Mangweni Private Game Reserve

Call Directions Website

Mangweni Private Game Reserve Mangweni, meaning “place of water” tucked away in South Africa’s Limpopo province. Game is plentiful, stars are bigger and brighter.

The ultimate safari retreat, Mangweni Private Game Reserve awakens the true spirit of Africa. Here, perched along the banks of the Lephalale river and surrounded by sprawling bushveld, unforgettable wildlife experiences are waiting to unfold. Take a journey of discovery with us to a pristine wilderness, where authentic bush lodges meet thrilling game viewing, captivating stargazing and lantern-lit dinners under vast African skies. Mangweni, meaning “place of water” in shona, is a natural wonder tucked away in South Africa’s Limpopo province. An expanse of endless indigenous bush, plateau grassland, rocks and ridges, it is quite unlike any place on earth. Here, wild, untamed savanna give way to perennial streams, bountiful dams and deep, mountainous kloofs. It is against this striking landscape, that once-in-a-lifetime bush experiences unfold. Mangweni houses two impressive safari lodges and two spacious bush villas, as well as wedding and conferencing facilities. With a range of activities to choose from, the reserve caters to everyone from families and newlyweds to serenity seekers, nature lovers and shutter bugs alike. There’s plenty of unexplored bushveld for the more adventurous visitors to tame, and we welcome adrenalin junkies and activity enthusiasts to the reserve. Wildlife & Nature
Mangweni’s diverse landscape is home to an array of species, including Kudu, impala, giraffe, zebra and blue wildebeest. Unfenced and open to the bush, game passes through freely and guests experience a front row seat to the best stage show on earth. Crocodiles
Leopard
Kudu
Impala
Black Impala
Giraffe
Zebra
Blue Wildebeest
Golden Wildebeest
Blesbuck
The rare Mountain Ribbok
Warthog
Bushbuck
Bushpig
Sable
Nyala
Duiker
Klipspringer

There are no elephant, lion or rhino on the reserve, and we encourage our guests to explore the many hiking trails to intimately experience the beauty of the African Bushveld. The connection to nature is profound. Set among scattered boulders and below the gaze of a rocky outcrop, your extraordinary bush adventure starts the moment you step foot in our Barnyard Safari Lodge. Charming and contemporary, this luxury lodge features 6 spacious suites, as well as expansive living and dining areas. Modern stone interiors open up to breathtaking bushveld panoramas, with views of the river and surrounding veld. After a long day of game viewing, a sparkling plunge pool is welcomed respite and the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner. Later, as night falls and the glow of firelight draws you to the boma, indulge in a lantern-lit feast beneath a canopy of stars. Situated alongside the lush banks of the Lephalala river, Mangweni Lodge invites you to a bushveld oasis. Embodying the true spirit of untamed Africa, this authentic self-catering venue offers 3 thatched rooms and a deluxe family room, where visitors can experience the unspoiled charm of the bush up close. Whether taking in the scents and sounds of nature from your private porch, passing stories around the fire in the boma, or enjoying an ice-cold b**r at the pool under a boundless African sky, the lodge is the ultimate escape from the stresses of city life. Situated at the top of a hilly incline, Kingfisher Villa is an unforgettable bush breakaway in every respect; offering both sweeping bushveld views and expansive living and dining areas. Greet the day with fresh valley air as you gaze toward the bushveld panorama from your private patio. Thick grassland, and forested river banks lie beneath you, all teeming with wildlife in this natural haven. Later, entertain family and friends on your sociable wooden deck, drink in hand, not a care in the world. With all the amenities for a memorable escape, this is bushveld living at its best. Tucked away in a forest of thorn and murula trees and overlooking a trickling river, this serene family home is Mangweni’s most peaceful hideout. With an open plan living design, River Villa is an idyllic spot for the entire family to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. Large glass sliding doors invite the forest in, with the incredible opportunity to view Mangweni’s birdlife from the comfort of your living room. In the morning, relish a breakfast on an open-air dining deck, or celebrate a lantern-lit dinner to the sounds of wildlife and a crackling fire. Mangweni Game Reserve is an intimate, private venue, ideal for special occasions. Just 40 kilometers west of Mookgophong in the World Heritage site that is the Waterberg. It is just 2.5 hours from Johannesburg. Mangweni Private Game Reserve provides a wealth of bird-life which will provide hours of adventure and entertainment for experienced Birders and beginners alike. Two large well-
stocked dams with Bass, Telapi, Carp and Yellow Fish makes for excellent fishing. Mangweni Private Game Reserve is self drive reserve; however we do not allow private vehicles to be
used on the reserve. Game viewing vehicles are available for hire. Guided game drives are also available on request.

🌿 MORE THAN JUST A GAME RESERVE 🌿At Mangweni, every day is a new adventure!🚤 ENJOYING THE WATER - Cruise, chill & soak u...
02/11/2026

🌿 MORE THAN JUST A GAME RESERVE 🌿

At Mangweni, every day is a new adventure!
🚤 ENJOYING THE WATER - Cruise, chill & soak up the Limpopo sun.
🚁 CHOPPER RIDES & BIG SWINGS - Adrenaline for the brave ones!
🚴 GUESTS KEEPING FIT IN NATURE - Cycle through the wild bushveld
😄 GUESTS HAVING A REALLY GOOD TIME - Because that's what Mangweni is all about!

From relaxing on the water to flying high and exploring on two wheels - there's something for EVERYONE here.

Come and make memories with us!

📍 Mangweni Private Game Reserve | Limpopo
📩 Contact us on +27633173006 to book your next adventure!

🐢🦬 NEED TO TAKE A BREAK? COME AND ENJOY NATURE... 🦌At Mangweni.BIG AND SMALL - COME SPOT THEM ALL!🐢 From the tiny tortoi...
30/10/2026

🐢🦬 NEED TO TAKE A BREAK?
COME AND ENJOY NATURE... 🦌At Mangweni.

BIG AND SMALL - COME SPOT THEM ALL!🐢
From the tiny tortoise slowly crossing your path...
🦬 To the BOLD AND STRONG buffalo - they cannot be missed...
🦌 OUR SABLE BULL SHOWING OFF HIS HERD...
🦌 And the ELAND MAKING THEIR APPEARANCE...

Every game drive is different. Every sighting is special. This is the magic of the bushveld.
Come and enjoy nature with us!

📍 Mangweni Private Game Reserve | Limpopo
📩 Contact us on +27633173006 to make your booking!

🎣 FISHING AT MANGWENI 🎣Big smiles. Bigger bass! 😁Our guests had an unforgettable day on the water at Mangweni Private Ga...
28/10/2026

🎣 FISHING AT MANGWENI 🎣

Big smiles. Bigger bass! 😁

Our guests had an unforgettable day on the water at Mangweni Private Game Reserve - Limpopo. This is what bushveld fishing is all about: fresh air, good company, and a proper catch to show off!

Who's joining us for the next one?

📍 Mangweni Private Game Reserve | Limpopo
📩 Contact us on +27633173006 to book your fishing getaway.

27/10/2026

Majestic wildlife. Breathtaking views. This is Mangweni. ✨

Nothing beats dinner under the stars in the bushveld. ✨Book your next bushveld escape with us. 🐾
23/10/2026

Nothing beats dinner under the stars in the bushveld. ✨

Book your next bushveld escape with us. 🐾

𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝘃𝘀 𝗙𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗘 🦒𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 - 𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗟▫️Bigger and heavier - up to 1200kg and 5.5m tall▫️Neck and head much thicker and mor...
22/10/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝘃𝘀 𝗙𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗘 🦒

𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 - 𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗟
▫️Bigger and heavier - up to 1200kg and 5.5m tall
▫️Neck and head much thicker and more muscular
▫️Ossicones (horns) are bald on top - no hair, because he fights with other males and rubs the hair off
▫️Stronger musky smell
▫️Usually alone or with other bulls

𝗙𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 - 𝗖𝗢𝗪
▫️Smaller and more slender - up to 800kg and 4.3m tall
▫️Ossicones are thin with a nice tuft of hair on top - always hairy
▫️Softer face
▫️Usually in nursery herds with other females and babies

𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬:
👀Look at the horns on top of the head
𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗱 = 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹
𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝘂𝗳𝘁 = 𝗖𝗼𝘄

𝗙𝗨𝗡 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗦🦒
👅 Their tongue is 50cm long, black-purple to protect from sunburn, and they can clean their own ears and eyes with it!
💤 They only sleep 30 minutes a day! And they give birth standing up- the baby drops 2 meters to the ground!

𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔 𝗘𝗪𝗘 🦌The ewe (female impala) is one of the smartest mothers in the bush:They only have 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗯 p...
20/10/2026

𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔 𝗘𝗪𝗘 🦌

The ewe (female impala) is one of the smartest mothers in the bush:

They only have 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗯 per year - very rarely twins. She is pregnant for about 6.5 months / 196 days.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀?
In Southern Africa / Limpopo, all ewes give birth at the SAME time - 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆, just when the first summer rains come and there is green grass. It's called the lambing season. Hundreds of lambs are born within a few weeks.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲?
She has 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 on her udder, even though she only has one lamb! Nature gave her a spare - if one teat gets injured or infected, she can still feed her baby with the others.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲!
This is the amazing part - if there is a drought and no rain, the ewe can actually 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 and hold the lamb inside them for up to 3-4 weeks longer, waiting for rain! They wait until the veld is green so their lamb will have food and a better chance to survive. As soon as the rain comes, all the ewes drop their lambs at once.

𝑂𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑙 𝑒𝑤𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑠:
▪️Ewes live together in big herds, up to 100 females with their lambs.
▪️They hide their newborn lamb alone in thick bush for 1-2 days before bringing it back to the nursery herd.
▪️The lamb can stand and suckle within 10 minutes after birth.
▪️Lambs form crèches - kindergartens where they play together while mothers go eat.
▪️An ewe can have her first lamb at only 1.5 years old.

Did you know that guinea fowl are some of the 𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 and most 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 birds in the African bushveld? 🌍🥚 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝗘𝗴𝗴 ...
19/10/2026

Did you know that guinea fowl are some of the 𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 and most 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 birds in the African bushveld? 🌍

🥚 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝗘𝗴𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀: Female guinea fowl lay their eggs in hidden nests on the ground, often tucked away in thick grass or bushes.
👀 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: Their excellent eyesight and group behaviour help them spot danger quickly.
📢 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Guinea fowl make loud calls when they sense danger, alerting other animals and people to potential threats!
🏃 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘁: These birds prefer running to flying and can move surprisingly quickly when startled.
🐜 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀: They feed on insects, ticks, seeds, and other small creatures, helping control certain pests.
🪶 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀: Their dark feathers covered in white spots make them easy to recognise in the bushveld.
🌳 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀: Although they spend much of the day on the ground, guinea fowl often fly into trees to sleep safely at night.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿: Guinea fowl are social birds and usually travel in flocks, making quite a noisy little parade!
🔥 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗵𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: With their funny calls, quick movements, and curious personalities, guinea fowl bring plenty of life to the African landscape.

🐦🌿

𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐇 𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐄𝐒 - 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞!  𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐊-𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 - 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐩 / 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲🐾 Size: Big - up to 1.5kg, the s...
16/10/2026

𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐇 𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐄𝐒 - 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞!

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐊-𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 - 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐩 / 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲
🐾 Size: Big - up to 1.5kg, the size of a house cat
🐾 Tail: Very thick, fluffy, dark brown/black tip - like a big bottle brush
🐾 Ears: Smaller, rounded
🐾 Face: Darker face, less white around eyes
🐾 Sound: LOUD - sounds like a human baby crying at night: "whaa whaa whaa"
🐾 Movement: Walks on 4 legs on branches, slow climber
🐾 Food: Fruit, berries, tree gum, some insects
🐾 Home: Likes thick forests, rivers, and trees.

𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 - 𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐩 / 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 / 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲
🐾 Size: Tiny - only 150-200g, fits in your hand
🐾 Tail: Thin, longer than body, less fluffy
🐾 Ears: Huge, bat-like ears that can fold up
🐾 Face: Lighter with big dark eye rings
🐾 Sound: Soft chirps, clicks, and cute barks - can be heard calling to each other
🐾 Movement: Super jumper - can jump 2.5 meters between branches like a frog
🐾 Food: Mostly insects - moths, beetles, spiders, and tree gum
🐾 Home: Dry savanna, mopane trees, gardens and farms.

𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋:
𝐈𝐟 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲 = 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲
𝐈𝐟 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 = 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤-𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲

🦡 THE HONEY BADGER! 🦡💪Did you know that the honey badger is one of Africa’s bravest and toughest little animals? 🌍🔥🐾 Fea...
15/10/2026

🦡 THE HONEY BADGER! 🦡💪

Did you know that the honey badger is one of Africa’s bravest and toughest little animals? 🌍🔥

🐾 Fearless Fighter: Honey badgers are famous for their bold nature and will stand their ground against much larger animals when threatened.
🍯 Honey Lover: Despite their name, they eat much more than honey! Their diet includes insects, rodents, birds, reptiles, eggs, and other small animals.
🛡️ Tough Skin: Their thick, loose skin helps protect them from bites and makes it difficult for predators to hold onto them.
🐍 Snake Hunter: Honey badgers can hunt venomous snakes and have some resistance to certain snake venoms, although bites can still be dangerous.
🧠 Clever Escape Artists: These intelligent animals can use their claws to dig, climb, and even escape from some enclosures!
🌙 Night-Time Wanderers: In many areas, honey badgers are mostly active at night, especially when temperatures are high.
💪 Powerful Digging Machines: Their strong front claws help them dig burrows and uncover hidden prey underground.
🌍 Nature’s Little Warriors: Honey badgers are found across much of Africa, including South Africa, where they play an important role in the ecosystem.
🔥 Small in size, big in courage — the honey badger is truly a wild warrior of the African bush!

🦡🌿

Address

Mangweni Game Lodge
Mookgopong
0560

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mangweni Private Game Reserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Nearby hotels