Mabula Game Lodge sits in the malaria-free Waterberg, near Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) in Limpopo — a Big Five reserve close enough to Johannesburg for a long weekend, at roughly two and a quarter hours by road. A2B Shuttle runs private, door-to-door transfers from OR Tambo, Johannesburg, Sandton and Pretoria straight to Mabula and the surrounding Waterberg lodges, so you arrive relaxed and ready for the first game drive.
This is a private transfer, not a shared scheduled shuttle. We collect you at the airport or your address, build in a comfort break, and drop you at the lodge gate. Because the last stretch from Bela-Bela runs on gravel, and lodge check-in and game-drive times are fixed, we quote each Mabula trip individually for a firm, fixed fare before you travel.
WhatsApp 081 465 0446 for a quote →
Call 081 465 0446
Or email bookings@a2bshuttle.com with your dates and we will come straight back with a fixed price.
The run from Gauteng to the Waterberg is comfortable on the N1, but the final leg to the lodge is slower gravel, and safari days start early. A private vehicle means you leave when it suits your flight or hotel checkout, you are not waiting on other passengers, and you are dropped right at the Mabula gate or your specific lodge rather than a shared stop in town.
If you are flying in for a safari, we can collect you at arrivals and take you straight to Mabula, without a separate night in the city unless you want one.
Give us the exact pickup and your Waterberg lodge when you book. We will confirm the route and a fixed fare for that journey.
Approximate road distances and times for a direct drive, before comfort stops and traffic. The last stretch from Bela-Bela to the lodge is gravel and slower than the highway.
| From | Approx. distance | Typical journey |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg / Sandton | About 190 km | Typically 2.25–2.5 hours via the N1 north through Bela-Bela |
| OR Tambo International Airport | About 210–230 km | Typically 2.5–2.75 hours |
| Pretoria | About 130 km | Typically 1.75–2 hours |
We match the vehicle to your group and your luggage. Safari trips often mean soft bags and camera gear, so tell us how much you are bringing.
A full 9-Seater Minivan to Mabula, from R4,200 for the vehicle, works out at about R467 a person — private and door-to-door, without a fixed departure time. See also conference and group transport in Johannesburg.
One-way “from” fares, per vehicle (not per person), from OR Tambo or Johannesburg. The exact lodge and pickup suburb are confirmed when you book. Return transfers are quoted on request.
| Vehicle | From (one way) |
|---|---|
| Standard Sedan (1–3) | from R3,000 |
| 9-Seater Minivan (up to 9) | from R4,200 |
| Luxury Sedan (1–3) | from R4,500 |
| Executive 9-Seater Van (up to 9) | from R5,300 |
| 13-Seater Minibus (up to 13) | from R5,500 |
| Mercedes V-Class (up to 7) | from R5,700 |
| 22-Seater Bus (up to 22) | from R8,200 |
Please note:
To change or cancel a booking, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice before the scheduled pickup, by email or phone. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, or no-shows, may be charged. Where an eligible refund is due, it is processed to your original payment method.
Landing at OR Tambo and heading straight to the Waterberg is a common way to start a safari. We monitor your flight, meet you in arrivals, and include 60 minutes of free waiting time (then R200 per hour). If your flight is due in late in the day, say so when you book, as lodge gates and the last game drive are timed, and it is sometimes wiser to overnight in Johannesburg or travel early the next morning. See our airport transfers.
Fares are per vehicle, one way, and fixed before you travel. From OR Tambo or Johannesburg, a Standard Sedan starts from R3,000, a 9-Seater Minivan from R4,200, and a 13-Seater Minibus from R5,500. Larger and executive vehicles are listed in the fare table. Tolls are included; card payments add 4%. WhatsApp or call 081 465 0446 for a confirmed quote.
Mabula Game Lodge is about 190 km from Johannesburg, typically 2.25 to 2.5 hours via the N1 through Bela-Bela, with the last stretch on gravel. From OR Tambo allow roughly 2.5 to 2.75 hours.
Yes. Mabula Game Lodge is in a malaria-free Big Five area of the Waterberg, which makes it a popular safari choice for families and short stays from Gauteng.
Yes, from both airports, as well as hotels and private addresses in Johannesburg, Sandton and Pretoria. Airport collections include a meet-and-greet, live flight tracking and 60 minutes of free waiting time, then R200 per hour.
Yes. Return transfers can be booked with the outbound trip or later, and are quoted on request.
No. The shuttle fare covers your private road transfer, including tolls. Mabula lodge accommodation, conservation levies and game-drive charges are paid separately to the lodge.
Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice before the scheduled pickup to change or cancel. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice, or no-shows, may be charged.
WhatsApp us for your Mabula quote → or call 081 465 0446