uMkhuze Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s lesser-known gems. Seldom visited by overseas visitors, it is very popular with local birders and photographers thanks to a series of offering close-up views of wildlife coming to drink, especially in the dry winter months. Although all the are present, only could be regarded to be common.
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Best Time To Go
- May to September (Dry season)
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High Season
- None (Busy during South African school holidays)
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Size
- 400km² / 154mi²
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Altitude
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26-350m /85-1,148ft
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Pros & Cons
- Good wildlife viewing potentially includes all the
- Six excellent photographic and observation platforms
- Renowned birding destination
- Good facilities and roads catering to visitors
- Reasonably priced rest camp
- Part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site
- The hides get very busy during school holidays
- sightings, though possible, are rare
Wildlife
uMkhuze offers great wildlife viewing and is home to the . sightings are very common and are also present. Spend time at one of the , and you’ll witness a constant stream of thirsty animals at the below. These include large numbers of zebra, , and , but anything might turn up. often put up a show as well.
More about uMkhuze’s wildlifeScenery
uMkhuze is the top wildlife-viewing destination within the ecologically diverse iSimangaliso Wetland Park (a Unesco World Heritage Site). The uMkhuze River is lined with tall as it meanders along the reserve's northeastern border. The reserve also contains a rare type of sand forest that harbors many special birds. Nsumo Pan, a scenic highlight, is surrounded by and overlooked by a stilted observation platform.
Activities
Self-guided can be conducted along the extensive and well-maintained internal road network. All the and observation platforms are worth a stop, none more so than the reliably rewarding kuMasinga Hide and gorgeous Nsumo Pan. Guided activities include the Fig Forest Walk, which runs through a beautiful stand of ancient rattling with birds, monkeys and other wildlife.
Weather & Climate
Summer (October to April) is strikingly hot and humid, and thunderstorms blow in many afternoons. The hottest period falls over the months at the start of the year. Winter (May to September) sees almost no rain and is still very warm but much milder.
More about the weather and climateBest Time To Visit
The best time to visit uMkhuze is in the dry winter months (May to September), when clear skies and processions of wildlife at can be expected. The wet summer months (October to April) tend to be very hot, and animals can be hard to spot as they disperse in the lush vegetation.
More about the best time to visit