Maninghi Lodge

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About Us

Lodge History

In 1975, after a long search for the ideal property, Bets van den Berg found Plot 16 in the heart of the pristine Parsons Nature Reserve, now known as Maninghi Lodge. She purchased the vacant land and transformed it into a beloved retreat for family and friends. However, in 1988, Bets moved to Port Shepstone, making the over-1000km journey to the lodge less frequent.

In 1990, Bets’s son, Gerhard, bought the plot, ensuring it remained in the family. Through years of hard work and dedication, Gerhard developed Maninghi Lodge into the cherished destination it is today. By 2013, Gerhard envisioned sharing the lodge with guests but found managing it from Johannesburg challenging. Fortunately, a mutual friend introduced him to Paul Slyer, who joined in 2014 to handle the lodge’s commercial operations. Together, they evolved Maninghi from a private retreat into a welcoming guest lodge.

To enhance comfort and meet guests’ needs, Maninghi underwent significant upgrades, including a major refurbishment in March 2019. The lodge transitioned from a 12-bed, self-catering facility to a cozy 6-sleeper offering Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, styled as a classic African lodge. Each en-suite bedroom, including two with serene river views, features air conditioning, a stocked bar fridge, and private outdoor seating.

Additionally, a tented camp in true safari style is planned to restore the lodge’s original capacity. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of Maninghi Lodge, where heritage, comfort, and sustainability come together for a unique wilderness experience.

Balule Nature Reserve

Balule Nature Reserve, a stunning protected area in Limpopo Province, South Africa, is part of the renowned Greater Kruger National Park. Through a joint conservation initiative, Balule’s fences were removed to connect it seamlessly with nearby reserves like Timbavati and Klaserie and the expansive Kruger Park. This strategic integration supports thriving wildlife populations, including all members of the Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino.

Spanning nearly 60,000 hectares, Balule Nature Reserve offers diverse habitats that are home to over 70 mammal species and an exceptional array of birdlife. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 430 species, including the iconic Big Six birds, such as the Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill, and Pels Fishing Owl. Located in the subtropical lowveld, Balule boasts varied ecosystems with over 336 documented tree species, featuring prominent flora like Leadwoods, Knobthorns, Marulas, and Mopanes in the wooded savannah, which sustains an abundant array of wildlife.

The reserve’s rivers and waterholes are vital lifelines for hippos and crocodiles, with the Olifants River flowing right by Maninghi, a prime location within Balule that draws diverse animal sightings year-round.

The Greater Kruger Park refers to this cluster of private reserves, including Balule, along Kruger’s unfenced mid-western boundary. These private reserves offer a distinct advantage: exclusive, crowd-free safari experiences. Visitors enjoy intimate encounters with wildlife, with a cap of two game vehicles per sighting, ensuring an immersive, tranquil experience. Additionally, the private lodges in Balule offer a more luxurious, exclusive alternative to the larger rest camps in Kruger, ideal for travelers seeking an upscale safari adventure.

The Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, spans 19,485 square kilometers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa, bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Established in 1926, Kruger now forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, connecting with Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.

Home to the Big Five—Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino—Kruger boasts Africa’s richest diversity of large mammals, with 147 species, as well as over 517 bird species, including the iconic Big Six: Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill, and Pel’s Fishing Owl. The park’s diverse habitats support 336 tree species and numerous wildlife, including endangered species like the African Wild Dog.

Kruger offers exclusive, low-density safari experiences, allowing visitors to witness spectacular wildlife in a serene setting. With a rich conservation history, the park is an essential sanctuary for wildlife and a premier destination for nature lovers worldwide.

Packages

No matter your budget, we offer a variety of fully planned travel packages to suit your needs. Choose from a quick 3-day weekend escape or indulge in an extended 10-day holiday. Let us handle all the details of your relaxing getaway, so you can unwind and enjoy every moment.
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Paul Slyer

Paul’s lifelong fascination with the natural world began at an early age. After completing school and working briefly in IT, he embarked on an eight-year global adventure, visiting 37 countries. Upon his return to South Africa, he earned his FGASA accreditation as a guide, and over the past eleven years, he has shared his expertise in 5-star lodges. His three major passions—photography, birding, and bush walks—have deepened his extensive knowledge of the African wilderness.

As a skilled photographer, Paul captures the bush’s beauty with a keen eye for detail, whether he’s tailoring experiences to meet guests’ needs or finding the perfect f-stop for a sunrise shot or a lion pride. A professional birder and experienced lead trails walking guide, Paul leads immersive walking safaris throughout Kruger National Park, eager to share his insights with everyone who joins him.

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If you’re interested in a multi-day Private Guided Safari or an exhilarating backpack trail through Kruger, you can reach out to Paul at info@pawsafaris.com.

Victoria Hiley

After completing high school, Victoria pursued a diploma in Hotel Management and gained valuable experience working at The Hilton Hotels in the UK. Returning to South Africa, she shifted into the Lodge Industry, beginning her journey at a five-star lodge in the Big Five Nambiti Game Reserve. She further expanded her expertise by working at various lodges in Limpopo, ultimately bringing her 13 years of experience to Maninghi Lodge.

A natural “people’s person,” Victoria has a passion for the outdoors and loves sharing Africa’s unique natural heritage with guests from around the world. At Maninghi, she oversees reservations, marketing, and also delights guests as a talented chef, serving up authentic South African dishes.

For reservations or inquiries, contact Victoria at +27 60 525 8571 or reservations@maninghi.co.za.

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