About Mkuze Falls
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is located in the north of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. The reserve is over 8,500 hectares in extent and is steadily growing by incorporating other properties. Besides lion, elephant, white rhino, buffalo, hippo, leopard, cheetah, crocodile, spotted hyena and giraffe, numerous species of antelope may also be spotted. There is also a vast array of bird species, and twitchers will find many species of interest.
Accommodation
There are two main lodges - The tented camp and the Mkuze Falls Lodge. The tented camp takes a maximum of 10 persons in 5 tents. The Mkuze Falls Lodge takes a maximum of 18 persons; 16 in chalets and 2 in the Luxury Safari Suite.
Directions
Mkuze Falls is strategically positioned on the Kruger Park-Swaziland-Durban (From the N2 take the R66) and Johannesburg-Richards Bay-Durban (From N2 take R66) routes. After leaving the R66 between Pongola and Nongoma (the Lodge is signposted from both directions), you travel a further 2 kilometres along dirt road when the sugarcane fields fade away and you arrive at the main entrance of the Reserve. From there, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the Lodge. Although times are approximate, Mkuze Falls is 4.5 - 5 hours from JHB, 3.5 - 4 hours from Durban and 1.5 - 2 hours from Richards Bay.
Game Drives
Safaris or game drives take place in the early morning, late afternoon and early evening. The game drives are led by experienced game rangers and trained nature guides. Guests are encouraged to involve themselves in the safari experience by asking questions and interacting with their ranger. You will find that the expertise of the rangers and guides is invaluable as they have an amazing ability to spot game in situations where the untrained eye sees nothing.
Access
Mkuze Falls only admits a limited number of safari vehicles to traverse the reserve at any one time - no 'Bush-Rush' hours! 'Take five' in the heart of this beautiful landscape, enjoy your sundowners and savour the essence of Africa! Guests will not be permitted to drive their own vehicles in the park after arrival. All game drives will be conducted by Mkuze Falls rangers. There is a private air-strip and a helipad within easy distance of Mkuze Falls game park. Co-ordinates will be provided on request.
Birdlife
For ornithologists and bird lovers, Mkuze Falls is absolute heaven. There are more than 400 species of birds in the area, many of which can be observed in the Mkuze Falls Wetlands. This wealth of birdlife provides hours of interest for the keen birdwatcher. The reserve is home to the fish eagle, giant kingfisher and many other bird species, especially the Narina Trogon and the purple-crested Lourie.
Wildlife
Mkuze Falls Game Reserve is a haven to the African 'Big Five' as well as Cheetah, Hippo, Crocodile, spotted Hyena, Giraffe, Wildebeest and Zebra. Numerous species of antelope are also resident in the reserve and the elusive Nyala occurs in greater numbers here, than anywhere else in the world.
What to bring
Anti-malaria tablets and / or insect repellent, sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, camera & plenty of spare film, binoculars, light safari clothing for daytime, warm clothing for night time and game drives. Smart casual attire is recommended for evenings. Swimming costumes are highly recommended in the summer months. |