​Wildlife & Animals – uMkhuze GR

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is author of the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

It is the wildlife shelters that make uMkhuze special. The waterholes facing these shelters attract many animals, and often a variety of species at the same time. In the dry winter months, there is a constant stream of white rhino, zebra, wildebeest and nyala, while your patience may be rewarded when a herd of elephant, a pack of wild dogs or a secretive leopard come to quench their thirst..

Abundant
Common
Occasional
Rare
None
ElephantOccasional
GiraffeCommon
HippoCommon
BuffaloOccasional
ZebraCommon
Black RhinoOccasional
LionRare
HyenaRare

Wildlife Highlights

The reserve is particularly rewarding to observe animal behavior as different species congregate around the waterhole. The slow but deliberate display of dominance by male nyala opponents is fascinating to watch and there’s never a dull moment when a troop of squabbling baboons enters the scene. Rhino can sometimes be seen scratching against a tree stump to rid themselves of parasites.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The dry period from June to September is the best time for viewing wildlife. August and September (which marks the end of the Dry season) is the best time of all since water in the bush is thoroughly depleted, and all animals come to the waterholes to drink.

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Wildlife Photos

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