Located in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve in the north of KwaZulu-Natal, this intimate tented bush camp offers an open air boma, a bar and an outdoor pool with sun loungers. Featuring a patio with views over the reserve, each tent has an en-suite bathroom and is equipped with a ceiling fan and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The expansive dining room and lounge areas offer ample space to sit and relax while the upstairs bar enjoys stunning views over the reserve. Outside, the open air boma is the ideal place to enjoy a clear African night’s sky and the swimming pool offers much needed respite on a warm Zululand day. Activities at the camp include game drives with experienced guides and bird watching. Mavela Game Lodge is situated 15 km from Mkuze Town and King Shaka International Airport is 284 km away.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.7)

Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, Gluten-free, Kosher, Buffet, Breakfast to go

Free private parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 extra-large double bed
or
2 single beds
1 extra-large double bed
and
1 sofa bed
or
2 single beds
and
1 sofa bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
9.7
Cleanliness
9.8
Comfort
9.8
Value for money
9.5
Location
9.7
Free WiFi
9.4
High score for Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Bernie
    South Africa South Africa
    An amazing experience in the Zululand Rhino reserve. Mavela Lodge staff were very welcoming and the food was exceptional. Would recommend them as a quiet retreat with well appointed rooms and super friendly staff. The game viewing was fantastic.
  • Martin
    South Africa South Africa
    Our stay at Mavela was outstanding . The staff were super friendly and helpful and the service was amazing. The food was absolutely delicious and we enjoyed breakfast lunch and dinner. Jason our game ranger was such a nice person, he was...
  • Danielle
    Netherlands Netherlands
    Absolutely stunning! What a treat. Even more beautiful than the pictures. The location, the styling, the food. And the best of all: the people. We had the best ranger/guide with so much knowledge (Roland) and passion about the environment. Each...
  • Alexandra
    Switzerland Switzerland
    Exceptional welcome and stay, live the safaris, love the food, live the tents - everything was just wow - way better than expected ❤️ def recommend it!
  • Stephanie
    South Africa South Africa
    The staff were exceptional and went above and beyond for us! The lodge is stunning and the outdoor shower is a treat. The food was absoluely delicious!
  • Fred
    South Africa South Africa
    Just a surprising find. Food is worth a Michelin rating.
  • Jacques
    South Africa South Africa
    The variety, quality, and presentation of the food was Master Chef standard and beyond. The accommodation was excellent with fine attention to detail, comfort and aesthetic taste. The staff throughout were cheerful, attentive and caring. The...
  • Siphesihle
    South Africa South Africa
    The venue, facilities, game drive and the food was great
  • Giuseppe
    Italy Italy
    Paradise on earth. Position, luxury, meals, services, everything here is excellent. Our guide, Jason, is simply amazing and qualified. Game drives included in the price have been marvelous. Familiar atmosphere with all the guests, living the same...
  • Asanda
    South Africa South Africa
    Everything was amazing - I liked the food, the service, the peace and intimacy of the place, and activities

Host Information

9.9
9.9
Host review score
Host review score
Mavela Game Lodge is a exclusive lodge that only accommodates 10 people max with this there is a personal touch to the lodge and our guest always feel right at home away from home. Glamping in the bush - Camping in a glamorous luxury tent in a big five reserve. Gourmet meals and excellent game drives. We are situated in the heart of the Zululand Rhino reserve with wildlife surrounding the lodge. Mavela game lodge speaks for itself once you have been to the lodge you would just want to come back. Retreating has never been better than out in the bush, in a comfortable environment where you can relax and just let go where the sounds of nature all around you. Mavela game Lodge has been opened just over 3 years and our vision is to give our guest the best experience in the bush that they can have.
Language spoken: English

Property surroundings

Facilities of Mavela Game Lodge
Great facilities! Review score, 9.7

Most popular facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Bar
  • Breakfast
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Extra long beds (> 2 metres)
View
  • Mountain view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • BBQ facilities
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
Room Amenities
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Walking tours
  • Game drives
Living Area
  • Seating Area
  • Desk
Food & Drink
  • Fruits
  • Wine/champagne
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Kid meals
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Snack bar
  • Bar
  • Minibar
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Reception services
  • Invoice provided
  • Tour desk
Entertainment and family services
  • Board games/puzzles
Cleaning services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ironing service
  • Laundry
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
General
  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Wake-up service
  • Private entrance
  • Packed lunches
  • Heating
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
Accessibility
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Outdoor swimming pool
Free!
  • Open all year
  • All ages welcome
  • Pool with view
  • Pool/beach towels
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Sun umbrellas
Wellness
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
Languages spoken
  • English

House rules
Mavela Game Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in
From 13:30 to 14:00
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 10:00 to 10:30
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Curfew
Entry to the property will be closed between the hours of 19:00 and 06:00
Children and beds

Child policies

Children older than 5 years are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction
There is no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
VisaMastercard Cash is not accepted
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Quiet hours
Guests must be quiet between 22:00 and 08:00.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

A deposit via bank wire is required to secure your reservation. Mavela Game Lodge will contact you with instructions after booking.

Driving directions:

-At Mkuze town, turn west off N2 on Bangonomo road.

-After 1km turn left on D240.

-After 1km sign in at ZRR gate where the guard will call Mavela on radio.

-After 9km turn right at crossroads and follow signs to Mavela Game Lodge.

Please inform Mavela Game Lodge in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

Payment before arrival via bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

This property is accessible via an unpaved road, which may be unsuitable for some vehicles.

Quiet hours are between 22:00:00 and 08:00:00.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

FAQs about Mavela Game Lodge

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Mavela Game Lodge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Walking tours
    • Game drives
    • Swimming Pool

  • The prices at Mavela Game Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Check-in at Mavela Game Lodge is from 13:30, and check-out is until 10:30.

  • Mavela Game Lodge is 8.1 miles from the centre of Manyoni Private Game Reserve. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.