A newly formed pack of 4 African wild dogs was released from their temporary holding boma onto the Mabula Private Game Reserve in the southern part of the Waterberg, Limpopo on Tuesday, May 10th. The two males and two females will form the second-known breeding pack of African wild dogs in the Waterberg.

The males naturally dispersed from their resident pack in northern Limpopo in early 2021 in search of females. They travelled 330km before arriving on Mabula in July 2021. With no suitable adult females available in South Africa’s wild dog metapopulation, two females in the free-roaming Waterberg Wild Dog population were identified for translocation. The two females were translocated just prior to their dispersal from their natal pack in the northern part of the Waterberg in March 2022 to Mabula to be bonded with the males.

The four dogs spent several weeks in adjacent holding bomas to facilitate social bonding and allow time for the new pack to acclimate to the area before their release onto the reserve. The bonding was extremely successful, and the dogs are now roaming the reserve as a cohesive pack.

With fewer than 650 African wild dogs remaining in South Africa, this translocation and formation of a new breeding pack contributes towards the long-term conservation of African wild dogs in South Africa. It also boosts the Mabula Private Game Reserve’s ecotourism potential, as Mabula will become the closest reserve to Gauteng with free-ranging African wild dogs!

This new pack formation was conducted in collaboration with the Mabula Private Game Reserve, the Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and Rooiberg Veterinary Services.

Wouter Pienaar, General Manager Operations of Extraordinary who are the management and operating company of Mabula Game Lodge was interviewed and expressed his delight with the outcome of this important collaboration. The addition of the Wild dog pack to the area bodes well for the future of tourism in this reserve.

The Mabula Private Game Reserve is located within two hours of Gauteng and provides one of the most authentic private safari experiences in close proximity to Gauteng

For further information please contact Cindy Sheedy Walker on cindy@extraordinary.co.za

A change begins at the foundation and the newly refreshed rooms boast a gorgeous laminate vinyl floor which extends throughout the bedroom and living space into the breezy new bathroom areas. Characteristic French doors have replaced the heavy wooden sliders to allow the light to flow in, with the added wooden element to create an earthy sense of arrival. Window dressing is always important, so the designer has selected a gorgeous full block out high-quality cotton sateen curtain with leaf motif. A sheer organza curtain backs this to allow light yet maintain privacy.

The high quality Kiaat furniture has been refreshed to maintain a light tone throughout. The writing desks have a shiny new ottoman chair with a luxury textured upholstered finish and are equipped with high quality tea and coffee making stations. Under bed handwoven sisal carpets finish the traditional feel and create an interesting border extending out from the beds for an added luxurious finish. Luxury 300 thread count linen and fluffy allergy proof duvets dress every bed. Perspex and chrome designer beside lights finish off the look.

Capturing the essence of light these new rooms boast a plethora of new lights throughout. From the stylish outdoor chrome wall mounted square light fittings, through to the African themed wall mounted lights and rich chandeliers the entire room shouts luxury and style. Down lights have been used throughout where ceilings permit, and a brass table lamp sets the safari theme beautifully. 

An opaque glass panelled door leads into the bathroom which is designed in hues of greys, white and mushroom allowing a combination of textures to blend into what can only be described as a feeling of complete calm and serenity. The new vanity with free standing luxury porcelain basin is framed by a designer glass wall unit with floating glass shelves displaying our high-quality amenities. All accessories and finishes are in polished chrome brightening the entire space. A frameless walk in shower complete with an active shower console offering a multiple spray shower experience is state of the art. The shower floor is highlighted with a mixed glass, marble and chrome mosaic finish and the wall tiles in the shower show off with a ceramic designer texture. Roller blinds across the windows have been added above the stylish freestanding couple’s bath with a polished chrome waterfall sill.

“The highlight of this stylish experience is the complete merging of the light colours and contemporary African styles to create a luxury ambiance in the African bush setting that is Mabula” says Esley Giorgiou the well-known lodge interior designer and owner of Effective Finishes.

“Mabula Game Lodge is ready to welcome back it’s loyal customers and look forward to showing off the complete new look that has evolved with the completely re-designed rooms” mentions Cindy Sheedy Walker CEO of Extraordinary Sales and Marketing, “and of course all the other recently upgraded areas such as the world class new restaurant, a fabulous outdoor Wild Playzone complete with active arena,  and many other additions which has completed the transformation of the old Mabula to an exciting up and coming Safari Resort.”

Mabula Game Lodge is a member of Extraordinary – A Collection of Luxury lodges and hotels in Southern Africa

For more information please contact: marketing@extraordinary.co.za, www.mabula.com or 0827794479

 
The Playzone is specifically designed for multiple sports including action soccer, netball, and cricket on a perfectly designed AstroTurf court fully enclosed by netting. These great sporting activities are a fantastic way to relax, bond and have a great time, whilst on safari. In addition, Mabula Game Lodge offers a host of teambuilding activities at the Wild Playzone as well as activities in the Lodge such as an Amazing Race, Potjie Cook-off and Murder Mystery Dinners just to name a few. 

The Wild Playzone has a large exclusive play area for kids that is a safe, unique and inspires, educates & empowers kids. It has a track for bikes and scooters and a climbing area where they will slide, swirl, jump, scream and stay jovial all day.

Cindy Sheedy-Walker, CEO of Sales and Marketing for the Extraordinary Group, which owns Mabula Game Lodge says that she is delighted with the remodelling. “Over the past two years, Mabula has undergone a beautiful transformation, which has gradually repositioned the lodge at a more luxurious level. Everything from the lodge’s entrance, to the reception, lounge, rooms, boma, pool area, outdoor terrace area, curio store, spa, conservation and reserve projects have been given a magical restyling and the result is nothing short of miraculous.”
 
Located a mere two hours’ drive from Gauteng, Mabula Game Lodge is the perfect destination to unwind after a busy year. The surrounding beauty of the African bushveld and the presence of the Big Five is sure to bring groups and families together for memorable times.