Day 1, , Welcome to the Heart of the Wild – Your Ultimate Safari Adventure Begins.

Your adventure begins as you meet your friendly transfer representative at Johannesburg Airport for a scenic journey to the stunning Mabula Game Lodge – your gateway to the African wilderness. Nestled in the heart of the bush, the lodge offers the perfect blend of comfort and safari charm. Upon arrival, take a moment to unwind, breathe in the fresh African air, and settle into your luxurious surroundings. For the ultimate relaxation, why not indulge in the lodge’s soothing wellness and spa facilities? As the sun dips below the horizon, your first evening in the wild welcomes you with a delicious dinner served at the lodge. Dine beneath a sky ablaze with stars, serenaded by the sounds of the bush a magical start to your unforgettable, all-inclusive safari escape.

Day 2, Safari Experience & Expert Wildlife Talk

Rise and shine early this morning, grab a tea or coffee and perhaps some rusks then head out into the Mabula Private Game Reserve on the first of many wonderful safaris. All safari drives are in open-air 4x4 vehicles for maximum visibility. Keep your eyes open for the fabled Big Five, hyena, jackal, antelope, the elusive cheetah and adorable honey badger. Upon your return to the lodge, enjoy a well-earned, leisurely breakfast. This afternoon, you’ll enjoy a fascinating wildlife talk. Delivered by the resident ecologist and reserve manager, the talk will introduce you to some of the 60 mammals and the 300-plus species of birds and reptiles that inhabit the reserve, arming you with some interesting knowledge for forthcoming week. This evening, after your first full day in your wonderful new surroundings, enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Day 3, Hornbill Project and Safari Experience.

This morning you’ll visit the Hornbill Project, located within the boundaries of the reserve. Founded in 1999, the award-winning Hornbill Project aims to change the fortunes of this iconic, endangered species through a number of different evidence-based conservation techniques. The southern hornbill is a focal point in South African culture, and you’ll learn all about them this morning. This afternoon, you’ll head out into the reserve on a safari, equipped with the knowledge from this morning’s visit and yesterday’s wildlife talk, before dinner is served under the stars at the lodge this evening.

Day 4, Morning safari experience.

Rise and shine early this morning for an included morning safari, giving you the chance to spot herds of antelopes and other pretty moving in the open as they tend to move around more early in the day, to find the best protection from predators. Return to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps making use of the wellness and spa facilities or the leisure area, including tennis and cricket, before dinner is served at the lodge this evening.

Day 5, Bush Walk, Game Drive & Sundowner Experience.

After breakfast, join your guide for a gentle guided bush walk into the reserve. Enjoying the fresh air as you stretch your legs, giving you a different more intimate perspective of the reserve. Being closer to the ground also allows you to track the paths of animals including kudu, zebra and maybe even lions that have followed the same path just a few hours before you. This afternoon, embark on another open-air safari into the reserve, keeping your eyes open for the Big Five. After the safari, you’ll stop at a picturesque spot to enjoy a refreshing sundowner and some snacks as the sun slips behind the horizon and the sky turns a vibrant patchwork of red, purple, orange and yellow a fitting end to a wonderful day. Please note: Children aged under 16 cannot participate in the bush walk for safety reasons.

Day 6, Safari by Day, Stars by Night.

Rise and shine early this morning as you head out into the reserve on your penultimate safari, hopefully spotting something new to tick off your list. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge upon your return. This evening, you’ll spend an unforgettable night stargazing. As the sun goes down, thousands of twinkling stars, including the Milky Way, reveal themselves to you, completely free of any light pollution. Your guide will point out the different constellations visible as you spend a wonderful evening beneath the starry South African night sky.

Day 7, Wildlife Safari & Traditional Bush Lunch.

Today, your last full day at the lodge, brings the chance to take one last safari out into the Mabula Private Game Reserve, giving you a final opportunity to tick animals off your list. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning before setting off into the reserve. After the safari you’ll stop at a scenic spot in the bush to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch a fitting finale to an exceptional week on safari.

Day 8, A Fond Farewell to the African Wilderness.

After breakfast, it's time to bid a heartfelt farewell to the wonderful staff and serene surroundings of Mabula Game Lodge. As you depart, take with you not just photos, but memories of golden sunsets, stirring wildlife encounters, and moments of peace under vast African skies. You’ll be transferred to Johannesburg Airport for your return flight, bringing this magical, all-inclusive journey to a close but the spirit of the bush will stay with you long after you've left - Please note: Your all-inclusive package ends after breakfast. Refreshments will still be available for purchase (on your account). Although check-out is at 10:00, you’re welcome to continue enjoying the lodge’s facilities until your departure for the airport.