Paying homage to one of the big tuskers who made his home at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve in the late 1970s, this magnificent elephant was affectionately known as Mandleve, which means ‘ear’ in Tsonga, one of the native languages spoken in South Africa.
When the Presidential Suite at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge was transformed in 2015, it heralded a new era with a nod to the gentle giant by naming it the Mandleve Suite. Following a refurbishment in 2024, the expansive Mandleve Villa is a beacon of luxury and privacy. My daughter and I cannot wait to experience the latest offering in the spectacular Sabi Sabi portfolio, which consists of four exceptional lodges.
We arrive on a Tuesday morning and are warmly welcomed by Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge manager Retha, who walks us to our impressive Villa. Right at the end of a sandy pathway, the greyish building comes into view, and we are keen to see what lies beyond the solid wooden front door. Our jaws drop at the size of the dwelling, and in true Sabi Sabi style, it is a well-designed and thought-out space, ideal for families or multi-generational travel, a trend that has seen a marked increase over the years. Tasked with the alteration, Dakota Design went to work on breathing new life into the space. “Following the successful renovation of 25 suites at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, which has been met with outstanding guest feedback, we were commissioned to bring the same contemporary design aesthetic to the Mandleve Suite,” Senior Interior Designer Amanda Strydom tells me. “In addition to modernizing the space, the project includes converting the existing two-person unit into a spacious four-sleeper family retreat, ensuring both comfort and style for guests of all ages.”
The team at Dakota Design reimaged the existing layout by enclosing the previous outdoor seating area, converting it into a full, sunlit lounge. With high glazing and expansive doors that open directly onto the pool and deck, the new lounge creates an integrated indoor and outdoor experience. The lounge, with its comfortable couch, coffee, tea, and drinks station, serves as a central hub that beautifully connects the various living spaces, providing both functionality and a welcoming, sociable atmosphere for families to unwind.
Which is exactly what we do after we’ve settled in – the weather is warm enough to take a dip in our private plunge pool. We spend a fair amount of time relaxing in the water, and just as we’re about to climb out, a male elephant appears! What an incredible sight he is, sashaying amongst the overwhelming greenery, pausing every so often to pull out some grass or indulge in the leaves of the trees. We see him again from the dining deck, and he is now having a drink at the watering hole while at the same time splashing water over himself to cool off.
Lunch consists of a create-your-own salad buffet, Mongolian fillet, fish cakes, and an array of delectable desserts. Before long, High Tea is served, with even more sweet and savory treats. We meet Field Guide Erin and Tracker Lesley, and as we’re about to depart for our afternoon game drive, the heavens open. We decided to forego the safari to instead luxuriate in our amazing Villa!
It’s hard to imagine what the Villa looked like previously. “It extends beyond the new lounge space,” Amanda tells me. “The previous bathroom is now a spacious family bathroom, catering for the needs of a four-sleeper unit. Meanwhile, the lounge, which was once tucked off to the side, is the main bedroom. The new layout offers enhanced privacy, while an elegant extension accommodates a large open en-suite. Several signature elements from the original Mandleve Suite have been thoughtfully retained to preserve its character and charm. The classic four-poster bed remains a focal point, exuding timeless elegance, while the vintage dressing cupboard adds a touch of nostalgia and warmth. Additionally, the unique twig standing lamps with their organic aesthetic continue to bring a sense of authenticity and connection to nature, seamlessly blending the suite’s heritage with its refreshed, contemporary design.”
Nature takes center stage through the color and textiles which are used in Mandleve Villa, and Dakota Design’s approach for the interiors was to complement rather than compete with the surroundings. They definitely achieved their goal by fashioning a calm and neutral space that enhances the sense of tranquility. This was accomplished by layering textures and incorporating a sophisticated mix of neutral tones, while subtly introducing the rich greens of the bush. With refined comfort at the core of Mandleve Villa, guests will feel immersed in their environment through an unhindered flow between the outdoors and the natural landscape.
After a great night’s sleep, we depart on our morning game drive, and Erin and Lesley go in search of what is out in the bushveld. The rain has turned the topography into a lush oasis of vegetation, and the elephants, impalas, zebra, and kudus are loving their food in excess. Three bull elephants are feeding right next to the road, carefully shaking the sand off before eating the grass they are plucking. At a small water source, we see a hamerkop trying to catch fish, a grey heron probably doing the same, and a woolly-necked stork taking flight.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining area with a deck overlooking a watering hole. It’s not uncommon to see wildlife coming down for a drink, and a breeding herd of elephants is making their way down to the water. There is a tiny calf who is managing a few sips, and it’s always entertaining and heartwarming to see how clumsy they can get as they don’t quite know yet how to use their trunks.
Back at Mandleve Villa, I take in the detail of the carefully curated mix of mood and practical lighting that guarantees both atmosphere and functionality. The stunning woven pendants form a focal point above the table in the foyer, casting a warm, inviting glow. High-quality aluminum lights illuminate over the vanity in the bathrooms, providing practicality. Art pieces are highlighted through strategically positioned spotlights, which add depth and character.
Nestled in a secluded setting, the Mandleve Villa provides a private sanctuary, an ideal escape where families can relax, reconnect, and recharge as they wish.
Our afternoon safari gets rained out, but the exhilaration of the skies parting and the rains falling hard is something special to have happen. It also aids both tracker and guide in finding animal prints as it has created a blank canvas, and they know how fresh or old the footprints are. Which makes our last game drive a fond farewell to find lots of birds perched at the top of the trees amongst the bluest of skies.
Erin finds a coalition of male lions, known as the Kambula Breakaways, close to Earth Lodge. Out of consideration, she asks whether we would like to have a coffee stop as it’s quite a distance to drive or go see the lions. We all agree on the lions! There are four of them – three of them are lying flat in the grass, and the dominant male is sitting upright, scanning what is going on around him. We stay with them as they start waking up to move out of the morning sun to a cooler spot, the one glances upwards, and he has the most beautiful green eyes and long black eyelashes.
The Sabi Sabi story began at Bush Lodge over four decades ago, and with family at the heart of its ethos, the feeling of coming home is very real. Making it even more exceptional is meeting up with dear friends for coffee, which, like staying in the Mandleve Villa, leaves an indelible mark, coupled with a promise to return again one day.
How to Book with Mahlatini Luxury Travel | Heléne’s internal flights in South Africa were generously sponsored by Mahlatini Luxury Travel. Founded in 2002 as a luxury African travel specialist, Mahlatini has been curating bespoke safari and cultural itineraries for discerning clients who place sustainability at the top of their travel agenda. An independent brand with offices in the UK and South Africa, Mahlatini’s reputation is built on authenticity, exceptional customer service, and first-hand experience. Proudly certified as the first independent African tour operator to join the global community of B Corp businesses, recognizing their highest standards of social and environmental performance. Every single trip is uniquely customized to the client’s exact wishlist, and from the moment of introduction to arrival home, you are guided through one of life’s great journeys. To plan your next African adventure, browse www.mahlatini.com/us, contact experts@mahlatini.com, or call +44 28 9073 6050.
