“Mma-bolela" – "Mother - speak to me”

This was the sad and unanswered call that echoed along the palm-strewn banks of the Limpopo River as dusk settled over the still, dark depths of the hippo pool into which Lalele had slowly slithered.   African folklore relates how Mabalel, the carefree young daughter of the local chief, was seized by Lalele, the father of all crocodiles, as she was drawing water from the Limpopo river.  This story has been immortalised by the famous poet and naturalist Eugéne Marais in his poem “Mabalel”.

The Mabalel Hippo Pool fringed by date palms and large Schotia trees

Here you can experience this special part of Africa, the very same "great, grey, green, greasy Limpopo River" as described by Rudyard Kipling in his “Just so Stories” and savour the unspoilt Limpopo Valley Bushveld with its majestic riverine woodland, abundant wildlife and especially diverse birdlife.

Visits to Mmabolela are limited to homestead guests only, ensuring an exclusive 'go-where-you-will' stay.