Mabalingwe Newsletter December 2024

Sightings Resort Upgrades Special Moments Staff Spotlight Awards Notices

As the year draws to a close, we’re reminded of nature's beauty and tranquillity. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” Embracing this spirit of harmony and renewal, we are excited to share the latest updates from Mabalingwe Nature Reserve.

In this edition of The Oasis Update, we invite you to explore the exciting refurbishments we've accomplished, discover some amazing new features, celebrate our recent awards, and much more. It’s been a fantastic year of growth and transformation, and we’re thrilled to share all the highlights with you. Happy reading!

One of the most unforgettable parts of any Mabalingwe adventure is the chance to witness our amazing wildlife, and this season has brought scenes that’ll melt your heart! Guests have been treated to the sight of baby giraffes with their adorable wobbly legs and wide-eyed curiosity as they explore the world around them. Equally charming, the young nyalas have been stealing the show with their playful antics and graceful moves that captivate every onlooker. Moments like these—watching the wild’s newest members explore and play—remind us of nature's pure magic. Don’t miss your chance to experience this cuteness overload on your next visit!

At Mabalingwe, we take great pleasure in ensuring that your home-away-from-home is always in top condition. Since the last update, we’ve been committed to focusing on areas needing extra attention while exploring innovative ways to enhance your overall experience. Here's a glimpse of what we've been working on:

RESORT RENOVATIONS & UPGRADES

Communal Ablutions

The communal ablutions have been assessed for general maintenance, resulting in ceiling replacements and fresh paint for improved upkeep.

Generator Service

Routine generator services have been completed per the Resort schedule, ensuring that all generators are well-maintained and regular housekeeping completed for optimal performance and longevity.

Resort Paving, Upkeep and Replacement

General upkeep and maintenance of the Resort's paving and pathways have been noted, with high-traffic areas addressed and replaced as part of the maintenance schedule.

Solar Panel Cleaning

Routine housekeeping has been performed on solar panels.

Resort Water Supply Upgrade

The Resort has upgraded the water holding supply in both Kubu and Phiri camps. This will increase the holding supply of each camp and minimise water shortages.

Resort Grounds and Upkeep

Ongoing maintenance has been carried out on the Resort grounds, including addressing the farm shop entrance and removing cracked tiles.

Resort Signage and Swimming Pool Signs Replaced

All swimming pool signage has been replaced at pools with a new design.

Resort Health and Safety – Fire Equipment Service, 2024

Annual fire equipment service completed in June 2024. Inspection and servicing of all fire extinguishers.

Padel Courts

The Resort is excited to announce the completion of the much-awaited Padel Courts. The Resort will boast two newly built padel courts for our guests and timeshare owners. Rates and availability to be announced shortly.

UNIT MAINTENANCE AND REFURBISHMENTS

Scheduled Maintenance of Units

Each unit received thorough maintenance, including repainting, cabinetry repairs, drainage and water supply checks, and ensuring optimal electricity and appliance functionality.

Treatment of Wood Finishings

Annual treatments were conducted on wooden finishings, including railings, doors, and windows, to enhance upkeep and extend their longevity.

Plumbing

Several units’ drainage networks have been amended or replaced.

Phiri 95

The Phiri 95 rebuild and refurbishment has been completed.

NEW FEATURE AND PROJECTS

TV’s and Decoders

All televisions have been upgraded to 40-inch LED SMART TVs, and DSTV decoders have been replaced with newer models for enhanced viewing.

Sleeper Couches

All sleeper couches in the 4-sleeper studio units have been replaced, featuring an upgraded pull-out mechanism for improved functionality and ease of use for guests.

Solar Lighting at Carports

Solar lighting has been installed at carports as part of a Resort project, enhancing visibility for guests when arriving at their units and providing adequate lighting for pathways and exits.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

Replacement of all Louvre Windows: Ingwe Camp

The Resort will replace all louvre windows in the units, which have reached the end of their lifespan, with new windows featuring pet mesh screens to keep wildlife out.

Will commence January 2025

Restaurant Repaint

Repainting of the Le Fera Restaurant, Vultures View, and Marketing Office will commence January 2025.

BIG NEWS!!

OUR NEW PADEL TENNIS COURTS ARE OPEN!

Padel, the world’s fastest-growing sport, has arrived at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve! It is a mixture between tennis and squash and is suitable for all ages, making it the ideal family activity.

TO BOOK YOUR PADEL SESSION:

Register on the Playtomic App to book your slot.

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

At Mabalingwe, we’re all about creating unforgettable experiences from the moment you walk through our Reception until we say goodbye. Here are just a few of the extraordinary ways we’ve been turning every moment into something truly special for our guests:

National Women’s Day

In celebration of National Women’s Day, we truly rolled out the red carpet to honour the incredible women in our midst. Guests were greeted with a refreshing gin bar featuring a variety of botanicals and mixers. The atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter as we handed out delightful surprises, from indulgent treats to little tokens of appreciation, making each moment feel extra special. It was a day dedicated to celebrating the strength and beauty of our women.

Heritage Day / Braai Day

Our Heritage Day celebration at the Resort was a feast for the senses, overflowing with South African sweets, treats, and beloved delicacies. Guests enjoyed a delightful array of goodies, including Zoo Cookies, Wilson Toffees, Chappies, and mouthwatering koeksisters, making it a truly festive experience!
As a special touch, each unit received a complimentary gift that brought a smile to everyone’s face—yes, we’re talking about our unique elephant dung firelighters! These "great dung balls of fire" added a playful twist to the festivities, making for an unforgettable day filled with laughter, warmth, and plenty of braai!

Blood Drive

This past March and September, the Resort proudly hosted a Blood Drive in collaboration with SANBS, and it was nothing short of extraordinary!
Guests and owners came together in a heartwarming show of unity and compassion, rallying around a shared mission to support those in desperate need of blood. This event beautifully showcased the spirit of generosity that thrives within our Resort. Together, we made a difference—one drop at a time!

Festive Season at Mabalingwe

The Resort is buzzing with excitement as we gear up for a spectacular end-of-year season! We can't wait to welcome all our wonderful visitors, from cherished guests to our beloved timeshare owners. Get ready for a holiday program packed with thrilling activities for everyone—young and old alike!

Celebrate Christmas Day with a CHRISTMAS LUNCH BUFFET AT LE FERA RESTAURANT for only R395p/adult and R190p/child under 12, served from 11h00 to 15h00. Bookings are essential.

Ring in the NEW YEAR AT KALAHARI OASIS PUB on
31 December with a delicious Spit Braai for only R195 p/p between 16h00 and 20h00, followed by an unforgettable New Year's Eve Party until 02h00.

Let's make this season truly spectacular together!

TO THE MABALINGWE FAMILY!

With the completion of the 2023 RCI year, the Resort was nominated in several categories, including that of finalist for Top Gold Crown Resort of the Year.

The Resort also won the prestigious award for the Top check-in and check-out for 2023. Well done to the Mabalingwe Reception Team for winning the coveted award.

Traveller’s Choice Award. Mabalingwe Nature Reserve has received the 2024 TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award! Thank you to all our guests for your incredible support and reviews. This achievement is a testament to the unforgettable experiences we strive to create every day.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing guests for inspiring us to reach new heights every day!

We are excited to announce we’ve been shortlisted for the GuestRevu Guest-Rated Excellence in Accommodation and Travel (GREAT) Awards, hoping to be crowned a GuestRevu GREAT for 2024! Our motivation for participating is to showcase how wonderful your home-away-from-home is and to highlight our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our guests.

At Mabalingwe, guest happiness is our top priority, and we’re thrilled to see our efforts paying off. A heartfelt thank you to all our guests and valued Shareholders for your kind words and continued support.

We would like to thank you and your staff for the great service we received when staying there. Marlene from housekeeping really went out of her way to ensure that our stay was pleasant. Keep up the great work!
Thank you !

Just a little note to say Nikita impressed me 100%. She went the extra mile, not just once but a couple of times while sorting out my queries. She has a lovely tone on the phone, a clear voice, and is very helpful. Thank you, Nikita, for your excellent client service received. It’s a breath of fresh air in this day and age.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank your staff for their 5-star service. We were at the Kalahari Oasis yesterday afternoon around 16h30. There was another family when we arrived with a tiny baby. A little while later one of the gentlemen came to ask us if they can borrow our car to get spares for there's. They had a game vehicle with a flat tyre.

He mentioned that they are staying close to Ingwe. Unfortunately, we could not lend our car but I phoned reception from there for assistance.

Loryn was very helpful. She did explain the game vehicles were all out but will send someone to see if he can assist. Maarten arrived without any problems late on a Sunday afternoon to assist this family. Modise and Kagiso from the Pub were just as helpful and wanted to stay open till they were fine. Martaan was able to get them going.

Only to find out later they are very far from Ingwe, but your staff still assisted in a professional manner. Well done to an awesome Team

Le Fera Game Drives

Join our team of Rangers on our ever popular game drives, either morning, mid-morning or sunset drives.

Eco-Cubs

Le Fera Eco-Cubs is the perfect way to get our young ones in the veld and learn what nature can give.

Shooting Activities

Enjoy Archery and Air Rifle Shooting at Mabalingwe. Don’t miss out on this family fun activity.

Plaaswinkel / Farmshop

Whether you're looking for groceries, sweet treats, or unique souvenirs, our charming shop has something for everyone.
With new games, gifts toys, it's the perfect spot to stock up.

Boeretroos

Treat yourself with freshly brewed coffee, mouthwatering waffles, and a variety of light snacks and refreshments.
Don't miss our daily specials on cakes, ice cream, and more!

Mbali Day Spa

Indulge in pure relaxation with our luxurious treatments. Whether it’s a soothing massage, a rejuvenating facial, or a pampering mani-pedi, we’ve got the perfect way to help you unwind.

at Mabalingwe

Looking to make your special occasion truly unforgettable? Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or any milestone worth celebrating, let our dedicated Mabalingwe Team handle every detail to ensure your event is perfect.
Contact us on 014 001 7011 or contactus@mabalingwe.com today to start planning your dream celebration!

Indulge in the perfect fusion of two dessert classics with this Easy Banoffee Tiramisu! Combining the rich flavours of coffee-soaked biscuits and creamy mascarpone with the irresistible sweetness of bananas and caramel, this no-fuss treat is a showstopper for any special occasion.

Adding this to your Christmas Menu will impress and satisfy every sweet tooth at the table.

TENDER WEEKS AVAILABLE!
Contact the VRS Property Admin team for more information.
propertyadmin@vrs.co.za

EXCITING NEWS FOR SHAREHOLDERS!.
Get ready to take your ownership to the next level! With Holiday Options, you can effortlessly bank your weeks or list them for rental in just a few clicks. Plus, we’re thrilled to announce that levy statements and seamless online payment options will be available soon, making it easier than ever to manage and settle your fees.

Register for FREE today and unlock the full potential of your ownership!

Be part of the change. Join African Blessings on their journey to empower and uplift children in need.
Read more about African Blessings and all their projects.
www.africanblessings.org

Expand your Holiday Horizons.
Buy or Sell Holidays on Univate Properties. Visit the Uni-Vate Properties website to browse a wide range of holiday weeks available at a variety of destinations.
www.univateproperties.co.za

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Important Notices

Resort Calendar
2025