uMkhuze Game Reserve, Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal
uMkhuze (Mkuze) Game Reserve is situated in the north of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal. The reserve is 40 000 ha in extent and consists of a great diversity of habitats which combine to create a place of amazing beauty and contrasts.
The terrain is mostly flat and dry but the different eco-systems range from the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains, to ancient dunes, to broad stretches of gently rolling acacia savannah, swamps and a variety of woodlands and riverine forest. There is a rare sand forest right in the centre of the reserve where you will find the wide spreading, dark-leafed sherbet tree and the red heart tree which creates quite a show in Autumn.
The reserve is particularly well known for the abundant bird life with over 400 recorded species as well as a wide variety of animal species including black and white rhinoceros, elephant, giraffe, nyala, blue wildebeest, warthog, eland, hippo, impala, kudu and other smaller antelope. Rare species occurring in the reserve are cheetah, hyaena, suni and leopard.
Three game viewing hides have been constructed next to the Kubube, Kamasinga, Kwamalibala pans.There are two beautiful pans in the north and east called Nhonhlela and Nsumo respectively. They are home to pelicans as well as hippos and crocodiles. The Fig Forest Guided Walking Trail (guided by a field ranger) should not be missed. Short day walks (± 2 hours) conducted by a field ranger, may also be undertaken.
Accommodation is mainly at Mantuma which offers a variety of options including chalets, cottages, rest huts and campsites. There is also the Nhlonhlela Bush Camp which has an 8-bed lodge.
Gate entry times: Summer (1 October – 31 March) 05:00 – 19:00, Winter (1 April – 30 September) 06:00 – 18:00. These times are strictly enforced.
Getting there: From the south, the turn-off to the uMkhuze Game Reserve is signposted 35 km north of Hluhluwe. From this point, the road is gravel. Approximately 15 km further turn right onto another signposted road through the Lebombo mountains. The entrance is 10 km along this road and the route is clearly signposted.
Visitors from the north should take the road through Mkuze Village, which is 18 km from the entrance gate and 28 km from Mantuma camp. This road is well signposted.
Central reservations: +27 (0)33 845 1000, Email
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