You can do guided game drives at Mkhuze, but one of the top activities at this South African nature reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is to do your own self drive.
Game Viewing
The pans (Nhlonhlela and Nsumo) in the reserve are hotspots for photographers as they attract the largest volume of animals, especially in the winter months. Four game viewing hides have been constructed next to the Kububbe, Kumasinga, Kumahlala and Kwamalibala pans. Some of the animals that you can see here includes elephant, giraffe, nyala, blue wildebeest, warthog, hippo, impala and kudu. Rare species occurring here are the hyena, suni and leopard.
Birding
During the drier winter months, large concentrations of birds may be seen at the waterholes. The viewing hides offer unique opportunities for keen birders to view some of the 400 species that call this South African nature reserve in KwaZulu-Natal home. You might be lucky enough to watch an African fish eagle swoop down over the water to snatch its prey, from its perch in the fig tree. The Fig Forest Guided Walking Trail (guided by a field ranger) should not be missed. This short day walk lasts around 2 hours. Bird checklists are available from the curio shop.
DumaZulu Traditional Village
Cultural shows at DumaZulu are performed daily, which is followed by a traditionally cooked Zulu lunch. A visit to this local community offers unobtrusive insight into the traditions and language of the indigenous Zulu people.
Zulu Croc Reptile Park
Zulu Croc Reptile Park near Lake St Lucia Park offers a two hour crocodile and snake experience, where you can get up close and personal with these scaly creatures. This is a great activity for the kids- it is also educational as the manager of the park also gives daily demonstrations and talks on snakes such as the African rock python. Make sure to catch the croc feeding!
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
As a day trip from Mkhuze Game Reserve iSimangaliso makes for a great day trip to explore the surrounding areas of the reserve, with its unique network of ecosystems – swamps, lakes and, beaches. The park’s centrepiece is the vast Lake St. Lucia, which is home to large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos. Rhinos, giraffes and leopards are also seen within the grassland areas. The park is massive so if you are not short on time, why not pack a hearty picnic and find an ideal spot that overlooks the lake.
The accommodation in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, like the area itself is very varied, from idyllic beach lodges raised on stilts, romantic su...