We were desperately in need of a family getaway. Intuitively we knew we needed time in the bush, but with only a weekend to our disposal we needed a spot near Pretoria. And although we love camping, Peet and I both agreed that with our energy levels at an all-time low we needed a ‘put your feet up and relax’-kind of weekend. Safari Plains in the Mabula Game Reserve checked all our boxes. With Safari Plains Lodge being less than two hours’ drive from Pretoria, it’s perfect for a quick weekend getaway. We left Friday lunchtime and returned home on Sunday evening feeling rested after only two days in the bush.
A Friendly Lodge
While many safari lodges only cater for families with kids over the age of twelve, Safari Plains caters for families with younger children. Guests can move around the camp freely. The lodge is fenced off, which means the only encounters you and your kids might have with wildlife, is the few Impala and Njala that call the camp home. And perhaps a snake in the summer time.
The Safari Plains staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Upon arrival we were welcomed at the door by friendly faces and warm face cloths. Our car was professionally unloaded and parked at the dedicated parking bays for guests. Our spacious room was beautifully decorated and furnished. Our little girl even had her very own room with two single beds. Every night one of the staff members not only turned down her bed but also creatively folded her towels into different animals (the crocodile was her favourite).
Safari Plains Game Lodge’s offering is perfect for young families. Apart from the twice daily game drives, the lodge itself has a large swimming pool and a lovely restaurant and bar beside a waterhole. We spent hours playing, reading and relaxing next to the pool, while the staff kept us hydrated.
What is remarkable about Safari Plains is that they manage to make you feel as if you are at home, while giving you the five star treatment.
Wildlife par excellence
And what would a safari be without wildlife? Safari Plains is located in the malaria-free Mabula Game Reserve. The reserve boasts the Big 5, and the bonus of staying at Safari Plains, is that you are almost guaranteed to see all five of these magnificent creatures during your stay (although no promises are made).
Although we didn’t get to see a leopard, the rest of the Big 5 certainly made up for it. Early Saturday morning we came across a pride of lions tucking into a Zebra they had hunted in the early hours of the morning. We also got to see a rhino mom and her calf and a group of elephants dust bathing. We were in awe. But the highlight of our visit came on Saturday evening in the form of two special nocturnal animals. We were on our way back to camp, after spotting and following two of Mabula’s three resident Cheetahs for some time, when our guide stopped at what looked like a empty den in the waning light. Upon taking a closer look we couldn’t believe our eyes – a Aardwolf. How lucky can one be? Feeling very content we headed back to camp for dinner, but the bush had one more surprise for us. As we bumbled along a dirt road hoping to see an owl or two, there he was in the middle of the road – an Antbear (Aardvark). He only allowed us a quick glimpse before disappearing into the dark. I’m writing this post a month after our visit and I still have to pinch myself when I think about that game drive.
Although I never get tired of seeing the Big 5, what I appreciated the most about our field guide, Saneshan Naidoo, was the time he took to also point out the small things. We stopped to look at tracks, dung and interesting insects and plants. I love the fact that our little girl came home with so much more than a list of large mammals.
Food, Glorious Food
As on any safari, the food is part of the experience at Safari Plains. The early morning, pre-‘game drive’ coffee served with rusks, biscuits and muffins was the only way I got Peet onto the vehicle at 5:30AM. Half way through our game drive Saneshan stopped at a raised platform. We climbed the stairs to enjoy the view of the Waterberg Mountain range and a snack. While Peet and I sipped Amarula coffee, our little girl opted for the hot chocolate and biscuits Saneshan stylishly served. The lodge also treats guests to a late afternoon High Tea. There is nothing like a dainty scone served with strawberries and cream, a small glass of chocolate mousse and other delicacies to get you ready for the second game drive of the day.
At Safari Plains breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed outside next to the pool from where you can keep an eye on the waterhole. On our first evening we enjoyed dinner next to the pool. Unfortunately the second evening’s BOMA dinner under the stars had to be moved inside due to inclement weather. Our field guide joined us for dinner on the second evening – allowing us the opportunity to pepper him with questions about the bush and things we saw on the day’s game drives.
We loved every moment of our stay at Safari Plains. It was a weekend filled with adventure, lessons from the bush, and memories none of us will forget.
xxx
