This Big Five Game Reserve is beautifully situated in Northern Zululand in the South African province of KwaZulu Natal and near the southern border of Swaziland.
Dominated by the Shembe and Mahlangosi mountains, the reserve is host to a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna including lion, leopard, elephant, white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, hippo, crocodile, and an impressive quantity and variety of plains game. A wealth of bird-life provides hours of interest for the keen birder.
The 10,000 hectare Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is situated 4 hours north of Durban in the heart of historic Zululand, KwaZulu Natal. As well as the Big 5 – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant, you will get the chance to see many other African mammals and nearly 400 species of bird.
Game drives take place early morning and late afternoon, and are led by experienced game rangers and trained nature guides, and the evenings are enjoyed under the stars or in the comfortable dining area.
The Mkuze Falls Game Lodge consists of 8 luxuriously appointed thatched chalets, built on raised wooden platforms with spacious private verandas, providing stunning views of the river, bush and mountains.
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve accommodation:
18 BEDS IN NINE SUITES:
- 8 Luxury Thatched Suites
- 1 Luxury Honeymoon Thatched Suite
EACH LUXURY THATCHED SUITE FEATURES:
- WiFi
- King size bed / twin beds
- En-suite bathroom with outside shower Tea and coffee making facilities
- Mini-bar fridge
- Deck
- Air conditioner and overhead fans
- Private plunge pool
- Telephone
THE LUXURY HONEYMOON THATCHED SUITE FEATURES:
- WiFi
- All inclusions in luxury thatched suites
- Spacious living area
- Mini kitchen
- Lounge
- Large deck
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve location:
Mkuze Falls is strategically positioned on the Kruger Park-Swaziland-Durban (N2/R66) and Johannesburg-Richards Bay-Durban (N2/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.
Mkuze Falls Game Drives and walks:
Guests are invited to join the open-vehicle safaris with experienced field guides and rangers who also conduct bird, bush and game walks on request. Enjoy two game drives daily in this Private Big Five Reserve, one in the early morning where our visitors will meet for coffee and tea before going out on an adventure, returning for a scrumptious breakfast. In the afternoon high tea is served in the lounge area, which boasts an array of delightful and delectable treats, after which you are invited to join the afternoon drive. This is an exciting time as the sun slowly slips away and you may be lucky to see some of the night creatures as they start to make an appearance.
Your guide will find an ideal spot to enjoy a sun-downer which is traditionally an African safari experience to listen to the sounds as night approaches and watch a beautiful sun down as the day ends.The game vehicles are comfortable and are at a height which presents good game viewing and ample opportunities for photography.
Game and bird walks are conducted professionally and safely bringing the bush alive in a close encounter with the knowledge of the guide. The unique ecosystems of riverine, wetland, lowveld bushveld and montane grassland provide the diversity and large quantity of bird and animal species, big and small.
A complimentary Wildlife & Birdlife Checklist booklet is handed out to guests to record their viewing on the game drives and walks, this has proven to be popular as a memento of their visit with us!
Mkuze Falls Rangers:
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve Rangers are professional and knowledgeable about the animals and the birdlife, questions from our guests are welcome and they enjoy interpreting the ways of the wild, providing a learning experience which encompasses all aspects of wildlife and nature, from the trees, the varied birdlife, the different insects and reptiles, the plains game and of course the predators. Safety and the enjoyment of our guests are a priority.
The rangers work together with a tracker who sits on the front `tracker-seat` of the game viewing vehicle to best follow the tracks and signs of the wildlife. He can tell which way the elephant is moving or where the lion lay down in the grass and even how `fresh` the track is - it is a skill which in some cases gets handed down from one generation to another.
Above all, enjoy your game drive or walk in this wonderful reserve which is fragile and miraculous. Enjoy the majesty of the Big 5 and the beauty of all the hundreds of other species which make up this beautiful ecosystem.
By road:
The reserve is accessed by road from Durban (3 1/2 hours drive) and Johannesburg (4 1/2 hours drive) via Pongola.
Travelling on the N2 from Durban or Johannesburg, turn onto the R66 at town of Pongola.
Follow the R66 to Nongoma and you'll find the turn off to Mkuze Falls after the turn-off to Ithala Game Reserve and Vryheid (R69).
The Lodge is signposted from both directions and is a further 2 kilometres along dirt road.
By air:
Direct flights by Federal Air to the town of Mkuze and transfer by minibus to the lodge.
