South African YouTube sensation, Suzelle DIY, has brought her hilarious catch phrases, unique outfits, and of course, her best friend, Marianne, to the bush. Suzelle launched her video – What to do on Safari – and had her audience in stitches with her reference to having a pair of ‘goodbye noculars’, a pink ‘bush survival kit’, and introducing us to Ryno of the Bush. All this hilarity took place in South Africa’s pristine Waterberg region in the Mabula Private Game Reserve where Suzelle and Marianne experienced their first safari at Mabula Game Lodge.
“Dress like the predator, not the prey” might have explained Suzelle’s glamourous choices in safari outfits, but she proved rather a proficient tracker, and took to the bush on a quad bike, which really blew her hair back… Well, almost. Suzelle asked all the right questions, like ‘where do the animals go to sleep at night’, and made sure she was part of every safari moment, including Marianne and Ryno’s alone time at sunset.
You might have noticed the rolling grasslands, leafy thickets, and the magnificent mountain backdrop (nevermind the handsome man in khaki)? This is Mabula Private Game Reserve, where Suzelle and Marianne spent their time on safari. Quad biking, horse riding, interactive bush walks, and Big 5 game drives take place in this unspoilt African wilderness, which is only a couple of hours’ drive from Johannesburg. A conveniently located safari destination that takes you from the hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquil retreat of the Waterberg in one short car journey.
Mabula Game Lodge is family friendly, while it also offers the ideal getaway for couples like Marianne and Ryno. It’s designed for adventure – picture taking a 4-wheeler out into the reserve; leisure – imagine walking silently through the wild spotting tracks in the sand and birds overhead; and relaxation – think of aromatic oils and warm towels comforting your muscles and sending you into a peaceful doze. Mabula staff offers baby sitting services, so that care and entertainment can be provided for the youngsters while Mom and Dad take some time out.
Mabula celebrates Africa. There are hints of tradition in the safari-chic décor that finishes the thatched buildings and the natural tones that dress the bedrooms. In true African style, meal times are monumental occasions, and Mabula has perfected a combination of colour, dance, flavour, and fun at the dinner table. Out in the open under the wild fig tree, or around a lively boma fire, perhaps in the atmospheric restaurant, or out on the Mvubu Deck overlooking the water – Mabula offers numerous locations for feast and festival.
You can catch glimpses of this safari paradise through Suzelle’s journey and discoveries, but you’ve got to check it out for yourself to truly feel the African ambience that drew the internet star to Mabula’s dreamy doorstep to begin with…
