Limpopo

Mabalingwe Game Reserve


Mabalingwe is popular for weekend getaways and family safaris from Gauteng. Its self-drive accessibility and relaxed environment make it a practical alternative for shorter bush breaks.

It’s hard to believe that what started out as a 2 141-hectare maize and game farm in 1972, over time became the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve we know and love today. Mabalingwe is all about getting back to Nature – spectacular landscape allows you to lose yourself in a true South African Bushveld. You can’t get much closer to unspoiled nature and wildlife than an open game drive vehicle or enjoy a night drive with a trained and qualified field guide who will shine some light on nocturnal animals and search for 4 of Africa’s Big 5!

At a glance

Location Waterberg, Limpopo
Getting there ±2.5–3 hours from Johannesburg
Size ±12,000 hectares
Ownership Private reserve
Game experience Partial Big 5 (no free-roaming big cats)
Malaria risk Malaria-free
Safari style Self-drive and guided options
Landscape Bushveld and open plains
Wildlife highlights Plains game and enclosed predators
Best for Family-friendly self-drive safaris

Accommodation & specials in Mabalingwe Game Reserve

Save 46%
Itaga Luxury Private Game Lodge
Limpopo, Mabalingwe Game Reserve

From R1,929

Midweek Special (Sun to Thu) Min 2 Nts - Excluding Peak Periods

From 01 Dec 2025 to 30 Nov 2026

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