South Africa

Mkuze Game Reserve

Savannah gives way to forest, marsh and river landscape. Meanwhile more than 420 bird species fly around here, and at a waterhole a rhino, giraffe or cheetah can suddenly appear.

Discover everything about this location.

Where every landscape attracts different wildlife.

uMkhuze Game Reserve forms the north-western extension of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The landscape changes as you drive through the reserve. On the eastern side lie the slopes of the Lebombo mountains. Further on follow savannah, forests, marshes and riverine forests.

Along the northern and eastern border flows the Mkuze River. All those different landscapes bring a wide variety of animals.

Here you may come across cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, rhinos, giraffes and impala, among others.

Sometimes standing still is the best game drive.

uMkhuze is strong on birds. More than 420 species live in the area, from the bright yellow Yellow Billed Greenbul to the crested guineafowl.

For wildlife you do not always have to keep driving. From various hides you look out over waterholes. In the dry season in particular, animals gather here for water and to cool down.

There is plenty to see at the Nhlonhlela and Nsumo pans as well. Crocodiles and hippos live in and around the water, among other animals.

The reserve is also home to a cultural Zulu village, where you can learn more about the way of life of the KwaJobe.

Here it pays to keep watching a little longer.

  • Take a game drive through uMkhuze Game Reserve.
  • Look out for cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, rhinos, giraffes and impala.
  • Spot birds from the more than 420 species in the reserve.
  • Take a seat in a hide by a waterhole.
  • Visit the Nhlonhlela and Nsumo pans.
  • Look out for crocodiles and hippos at the water.
  • See how savannah, forest, marsh and riverine forest alternate.
  • Visit the cultural Zulu village in the reserve.

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.