Mabula Bula Bula Bula

TRAVEL WRITING would be my ultimate dream job. Travel, write, repeat. Sign me up! So this piece is for the Travelstart blog contest (you can find out info here). I hope you enjoy!

GAME RESERVES have never been high on my travel list but after taking a trip to Mabula Game Lodge, it features highly and repeatedly. My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to win a trip there, thanks to 2oceansvibe, and it was a perfect location for our fourth year anniversary.

WE FLEW from Durban to Johannesburg the Friday morning and then it was a 2 hour drive to the lodge. The room was incredible, it was double a standard room and had a huge bathtub and shower (which I love). We were just in time for lunch (every meal is buffet - hoorah! Let the eating begin!) which we enjoyed outside by the bar and second pool. Where was the first pool, you ask? Right around the corner, very big and kitted out with a waterfall and bar stools in the water where you can sit and order drinks. Upon seeing this, I declared that I would sit in that pool and order a cocktail (which I did on the Saturday and it was one of the best cocktails I have ever had).

Our room, with balcony and turn down service.

First pool, with AMAZING bar.

Second pool, decorative only. No swimming.

THAT AFTERNOON we got to enjoy one of two game drives (we passed on the other two so we could enjoy more of the lodge) where we got to see giraffe, hippos, zebra, elephants and so much more. My favourite was the morning (5am!!!) game drive where we drive through a big gate into the lion enclosure, which is over 250 hectares. There are 11 lions and we got to see 7 of them - not bad! And I'm obsessed with lions so to see them casually walking meters away from us was one of my travel highlights!

The King of the Jungle, meters away from us.

IT WAS a beautiful lodge with incredible staff - we loved our game ranger - and we made memories we will never forget. I now click on every game reserve travel deal I see!