Last month, we got to experience the luxurious haven in the bush that is Safari Plains. My favourite kind of tent is one that doesn’t feel much like a tent at all. 😉 This is what guests can expect from Safari Plains. It’s the perfect setting to lay back in the bush. Each tent is tranquil and private with the comforts you need to really relax – even the family tents are designed in such a way to make families feel completely in holiday mode. What more could you ask for from the bush?
The best part? It really is so close to Jozi – an easy, quick and pleasant road trip.
A major highlight of Safari Plains, was undoubtably the tents. Overlooking the bush, the outdoor sala/sun bed is where I could have spent the entire duration of our stay. All of the tents are nicely spaced out yet close enough to be within walking distance to the lodge.
In additon to its exceptional luxury tents, Safari Plains has all the facilities you need for the perfect laid-back bush holiday. There is a great pool to dip into, poolside area to lay in the shade or sunbathe, comfy lounge area and a well-stocked bar for your coffee fix or cocktail cravings. The lodge has a massive dining area which makes guests feel royal, a conference center for corporate team building and a Spa to get massage treatments that will eliminate any remaining tension. It can accommodate families, friends, corporate groups, but I'd say it is most ideal for couples because the vibe of the tents gives the place a romantic ambiance.
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Let’s not forget our favourite part of any game reserve – the bush, the wildlife, the safari.
Just Reserves together with Ricci Goldstein, the talented wildlife photographer, and his wife Sharna, got a taste of Safari Plains and all it has to offer. Soon after our arrival we all had cappuccinos and lunch, followed by an introduction to our respective tents. Ricci and Sharna loved their stay, and got to celebrate Sharna’s birthday at the lodge.
"We had simply a magical time at Safari Plains.
Thanks so much to Just Reserves for making this happen
and to the incredible staff, guides and Safari Plains family for making our stay extraordinary."
– Ricci G, Pro Wildlife Photographer
To go to an awesome place is one thing, but to go with awesome company is another. We had a great time with them, thank you to the Goldsteins for coming with us. Click here to check out Ricci G's Instagram.
The Bush, The Wildife, The Safari
The game drives at Safari Plains take place in the Mabula Private Game Reserve, and what a reserve it is. It’s strange that it was our first time there that trip, because it’s so close to Johannesburg. After sending a handful of guests to Safari Plains and Mabula Game Lodge, we were excited to see it for ourselves. And boy, were we impressed.
An awesome place like this would be nothing without its friendly and warm staff, and our game ranger/guide who made the game drives memorable and fun.
Ricci shared some photography tips about camera settings, angles, and lighting with Jesse to help him get better shots. But great shots are only obtainable by a great subject… and we were lucky to get some of the greatest in the animal kingdom, the Lions of Lake Kyle, with the backdrop of a breath-taking African sunset and the mountains of the Mabula bushveld.
During our Lion sighting, we got to see the lions mating, something I have never seen in real life before – unbelievable. Whats really interesting about it is the dynamic of these Lions, as explained to us by our guide. The female has been mating with all 3 males and not only the dominant one, to protect her cubs which were hidden from the males at the time.
Morning Game Drive & Coffee Stops
The sightings on the morning drive included general game, beautiful birds, a mommy and baby Hippo, and a herd of Elephant.
On our morning coffee stop, we enjoyed treats, biscuits and a cuppa (some of us had hot chocolate, some had coffee ☕️) with an extraordinary view of the reserve.
Unfortuntely we were unable to join the second afternoon drive. The plan was to have a look for the elusive Leopard or Wild Dog. And 'strue's bob, Ricci and Sharna spotted the Wild Dogs – which we were told made their way into the region, all the way from Botswana. Given the speed in which Wild Dogs move around, any sighting of them is truly amazing. But the fact that they'd come from so far made it even more epic. We were very jealous, although glad that hey got to see them.
We’d confidently send guests to Safari Plains, and that’s why we have an exclusive to Just Reserves, 2 Night Stay package running up until 31 January 2022, excluding the peak period.
Luxury Tent
R5262 per person sharing for 2 nights Midweek
R5975 per person sharing for 2 nights Weekend
Safari Tent
R4462 per person sharing for 2 nights Midweek
R4968 per person sharing for 2 nights Weekend
Includes Accommodation, all meals, game drives AND one complimentary Quad Bike Safari OR 35-minute massage per stay.
Contact us on WhatsApp +27 63 768 8504 to book this package or send an email to info@justreserves.com.
1. Location – It’s so close to Joburg. We had to be back for a friend’s engagement and the drive only took 2 hours.⌚️
2. The Bath – personally, when I go to any lodge, the bath is the one thing that I always take note of, the bath was one of the best I’ve ever bathed in. *truth* 🛁
3. Luxury Tents – as I mentioned previously, the best kind of tents are those that don’t even feel like tent. Yet the tents still maintain the authenticity of the bush feel. ⛺️
4. The sun bed – I could have fallen asleep to the sounds of the bush. 😴
5. The game drives / safaris – we had fantastic sightings and it was so fun to experience the Mabula reserve for the first time, especially with a wildlife photographer as brilliant as Ricci! 📷
6. The staff – everyone was helpful and friendly and made our stay that much better. ✨
7. Poolside Braai / BBQ – we absolutely loved the poolside Braai / BBQ dinner.
8. Mabula’s unique scenery.⛰
To book Safari Plains instantly and view their page on our website click here.
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