Situated in the heart of historic Zululand in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is one of only two Private Game Reserves in the region with the Big Five and boasts nearly 430 resident species of birds. 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 seeps into your soul…
Highlights of Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is private and exclusive and only one of two Private Game Reserves in the area where visitors can see Africa's 'Big 5', lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant as well as an abundance of birdlife with nearly 400 species of birds. It's time for your safari! Mkuze Falls Reserve is a unique and peaceful part of Africa with spectacular scenery, mountains and rivers; an area teeming with wildlife and guests can enjoy a large variety of exciting safari and outdoor activities.
Game Viewing and Activities
The Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is host to an impressive variety of wildlife. The unique ecosystems of riverine, wetland, lowveld bushveld and montane grassland provide the diversity and large quantity of bird and animal species. The reserve is home to the Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino as well as cheetah, hippo and a vast number of plains game.
Experienced rangers will take guests on a morning and evening game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicles. 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.
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Bird Watching Paradise
For ornithologists and bird-lovers, Mkuze Falls is paradise. There are more than 400 species of birds in the area. More specifically the reserve is home to the Fish Eagle, Giant Kingfisher, Narina Trogon and the spectacular Purple-crested Lourie to mention a few. For ornithologists and bird-lovers, Mkuze Falls and its wetlands are an absolute must.
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Accommodation Options
Visitors to Mkuze Reserve can stay at the Falls Lodge overlooking the Mkuze River and falls, consisting of nine Thatched Chalets and the romantic Safari Suite. Overlooking the Mkuze Waterfall, the lodge features nine luxuriously appointed Thatched Chalets and one Safari Suite, accommodating eighteen guests in utmost comfort and style. All these rooms have a breathtaking view of the river, bush and mountains. Private plunge-pools and an outdoor showers provide a wild but intimate touch alongside the gratifying luxury of an air-conditioned bedroom.
Both options boast private viewing desks, secluded plunge pools, outdoor showers, and en-suite bathrooms. The peace, scenery and style of the lodge allows for a calm atmosphere amidst the elegant decor. Relax in the spacious lounge, view animals from the wooden deck, sip cocktails in the swimming pool or recount your sightings of the day in the bar! A romantic and beautifully decorated suite for anyone who would like to experience African luxury in the purest sense.
The Mkuze Falls Safari Suite consists of a spacious living and sleeping area, both with views up and downstream the Mkuze River and the waterfall. This suite has a small but comfortable and well-equipped kitchen and, of course, all the features of the other chalets like fans, air-conditioning and en-suite facilities. The adjoining private outside shower and splash pool area is spacious and secluded. The Safari Suite also has its own outside terrace with a unique view over the river.
The Mkuze Falls Tented Lodge is for an adventurous experience in five “Hemingway” style East African Tents, each overlooking the Mkuze River. 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.
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 elegance of the tented design is reminiscent of a bygone era, beckoned by the freestanding Victorian bath in the en suite bathroom. Each tent is completely private and well spaced apart, tucked into the bush providing an eco-friendly retreat.
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Each tent is air-conditioned and has a private game viewing deck with spectacular views of the lowveld bushveld and shimmering waters of the river where numerous antelope and other wildlife frequent. The atmosphere experienced in this Safari Lodge is an awesome sense of Africa, its nature, and beauty. It is where its history of the wild comes to life and captures the free-spirited peace. Enjoy starlit evenings in the boma, or on the bar deck or make use of the cosy dining room!
Safari Experience
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.
Getting to Mkuze Falls
Sun Safaris can arrange scheduled flights for visitors from most major airports in South Africa to Durban and nearby airports. Guests can also self-drive to the reserve on good roads; the drive time will obviously depend on where you are driving from. Sun Safaris arrange a rental car or a road transfer for visitors.
Historical Significance
The surrounding area is dotted with historical sites having once been sold to Piet Retief by Dingaan, brother of Shaka Zulu.
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