A philosophical concept that traces back to Aristotle’s time employs the idea of “nature” to explain that which defines “the essence of a thing”; or its fundamental properties. If we look at the essence of Mabalingwe Nature Reserve – it brings us to three distinctive words: NATURE, FAMILY and FUN!

FAMILY – How precious are those moments spent with your children or grandchildren?! Are you reminiscing about the first time you went on a Game Drive with your grandchildren and how excited they were when they saw the elephants peacefully moving through the bushveld?! Think about those warm fuzzy feelings you experienced during that family holiday - what precious, nostalgic memories indeed. 

FUN – What will a holiday at your home-away-from-home be without fun?! Think about all those fun-filled days, joyously enjoying some much-needed time in the Main Swimming Pool, whilst the kids giddily bounce on the Jumping Pillow. Recall all those happy times laughing, celebrating and those merriment moments with your family!

Let’s embrace the NATURE of Mabalingwe by cherishing those FUN times spent with FAMILY and friends in the stupendously beautiful Mabalingwe!

“Ladies and gentlemen in front of you, you will see the tallest living animal on earth. Did you know? The average giraffe stands 4.3 to 5.8 metres tall, according to National Geographic.”

Bianca Oosthuizen, one of our guests who visited Mabalingwe in February, shared a precious moment captured during her trip of a mother giraffe with her calf.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the same can be said for the offspring of these lofty mammals. Mother giraffes will often move and browse together with their calves in nursery herds. The babies love to hang around together and play, so they are watched by singular females in an area known as a crèche. This gives the other mums a chance to feed and drink in peace, knowing their little ones are safe from harm before they later take over the babysitting duties themselves.

We would love to see your giraffe snaps, too. Share your Mr and Mrs Long Leg photos with us via email to yourresortstory@mabalingwe.com to be featured on our Facebook page!

There is nothing quite as wonderful as the unmistakeable scent of wet African soil lingering after the rain. The lush green bushveld, the birds chirping, the clean air and the abundant wildlife are brought back to life by the rainfall’s sustenance. During January and February Mabalingwe experienced extremely heavy rains, due to the tropical storm, Cyclone Eloise, reaching South African shores.

The region captured a whopping total of 188mm, from

the start of the cyclone on the 25th of January 2021 to the 16th of February 2021.

The WP Wessels Dam, as well as the other smaller dams and streamlets on the property, filled to the brim, because of the torrential downpours. The extreme conditions brought with it some great game-viewing opportunities with all critters, small and big, coming out from hiding and roaming around the property.

Our own little “bushveld gem” rose to fame with the famous South African “Castrol Oil” advertisement series, which was filmed at the location many moons ago. Kalahari Oasis was built on the original farm called Boschpoort – now part of the greater Mabalingwe Nature Reserve. The “Castrol Oil” advertisement series starred Ian Robberts as “Boet” and Norman Anstey as “Swaer”. In 1990, Fat Bookholane joined them as “Moegaa”. Frank Opperman also appeared in a few of the episodes of this mini-series.

Between 1988 and 2002, 10 different Castrol advertisements were made at Kalahari Oasis and consequently televised, which was a significant contributor to Kalahari Oasis becoming the renowned name it is today within South Africa. In 2013, a movie called “Babalas” was shot at Kalahari Oasis and released in cinema. We invite all our valued Shareholders to join us for a thirst-quenching sundowner and one of our delicious new pizza cones at this legendary Bush Pub!

Replacing of couches and tub chairs is underway, where necessary.

Proposals at Mabalingwe
Mabalingwe facilitated a special proposal during the month of love. The couple booked a couple’s spa treatment at Mbali Day Spa to start the day off and later went on a romantic Game Drive (just the two of them) – where he asked her in the heart of the bushveld to be his happily-ever-after.

Weddings at Mabalingwe

Celebrate your inimitable union with an intimate wedding at Mabalingwe. Create a memorable ceremony wrapped in all the distinctively-you-details to mark your wonderful milestone. The Mabalingwe Team is on standby to merge your love of nature with a dreamy setting for the perfect start to forever.

We love it when our guests and valued Shareholders share their holiday experiences with us. A new segment of the Mabalingwe blog features stories that our guests and Shareholders have shared with us - some from yesteryear and others from more recently.

Here are three stories, told through the eyes of Shareholders,
Johann J van Emmenis, Friedel Wichmann and Hoffie Hofmeyr:

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to paying your levies.

Our ongoing mission at your home-away-from-home is to ensure that Mabalingwe Nature Reserve is kept to the highest standard. Your levy payments mean that we may continue caring for the dedicated staff, as well as your beautiful Resort; updating the Chalets, conducting the necessary maintenance, tending to the gardens and wildlife needs – all of which would not be possible without your dedication and support. We would like to thank you sincerely for your ongoing commitment to paying your levies.

Please get in touch with the Property Admin Team for further assistance: propertyadmin@vrs.co.za