Explore the wild beauty of Mabalingwe with our exciting wildlife activities. Whether it's a relaxing game drive, a unique horseback safari, or an informative tour of our predator sanctuary, there's something for every nature enthusiast. Book your adventure online today and experience the wonders of the wild up close.
DISCLAIMER:
Please read each activity carefully before booking to avoid disappointment.
This includes fitness level, age restrictions, and any specific requirements or limitations for each activity.
GAME DRIVES
A game drive is a perfect way to experience the unfiltered beauty of the bushveld and to see the wildlife in its natural habitat.
Our game drives are two hours long and guided by our trained rangers who are familiar with the area and the animals’ whereabouts.
Game drives take place in open-sided game-drive vehicles with space for up to 10 or 20 people.
Different species are active during different times of the day, no matter if you are a night owl or early bird, there will always be wildlife waiting for you on your next adventure.
What to expect?
Our rangers will make each activity their own and they encourage conversation and any questions you may have. You can expect to learn anything from how to track animals, interesting and unusual facts about our wildlife, information about habitats and ecosystems, and the occasional inspirational story. Rangers are always in contact with one another to share sightings on our most popular game to ensure guests have the best possible chance of spotting one of the big five, and sharing in an unique and unforgettable experience.
What to bring along?
- Book drinks and snacks from our shop, or feel free to bring your own.
- Binoculars for viewing smaller or more distant wildlife.
- A camera for capturing picture-perfect memories of your activity.
- It is advisable to wear sunblock or a hat during daytime activities.
- We do provide blankets during winter months, but don’t forget your jacket.
- Our vehicles are stocked with a first aid kit, but we do advise guests to bring
any important medication such as antihistamine or asthma inhaler.
A few things to remember
It is important to have realistic expectations before going on any activity. Our game reserve is 8800 hectares and wildlife is spread over vast areas within the reserve. Patience is key and the ranger will try their best to create an amazing experience by spotting as many game as possible. If you are a keen photographer or planning on asking the big question, we suggest booking a private drive and our guides will do their best to cater for the occasion. Our most important goal is to conserve our wildlife and natural habitats. Our activities play an important role in educating people and encouraging them to protect, conserve and share in our passion. We do have one rule for all activities and that is to listen to the ranger and follow his/her advice at all times. Wildlife should always be treated with respect and although most animals are used to seeing vehicles, horses, and people, they remain wild and unpredictable.
MORNING DRIVE
MID-MORNING DRIVE
SUNSET DRIVE
MO - TUE - THU - FRI - SAT
MO - SUN
MO - SUN
Summer: 06:00 - 08:30
Winter: 07:00 - 09:30
Summer: 10:00 - 12:00
Winter: 10:30 - 12:30
Summer: 16:30 - 19:00
Winter: 15:30 - 18:00
NIGHT DRIVE
BIRD DRIVE
WALK AND DRIVE
MO - SUN
MO - TUE - THU - FRI - SAT
MO - TUE - THU - FRI - SAT
Summer: 20:00 - 22:00
Winter: 19:00 - 21:00
Summer: 06:00 - 08:30
Winter: 07:00 - 09:30
Summer: 06:00 - 08:00
Winter: 07:00 - 09:00
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to booked activity.
All game drives are a shared activity.
Private drives can be booked upon request.
HORSE RIDING
Do you want to experience wildlife in a more personal and uninterrupted way? Horse riding might be the perfect activity for you.
You have the advantage of exploring sightings that game-drive vehicles can not reach. Some wildlife will allow you to ride close by such as herds of zebra, giraffe, and antelope. You are welcome to bring a healthy snack for your horse as a thank you.
Who can go on a horse ride?
We welcome beginners to advanced riders, who will be accompanied by a ranger who knows the area. You can book as a family, group or individual.
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15 Minute ride: Ages 12 and under
30 Minute ride: Ages 6+
60 Minute ride: Ages 12+
To prevent injury to our horses or guests, we have a weight limit of 90 kg
and only allow 1 person per horse.
What to wear?
- We provide a mandatory riding helmet upon your arrival and your horse will be saddled up to go.
- It is recommended to wear long pants and closed shoes.
- Sunblock is optional but recommended.
- Our rangers will try their best to match the perfect horse to your riding style and capabilities.
A few things to remember
Although our safaris offers a tranquil way to explore the bushveld, horse riding is still a dangerous sport.
Horses, much like humans, have unique personalities and moods, sometimes behaving unpredictably.
For your safety and the safety of others, please refrain from sudden movements or loud noises that might startle the horses.
We do have one rule for all activities and that is to listen to the ranger and follow his/her advice at all times.
Guides have the right to stop the activity at any time if horses feel uncomfortable or guests do not respect the horses or adhere to the instructions of the guide.
15 MIN - KIDS ONLY
30 MIN
60 MIN
MO - TUE - THU - FRI - SAT
Summer: 06:00 - 08:00
Winter: 07:00 - 09:00
MO - SUN
Summer: 10:00 - 12:00
Winter: 10:00 - 12:00
MO - SUN
Summer: 17:00 - 19:00
Winter: 16:00 - 18:00
KIDDIES HORSE CAMP
Join in the fun by spending time with our horses and graduate from Horse Camp. Learn how to take care of them, groom them, saddle them up and take them out for a short ride with one of our guides. There will be interesting facts, fun games and snack breaks involved.
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This activity is tailored for children under 12.
A toasted cheese sandwich and fruit juice are included with every booking.
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to booked activity.
All horse rides are a shared activity.
PREDATOR SANCTUARY TOUR
The Predator Sanctuary offers you a chance to see how amazing and powerful different predators can be. This experience is quite different from just reading or hearing about them. With the predator tour you will gain insight and perspective on predators, their behaviour, and the challenges some of these endangered species face.
Our guides are passionate about making you feel welcome, giving an unforgettable experience and educating you on how we can conserve and protect these amazing animals.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the sanctuary please visit:
What to expect?
As you arrive at the gate of the sanctuary, parking will be provided and everyone will meet at the waiting area. Group sizes can vary with each feeding but you are also welcome to book a private feeding.
​
This is a walking activity and the tour is a 1km walk over 2 hours.
(We can make arrangements to transport disabled guests.
Please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your needs as we would love to have you at the sanctuary)
​
At each enclosure information will be given about the animals and they will be fed their daily meals.
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There are bathrooms available.
Hot and cold beverages can be purchased on arrival.
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Who can attend?
We welcome everyone of all ages.
Children are advised to always be accompanied by their parents.
We offer free guided tours to any school groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays as children are the conservationists of the future.
Please contact our reception for more information.
A few things to remember
- We recommend a hat, comfortable closed shoes, and a warm jacket during winter months.
- This is a WALKING activity.
​
- We kindly ask that our animals be treated with respect as you are entering their home.
This includes:
- No teasing or provoking the animals.
- No littering.
- No attempts to pet them or put fingers, toes, camera lenses, food, or litter through the fences.
- No running or shouting on the premises.
SELF-DRIVE OPTION
SHUTTLE SERVICE
WEDNESDAYS AND SUNDAYS
WEDNESDAYS AND SUNDAYS
07:00 - 09:00
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07:00 - 09:00
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Shuttles leave strictly at 6:45 at the Mabalingwe Caravan Park. If you missed it, kindly follow the pin location below to the sanctuary.
PLEASE NOTE:
When staying in Serapa or Boekenhout, please make your way to the Mabalingwe tar road first before following the pin location to avoid being taken on a '4x4 only' road.
GALLERY
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