Whilst sister property Mabula Game Lodge is a large 53 room “bush hotel” with loads of facilities, Kwafubesi Tented Camp takes a completely different approach. Everything has been stripped back to basics in the creation of a very personal and intimate little rustic tented camp that seeks to deliver what so many travellers want in their African bush experience: authenticity. However, a facelift towards the end of 2022 has also succeeded in adding an element of stylish luxury and elegance that was perhaps previously missing.

We’re sure that all of us have been struck with that urge to just “get away from it all”. Maybe it’s that cellphone that rings once too often during dinner, or that important email that comes just as you’re about to go lock up the office – but eventually there comes a time when we all just want to hit the off switch for a bit and recuperate. And this is exactly where Kwafubesi comes into its own. Hidden deep in the heart of the 12000-hectare Mabula Private Game Reserve just 2 hours north of Johannesburg, this little camp lets you get away from the stresses and strains of modern living.

Kwafubesi’s laid-back charm and authentic bush style represents in many ways the complete opposite approach to that seen at many other lodges. Rather than adding more luxury and clutter, the focus here has been on stripping everything back to basics. So there’s no air-conditioning for example or ultra-chic designer furniture. About the only really modern convenience in fact is the small swimming pool next to the bar area (which really does come in handy on those hot summer days!) The furniture in the main lodge area has however been modernised in the latest facelift, making this area far more stylish and attractive. And best of all, the main lounge and swimming pool deck now look out over a newly installed waterhole that will make game viewing from the lodge itself a much more rewarding experience going forward!

Guests sleep in 5 simple but very comfortable tents on elevated wooden platforms looking out on the bush. These were renovated towards the end of 2022 and are now much lighter, more airey and attractive then ever before! Each tent has a full bathroom en-suite which are smart, clean and very private, with an outside shower and large stone tub to have an early evening soak in, as well as its own private deck that looks out over the bushveld.

The tents themselves are absolutely charming and newly stylish - and, of course, there's little to match the experience of sleeping under canvas where you can clearly hear all the noctural sounds of the bush as you cosy up in your warm bed! Light canvas cloth and clean white linen bring simplicity allied with classic elegance to the room, whilst romantic lamps add a colonial bush style feel. Light wooden furniture and an attractive tan leather headboard add the finishing touches to the subtle earthy palette.

And in the main lodge, the trend of authentic old-time charm continues. Sitting around the roaring log fire in the boma, eating traditional South African kos (cuisine) under a Milky Way that sparkles like it never can in cities, it’s easy to forget that there’s an outside world of reports and bosses and bills. Many meals are eaten in communal style, with guests chatting at a shared table with your ranger as host. But if you’re more focussed on a romantic evening, then a private dinner served by lamplight on the deck of your tent is likely to do the trick!

Of course there’s the usual twice daily game drives through the 12 000 hectares of the reserve where you can spot the Big Five as well as rarities like cheetah (note that the reserve is split into 2 separate sections with the resident lion pride confined to 1 of them), but the beauty of the Mabula reserve is that it offers a host of more unusual options too.

Ditch the motorised vehicles and take a safari on horseback for example. Kwafubesi has trained guides who know the trails like the backs of their hands – and they can get you right up close to Mabula reserve’s animals. Or if horses aren’t your thing, you can do the same on the walking trails with guides (armed, for your safety – society has its uses after all) who can show you the local plants and trees and get you as close as humanly (and safely) possible to the game. Or for something completely different, head out to explore the reserve on quadbikes (you’ll probably be comforted to know that these activities take place in the lion-free sector of the park!)

And at night, the action continues:  with the blazing city lights finally extinguished, Kwafubesi’s staff can take you on a guided star gazing tour (the perfect opportunity to see the stars in their full beauty) or on the awe-inspiring Majuma Experience to see lions hunting in the darkness of Mabula.