Mabalingwe Newsletter December 2022

RESORT NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2022

SIGHTINGS CELEBRATIONS MORE NEWS RESORT UPGRADES GUEST EXPERIENCES NOTICES

Compliments of the Season to you, our dear Shareholders. It feels like Old Father Time has become a bit of a trickster, fast-forwarding us through 2022, at a seemingly magical rate, into the twelfth month of the year! But it has been a wonderful year, chock-a-block with sunny skies, blessed rainfall, wonderful wildlife sightings, jam-packed entertainment activities, exhilarating guided game drives, Le Fera feasts, birds spotted, meet-and-greets, private bush picnics and general holiday happiness and fun! Life ‘happens’ so quickly and things change so fast, but your Mabalingwe –

with all her beautiful changeability – remains constant and eagerly awaiting your arrival for your next Mabalingwe Nature Reserve bushveld retreat!

We are taking a moment, ahead of the busy comings and goings of the Festive Season, to take stock of all that has been accomplished in the last six months, acknowledge the passion and achievements of our phenomenal Team, and celebrate the incredible blessing that leisure time spent in this wild paradise, with our nearest and dearest, is.

Wildlife viewing has been at an all-time high, due to the extremely healthy environment and, of course, we are in the midst of what looks set to be another bumper ‘baby’ season, which is always a delightful time of year on the Reserve. We have already been enjoying watching our impala, wildebeest and blesbuck, along with all their bouncy new arrivals, enjoy the lush green grass and bush, and the new and refilled water sources. The summer season bush presents such vivid, verdant backdrops that are perfect for thrilling encounters with elephant, hippo, leopard, and many more.

Let’s face it! We love turning special days and occasions into celebrations and much has been celebrated this year!

Father’s Day – The weather over the 2022 Father’s Day weekend was freezing! Which was the perfect weather for all our Dad-guests, who each received a special pair of wooly winter socks as a gift! Kalahari Oasis joined in on the fun, offering the first dad to visit Kalahari Oasis, wearing his new socks, a complimentary drink!

National Women's Day in South Africa draws attention to many of the important issues that women in Africa still face. We consider it a privilege to be able to take the opportunity to celebrate and uphold women's achievements, and celebrate all of the incredible, strong, magnificent women in our greater Mabalingwe circle.

By way of a nod of respect to all the wonderful women staying with us for Women's Day, each of the women received a specially made, personalised sweet treat to enjoy - a salted caramel wafer bar! #nomnomnom

Heritage Day is always a ‘biggie’ at Mabalingwe! We have an array of beautiful cultures in our beautiful land and so too, visiting our Resort. But of course, the one thing ALL South Africans, and Mabalingweans, have in common is our love for BRAAI! This year, for Heritage Day, each unit received a gift “braai-plankie”. The Mabalingwe “braai-plankie” is unique to its origin, as they were manufactured from wood salvaged from the Reserve as a part of our Fire and Environmental Management Programme. This meant that guests got to take a little ‘piece’ of Mabalingwe home with them. The Team also included some Mabalingwe Resort Family secret recipes with the gifts, giving those lucky visitors the means to whip up some fabulous braai salt and beer marinade recipes for National Braai Day.

Every school holiday deserves quality time spent with family and friends that translates into everlasting memories; we feel this, even more, when the December Festive Season rolls around! The Le Fera Team has been hard-at-work preparing for an incredible Festive Season, featuring a delectable lunch buffet at Vulture's View and the perfect start to the New Year with their famous breakfast buffet at Kalahari Oasis Bush Pub.

Mabalingwe Lion Man 2022

After an absence of some years, following the COVID-19 outbreak, this iconic and oh-so-popular Lion Man MTB event returned to Mabalingwe on 25 and 26 June 2022. The event was co-hosted by Mabalingwe Nature Reserve Share Block, Le Fera, and Mabalingwe Game Reserve. Several courses and limited entries were on offer to participants, as well as a myriad of fun and activities, food and refreshments for spectators and participants alike. The event proved to be as popular as ever and was, by all accounts, a huge success.

Working on Fire and Reserve Fire Breaks

The annual creation and preparation of the Reserve fire breaks was, once again, conducted in partnership with Working on Fire. Fortunately, this year saw no veld fire incidents here, and we remain grateful for the dedication of the Working on Fire and MCPA Teams, who constantly monitor the weather and any outbreaks in the area, staying informed and proactive in this regard.

Keep Mabalingwe Clean – Litter Eradication Drive

All Mabalingwe entities remain focused on the collection and eradication of litter in and around the Resort and Reserve. This joint effort amongst all of the greater Mabalingwe entities and residents remains a priority.

Road Maintenance and Repairs

Following the extreme rainfall experienced during December 2021 and Easter 2022, the MCPA Team has completed repairs and maintenance to kilometres of tar and gravel. There is still work to be done and such repairs and maintenance remain ongoing, at this time.

Units: Scheduled Maintenance

Ongoing scheduled unit maintenance has taken place throughout the year, ensuring that all our accommodation units are in tip-top shape for your next visit.

Carports

In the past six months, since our last newsletter, the Resort Team has rebuilt a total of five carports and made repairs to an additional 17 carports.

Urgent Matters

In the course of our regular unit interior and exterior inspections, we found that the front doors of two units had suffered termite damage. Suitable termite treatment was immediately carried out and the damaged wooden panels were replaced.

Thatching of Units: Internal Roofs

Maintenance of the interior thatch has been done progressively during the past six months, with more than 30 units having been attended to, as at the time of writing this report. This project is ongoing.

Resort Signage

The signage on the carports at all the units has been replaced, due to wear and tear to the old signage, resulting from the extreme bushveld heat and sun.

Safety Signage

The introduction of new, additional safety signage around the Resort has been completed, including indemnity signage, which has been placed throughout the timeshare camps and at all swimming pools.

Decking

The Resort Team has replaced two wooden decks, namely the one at the Farm Shop / Recreation area, and the decking at the swimming pool overlooking WP Wessels Dam.

Garden Pots

Out with the old and in with the new! Who knew what a touch of paint could do!? Various pots around the Resort have been repainted and are sporting fresh, earthy tones that fit perfectly with the environment.

Hiking Trail

Our Entertainment Team, Rangers and PRO conduct weekly maintenance trips to ensure that the trail is clean, obstacle free and safe for our guests to enjoy, ahead of any upcoming Nature Hikes.

Safety Equipment Service

Our annual Resort Fire Service was completed in June 2022 and included some additions to, as well as the servicing of, all fire equipment.

Railings: Heated Pool

A new safety railing has been installed between the Heated Pool and the pathway leading to the Farm Shop.

Awnings

Awnings have been installed at all
four-sleeper studio units to provide rain cover and prevent water entering the units.

Phiri Satellite Station

Our new satellite station at Phiri is now fully operational, serving as a storage facility for linen and maintenance materials. The implementation of this new station has resulted in the desired decreased call out times and increased productivity and fuel savings.

Laundry Satellite Station (former old laundry)

This station is currently being fitted to serve as a centralised storage and Resort Operations facility.

Squash Court

The Resort squash court has been completely refurbished, with the walls having been replastered and the flooring restored.

Sauna

The Resort sauna was reopened at the end of November, following the replacement of the ceiling and the completion of additional maintenance.

Fire Hydrant System Supply Line

The Team has replaced the fire hydrant supply line, that feeds from WP Wessels Dam.

Blood Drive

Mabalingwe is pleased to have hosted our second SANBS Blood Drive for the year, during this period. Thirty-four valent and valued donors stepped up, making the event a success, and offering much-needed support to this vital cause.

CANSA Shavathon

The Team hosted another cause close to our hearts in October this year, and forty-four caring souls participated, and had their hair sprayed an array of colours, to raise funds for CANSA.

Meet and Greet

Our weekly Meet and Greet sessions in the Restaurant remain ongoing, and very popular. Shareholders and guests are invited to join the Resort Management Team for a cup of tea or coffee, while the marvelous Recreation Team provide wonderfully fun and engaging entertainment.
Our passionate and knowledgeable Rangers are also on hand during these sessions, and host an informative session about the Resort, the Reserve, the wildlife and flora, and the environment in general. Please do bring your family and come and join us for one of these social and enlightening get-togethers during your next Mabalingwe holiday.

Eco-Cubs

Future Eco-Warriors and Wildlife Guardians come pouring in weekly to join our Eco-Cub activities. Children of all ages join the Rangers on an adventure drive, whilst learning about nature and the importance of our ecosystems, giving Mom and Dad the opportunity to lie in, or sneak away together to the Boeretroos Coffee Shop for a special treat.

Holiday Activities

The Resort provides a jam-packed, exhilarating holiday programme on special days and during school holidays. Activities ranging from pizza-making and pool games to mini golf challenges, music trivia, nature quizzes and, of course, the much anticipated and beloved Meet and Greet.

Le Fera Restaurant and Vulture's View Bar

Weekly Specials, Special Occasions, Sunday Brunch and much more.
FIND OUT MORE

Kalahari Oasis
Bush Pub

Special Occasions, Drinks Specials, Private Functions and much more.
FIND OUT MORE

Mbali Day Spa
- Mabalingwe

Monthly Specials, Signature Massages, Little Princess Packages and much more.
FIND OUT MORE

One of the things that makes Mabalingwe so popular with timeshare owners and guests alike is the quantity and variety of on-site recreational facilities and activities. There are so many places to go, things to see, activities to take part in and experiences to be enjoyed; providing options and interest for all ages and choices to suit a host of preferences.

Lest anything be overlooked, we’ve compiled a handy summary of Resort Recreational Facilities and Activities so that you can be sure you and your loved ones don’t miss out on your next visit!

Click here to read the summary

“It wasn't just an experience; it felt a lot like home... we felt so welcome and everyone at the Resort went out of their way to be helpful and made our stay even more special. We will definitely be back...And to Carel, our game driver... from the two Portuguese ladies, we thank you for making our last night an awesome experience...To Eddy, you went out of your way to make our first experience super awesome...Thank you all so much. Adeus.” – Micaela Ferreira

“We have been coming to Mabalingwe for 34 years and we always have an awesome and memorable time!” – Cathy Shorten

“Mabalingwe is one of those Resorts where you can really unwind, rest and be ready for the last few months of the year. The staff is always friendly and helpful.” – lyndascheepers

“Our once a year, rest your soul, getaway place! Will always love Mabalingwe!” – W Louw

“Always a good week away from the hustle and bustle and to spend time at such a wonderful Resort that is so well maintained and the staff so friendly. It does not feel as though we have been coming to Mabalingwe for over 30 years and still look forward to our trip.” – margarithabuwalda

"WOW....What an experience!!!! From the time of checking-in to checking-out, … My husband, son & I visited in September 2022 for a week and felt like our vacay was too short.
The Resort has so much to see and do: evening game drives, horse outrides, morning hike, a relaxing massage, cocktails on the deck…
Mabalingwe definitely has something for everyone. Thank you Mabalingwe for hosting us for the week, it definitely was one for the books." – Nicole J

“I have been coming here for years. Always a great stay. Very relaxing. Great scenery with lots to do.”
– Derek

We love hearing from our Shareholders and guests! Feedback – whether it’s a compliment, a shared experience, a funny story, or constructive criticism – is always so welcome and provides an excellent yardstick to keep us on our toes!

WIN BIG!

We have some super-exciting news to share with you.
February 2023 is coming with major changes, and we wanted you to be the first to know!

Options has been honing and perfecting their craft, and affecting a rebrand and name change, to one that better speaks to the service offering, and provides for a fresh new look!

The first 1000 new users who follow the link below and register online by 15 February 2023, will automatically be credited with 1000 Holiday Exchange points!

But wait, there’s more…

If you register by 15 February 2023, you will automatically be entered into a lucky draw and will stand a chance of winning 10x free domestic exchanges!

*T’s and C’s apply

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Read more about African Blessings and all their projects

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Important Notices

SAVE THESE NUMBERS!
Should an incident occur during your stay, kindly contact the Manager on Duty as soon as possible, so that we may be of assistance. To report any incidents or concerns please contact us on:
014 001 7240 | 082 546 9052 | 083 272 4851

Resort Calendars
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