Mbala Game Lodge

Mbala Game Lodge is an ecotourist conservation lodge in the malaria free Waterberg Wilderness, in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. It was created in late 2003 by lodge owners Mark and Michelle Thompson.

More than 2 500 acres of koppies and Waterberg bushveld has been rehabilitated into a pristine private retreat, and continues to be a huge conservation undertaking. The re-establishment of natural grasses and vegetation to improve the palatability of the grazing and efforts to return the bush to its former glory are ongoing conservation projects.

Most of the naturally occurring game species have now been re-introduced, and are thriving. As the area begins to flourish and regenerate, more of the rarer species such as Brown Hyena, Cheetah, Aardwolf, Oxpeckers and Klipspringer return. Mbala does not hunt and remains a safe haven for free ranging species that can seek refuge there.

The goal of Mbala Game Lodge's biodiversity management programme is aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of all species of plants and animals in this pristine part of the Waterberg.

The Waterberg area is regarded as one of South Africa's last true wildernesses. Mbala Private Camp is perfect for sustainable eco improvements. It is on the boundary of a South African National Heritage Site and proclaimed Nature Reserve in the Waterberg Biosphere.

Mbala Game Lodge is endowed with substantial biodiversity, a wide range of veld types which collectively provide for an enormous variety of mammals, insects, reptiles and birds that traverse and live within this vast area. Together with the attraction of historical ancient sites, the Mkolo Nature Reserve, Private Big 5 Reserves and Spas, our neighbouring areas provide for a wealth of possibilities creating an ecotourist environment which is unequalled in its diversity.

Although we are not a Big 5 reserve, we have over 100 diverse species of mammals to see. We also have at least 312 plant species recorded in our area. Mbala is on the historic ?Marula Route? and is blessed with many giant Marula trees. There are 286 species of birds making Mbala a true bird watcher's paradise.

Cellphone reception is limited to the MTN network only.