Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve

The Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is beautifully situated in the heart of historic Zululand in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkuze Falls is one of only two Private Game Reserves in the region where you can view the `Big 5` - lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant - and for bird lovers`, nearly 400 species of birds are resident.

For those seeking a little adventure, there is the magnificent Maputaland coast to explore and fishing is available on Pongolapoort Dam. The Zululand Battlefields are in close proximity and there are many sites of historical importance to visit.

The Reserve is located on land that once formed part of the `Boer Republic`, created when the pioneer leader, Piet Retief, bought the land from Dingaan, half- brother of the great Zulu King, Shaka.

You are invited to stay with us and enjoy our beautiful Falls Lodge or Tented Lodge. Experience the unique richness that this peaceful part of Africa has to offer.

It is a place of pure tastes and simple delights, celebrating the thrill of nature. This is the place with the sound and beauty of water falling...

Rooms:

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FALLS LODGE:
Mkuze Falls Game Lodge consists of eight thatched chalets, a safari suite and a central complex, which are built on raised wooden platforms and have spacious verandas. These private balconies provide stunning views of the Falls or the perennial Mkuze River to the hills beyond.

The centrally located facilities include a pleasant dining area, a comfortable lounge, an indoor pub, a shady terrace and a swimming pool.

There is also a fully equipped, air conditioned conference room catering for 18 participants.

The large lounge leads onto a spacious viewing deck which is built over the sloping riverbank. This verandah provides panoramic views of the winding Mkuze River and the wild, untamed landscape beyond.

In the heat of the day, you can relax under the shady palm trees and take a refreshing swim in the sparkling pool. In the evenings, enjoy some lively entertainment provided by the energetic, traditional Zulu dancers.

Highly experienced kitchen and waiting staff have been trained to indulge and delight the most discerning guests. The menu varies daily and features a host of South African dishes including local venison specialities during the hunting season.

Vegetarian meals are prepared on request. In fine weather, dinner or a South African 'braai' (barbecue) is served in the Boma.

TENTED LODGE:
Mkuze Falls Game Reserve now offers a new and adventurous experience at their Tented Lodge.

Five 'Hemingway'-style East African safari tents are uniquely situated on the Mkuze River, where a wide variety of animals come to drink.

The tents are built on wooden decks raised on stilts with beautiful views of the lush countryside.

The facilities include a lounge, bar, boma and swimming pool.

The luxurious and beautifully decorated East African safari tents enhance your bush experience in comfort and style. Each tent has double / twin beds, a mini bar, airconditioning and overhead fan, mosquito nets and en-suite facilities including a Victorian-style, free-standing bath and an inside / outside shower.

The tents are built on wooden decks raised on stilts, linked together by timbered walk-ways. They are positioned to ensure complete privacy and panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Mkuze River below.

Starlit evenings are enjoyed in the boma and the sounds of the Zulu drumbeat beckon the pure spirit of Africa. The evening air is broken by the call of the Night Jar, the sounds of Zebra in the distance, the unexpected roar of the Lion and the trumpet of the Elephant. The pure sounds of Africa!

Activities:

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Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserves is currently 8,500 hectares in extent and will soon will be extended to incorporate other properties.

Besides lion, elephant, white rhino, buffalo, hippo, cheetah, crocodile, spotted hyena and giraffe, numerous species of antelope may also be spotted.

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.

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!

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.

How to get there:

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See Map
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.

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