl and mix to desired consistency. Apply the scrub to the desired skin area and gently massage into the skin. (Please note: it is advised that you only exfoliate once a week to avoid over-exfoliating and irritating your skin.)

Delicious home-made flapjacks

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – even if your mornings are starting a little later than usual. The Belgium waffles we serve at the Boeretroos coffee shop are a real treat, but for a home-made treat, try making some scrumptious and quick-to-make flapjacks to enjoy at home.

You will need:

1 cup of flour
1 tsp baking powder
30 mil oil
1 ¼ cup of milk
1 tsp of vanilla essence
1 egg
honey
yoghurt
fruit of your choice

Directions:
Mix together milk, egg and oil, then add that to the dry ingredients: flour, sugar and baking powder. Mix until batter is silky smooth. Prepare your non-stick pan over a medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil to coat the pan. Pour out a round spoonful of the batter onto the pan – once you see bubbles on the top of the round batter, flip it around. Remove from the pan once both sides are golden brown. Repeat this until your batter is finished. Serve with some honey, plain yoghurt and your choice of fruit.

Energising home exercise

Exercise has amazing benefits for your physical and mental well-being, such as:

Regular exercise is a mood booster and can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Exercise is crucial to supporting a fast metabolism and burning calories and also helps you maintain your muscle mass and weight loss.
Exercising regularly can increase your energy levels.
Exercise improves skin health by inducing skin cell adaptations and promoting blood flow, which can protect your skin and delay signs of ageing.
Physical activity helps you build muscles and develop strong bones

During the lockdown period, access to your regular gym facilities is prohibited, and sadly, so is your usual run around the block. You will probably also miss out on a guided walking trail where you could have taken in the tranquil surrounds and spotted a few fascinating animal and birdlife at our nature reserve. However, what you can look into in the meantime is exercising at home. Try taking your work-outs outside in your yard, or balcony for those who live in apartments, and appreciate some fresh air as you work up a sweat. Create your own personalised work-out programme to challenge yourself with during the lockdown.

Games night

For those of you who are with their loved ones during the lockdown, this is absolutely a great time to create awesome memories you can cherish for a lifetime! Unplug from technology and log out of the internet for a while to enjoy some “digital-free” entertainment. Turn the living room into your own games room for a change and bring out the board games, that 1000 piece puzzle that you haven’t been able to complete or the deck of cards you haven’t used in a while! You will be surprised at how much good ol’ fun you and your loved one’s can have with some retro and modern games.

“There’s only one thing more precious than our time and that’s who we spend it on.”

– Leo Christopher

We all need to do our part and abide by the rules set out by the government during this time – but there is no harm in making the time indoors enjoyable and meaningful. We hope these tips will bring you some much-needed light to your home in these trying times.

Your next amazing post-Covid vacation at Mabalingwe will be waiting for you. Explore our website on https://www.mabalingwe.co.za/ for more information.

Which Accommodation Best Suits You?

Posted on February 25, 2019

Mabalingwe Nature Reserve offers a wide variety of accommodation options, fit to cater for any person or group’s needs. Whether you prefer a more tranquil spot from which to listen to the soul-soothing sounds of the bush, or if your family wants to be in on the action and near the hive of activity at the Main Entertainment Centre; we have it all. So tell us, which accommodation best suits you?

Ingwe Camp

Ideal for families looking to breakaway and spend quality time together, Ingwe Camp includes all the necessities for a home-away-from-home. Each unit is perched comfortably on a rocky outcrop, providing visitors with beautiful views over the Waterberg Valley to enjoy over a tasty meal alongside a crackling fire; surrounded by loved ones.

Pax.: 4/6 No. of Units: 86

Kwalata Camp

Another well-situated camp for families, Kwalata Camp provides guests with stunning views of the dense Mabalingwe bush and is situated a short drive from the main pool area where families can frolic in the sunshine and splash about in the cool swimming pools.

Pax.: 4/6 No. of Units: 20

Phiri Camp

This smaller camp is a great place for couples or smaller clusters of friends to enjoy one another’s company under the African sun, while still having a private unit to retreat to. The camp has its own unheated pool, baby pool and lapa; perfect for cooling off during the day and spotting wildlife in the nearby shrubbery while immersed in laughter under a twinkling night sky.

Pax.: 4 No. of Units: 15

Kubu Camp

Kubu Camp is situated approximately 3km from Reception to provide guests with privacy and tranquillity in the heart of the bush. A wonderful spot for a reunion of friends; a spot from which to view passing game, relax poolside at Kubu’s unheated swimming pool, or to chat and share stories of the days adventures around a fire at Kubu’s lapa.

Pax.: 6 No. of Units: 12

Kalahari Bush Camp

This permanent-tented bush camp is a great family or large group escape. Surround yourself in the thicket and spend time listening to the stridulating of beetles or call of the jackal. Kalahari Bush Camp is so named for being situated closely to the local Bush Pub, and is a great base from which to explore all the Reserve has to offer. Each tent is well-appointed, and the group shares common areas, such as; a fully-equipped kitchen, lapa/braai area and ablution facilities.

Ablution: Yes Pax.: 2 No. of Units: 5

Pitsi Bush Camp

An idyllic location for some much needed rest and relaxation, Pitsi Bush Camp offers five units with a communal kitchen, outdoor toilet and shower, lapa, and small splash pool. This camp is situated further away from the main activities at Mabalingwe and is a great spot for guests wishing to kick back and enjoy the lovely warm weather.

Ablution: Yes Pax.: 2 No. of Units: 5

4X4 Camp

This camp is the most rustic of the accommodation available to guests and caters specifically for the adventurous few, who revel at the idea of “roughing-it” for a completely unique experience. Braai and ablution facilities are provided, but there is no electricity and the camp is only accessible by 4X4 vehicles. The camp is in an isolated section of the Nature Reserve, which is any camping lover or gadget guru’s paradise.

Ablution: Yes Pax.: 4 No. of Units: 7

Posted on August 1, 2017

Mabalingwe has had the absolute pleasure of establishing its own Guide Department in 2017 and wow, what a great bunch of passionate, energetic and knowledgeable fellows make up this team. Allow us to introduce you to the awesome “super guides” also known as #PowerRangers – Anthony, Hein and Frans.

MEET OUR AWESOME POwer RANGERS

Frans Mahlanya – “The Pro-Tracker” Ranger

Frans “The Pro-Tracker” Mahlanya is Mabalingwe’s most experienced guide – having lived and worked in the Waterberg region since the age of 15! He started at the Resort as a general worker, but soon discovered his love and passion for nature and the rest is history. Currently, Frans has 12 years of experience as a Ranger at Mabalingwe and the surrounding farms.

Speciality: track and sign; he has an enormous amount of knowledge on tracking elephants and rhinos. He is also an avid bird enthusiast.
Something Interesting: Frans is a real people’s person and speaks five languages – Afrikaans,
English, Tswana, Zulu and Sotho.

Hein Strydom – “The Tree-Hugging Ecotainer”

Hein “The Tree-Hugging Ecotainer” Strydom is widely known as Mabalingwe’s Ecotainer. When Hein isn’t entertaining and educating the Eco Cubs and Teens on how to survive in the bushveld, siphoning water from the right trees and how to build a fire, he has a great passion for trees, especially those found in the Waterberg Region. Currently, Hein has over four years of experience and happily dedicates his life to conservation and preservation of what naturally occurs in the Waterberg biome and habitat.

Speciality: Hein specialises in the medicinal and cultural uses of trees in the Waterberg region; and
in mammals.
Something Interesting: Hein is passionate about educating people and enriching their lives by informing them about the natural environment.

Anthony Roberts – “The Bird-Guru”

Anthony “The Bird-Guru” Roberts – born and raised in Jozi – has a serious passion for the Waterberg biosphere and magnificent sourveld region that he now calls home. Anthony has a broad knowledge of all things “bushveld” and we know he has a very bright future with his talent and enthusiasm.
Speciality: Birds and bird call identification; he also possesses a Level 1 in Track and Sign and
can identify animals by just looking at their dung or tracks.
Something Interesting: Anthony loves to read and spend time with his family when he is not guiding.

Tell us all about your Mabalingwe experiences!

Have you ever gone on a Game Drive? Tell us your incredible Mabalingwe story and you could feature in one of our blogs.

Send your stories and/or pictures to yourresortstory@oaks.co.za today!