Some trips come together at the last minute, and those often turn out to be the most memorable. Earlier this month, I flew up to Hoedspruit to visit my daughter, Tara. Although we’ve done many lodge inspections over the years, this was our first educational of 2026 as a mother‑and‑daughter team — and Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge Mohlabetsi in the Balule Nature Reserve kindly hosted us on short notice.

Getting There: Easy Access & Wildlife From the Start

Mohlabetsi is easily accessible from Eastgate Airport, whether by transfer or self‑drive. Even before reaching the lodge, the safari begins. After entering through York Gate, we immediately encountered giraffe, warthog, and a lively group of mongoose — a wonderful welcome to Balule.

Arrival & First Impressions

We were warmly greeted by the lodge manageress and her team, who welcomed us with homemade iced tea.

Our room formed part of the family suite, complete with a lockable inter‑leading door — ideal for families travelling with older children.

A light lunch was served at 14:00, after which we relaxed on the loungers outside our room, overlooking a wide savanna plain alive with birdlife. It was the perfect pause before the afternoon drive.

Afternoon Game Drive: Thick Bush, Skilled Guiding

Winter game drives depart at 15:45, and we set off punctually.

After months of unusually heavy rain, the bush was lush and dense — beautiful, but challenging for game viewing. Our ranger handled it confidently, and we still enjoyed sightings of:
A crash of Rhinos, herds of Impala, Giraffes and lions. 

Balule is blessed with natural dams, all full after the rains. This meant excellent viewing of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. My personal highlight was a striking saddle‑billed stork.

Sundowners at one of the dams rounded off the drive, with distant elephants rumbling in the background.

Dinner in the Boma

Dinner is served at 19:00 in the boma, where guests gather around a central fire. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, with good food and warm service. We turned in early, excited for the morning’s adventure.

Morning Drive: A Leopard to Start the Day

A wake‑up call at 05:45, followed by coffee, tea, and rusks, set the tone for a crisp winter morning.

The lodge’s location offers 360‑degree views, with the Drakensberg Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop — truly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.

The highlight of the morning was a female leopard, completely at ease as she moved through the bush. She was clearly hunting for something small to take back to her two hidden cubs. Watching her stalk and pounce through the thick vegetation was both entertaining and unforgettable.

After a quick coffee stop at a viewpoint, we returned to the lodge for breakfast and check‑out.

A Quick Look Around the Lodge

After breakfast, I ventured to the outdoor shower and it was absolutely heavenly — the sun warming my body from one side and the strong, steaming water from the other. It’s one of those simple Bushveld moments that stays with you.

Before leaving, we were shown a standard rondavel, the pool area, and the small Curio shop. Everything was neat, comfortable, and true to the lodge’s authentic safari character.

Our Verdict

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge is a comfortable, welcoming 4‑star property offering excellent value for money.

It’s accessible, family‑friendly, and set in a beautiful part of the Balule with abundant water and wide‑open views.

For travellers seeking an honest, down‑to‑earth safari experience with warm hospitality and solid guiding, Mohlabetsi is a lodge we can confidently recommend.