Mkhuze Game Reserve
Mkhuze Game Reserve
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- angela cDurban, South Africa130 contributionsMkuze game reserve is a peaceful getaway in northern KZNPeaceful park, lots of general game seen, only saw one of the big 5 but evidence of elephant. Hides are fantastic and allow great viewing at waterholes, lots of birds coming and going too. The lookout tower is worth a visit Tar road in great condition and gravel roads not too bad Google maps gives a strange route to get to the park, sign posts from the Mkuze town side give the gate name not the reserve name. Staff all very accommodating and friendly. Entrance fee, community levy and overnight visitor payable at the entrance to the reserve, There is a credit card machine but network not always available. We took cash Chalets clean and basically equipped, tv network doesn't work in some chalets, so check if tv is a must. Bathrooms at shared bathroom/kitchen huts are clean. Swimming pool was sparkling There is a takeaway at the main camp, we didn't eat thereVisited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 26, 2024
- Pyctus MediaSpain263 contributionsHas potentialOur expectation was quite low for this Reservation but our conclusion was that the site is quite worth it, even though vegetation is an important handicap here. Searching for fauna is quite challenging due to the height and thickness of the vegetation, although it is not so throughout the Reservation, but in much of it. We stayed in a chalet with all the comforts and fully equipped: Light, water, kitchen, braai area... no complaint. Despite this, there are hardly any options to eat, beyond the "Rhino o dine" where, if you are lucky, you can eat some burger or chips, which the woman makes with all the pampering, but has a reduced schedule. In the reception you can find objects of intimate hygiene and some soft drinks but nothing else, no meat, no food, so we recommend to go well provisioned for the duration of the stay because there you will hardly find anything to throw in your mouth. We do not recommend the night safari because it is very long and gets heavy (3h) on tarmac roads going around, where we hardly saw more than some birds and an elephant in the distance. We believe the site has power, the hides are spectacular, but it is relatively poorly exploited. Getting there is "a bit tortuous", without directions and in a delicate access area for a standard vehicle.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 18, 2024
- Ian and Elsa P1 contributionGreat place to visit, bad access roads but good roads in the park. We will visit againWe so enjoyed our visit. Even though the vegetation was lush, we saw so much game including so many elephants, giraffe, impala, nyala, wildebeest, zebra, Duiker, etc. and twice we saw white rhino. The hides are beautifully set out and we enjoyed the peace and tranquility of just sitting there observing the birds, turtles, and other life. We did go on a night drive, but this experience was not what we hoped for. The guide was a bit overwhelmed by the European tourists who had all the equipment you could imagine and gave instructions without considering the other travellers. The result was the guide stopped sharing the interesting information about the animals etc. The guide often stopped where he and the first row of visitors could see, but us sitting further back were obscured by trees. Unfortunately the water was really foul and we couldn't shower or make tea. The staff said it was due to 3 big storms they experienced in the past 2 weeks, but it smelt like sewage. They were trying desperately to sort it out. It caused our tummies to become very unpleasant. The staff were very friendly and helpful.Visited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten January 19, 2025
- Richard BEdinburgh, United Kingdom5,533 contributionseMkhuze MarvelA beautiful reserve with an opportunity to spot the big 5 (if you're lucky enough). There are approximately 420 species of birds too. So, between 'big game' and our 'feathered friends', there should be enough for everyone. The reserve benefits from new and upgraded 'bird hides' and 'lookouts'. They are among the best I've seen. Secure, clean and surprisingly spacious. The rest camps seemed pretty decent (although I didn't stay in them). There were lots of giraffe, impalas, kudus, wildebeest, nyalas and birds at my visit. It was 38C and it's fair to say that a lot of the animals were too hot to be out in the sun. A decent reserve (easy enough to find on Google maps). eMshopi Campsite is visible on maps. Head for there and you'll find eMkhuze easy enough. Last 20km were on typical gravel roads - no problem though.Visited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten January 31, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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98 reviews
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43
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Brenda H
93 contributions
Oct 2022
Absolutely blown away by Mkhuze game reserve. The signage to find the gate was a little tricky but once at the gate, the staff were so pleasant and welcoming. We found our tent fully equipped with everything necessary and most enjoyable as it was quite private. Nyala grazed peacefully right outside our tent and birds were everywhere, with too many exciting sightings to list here. We went on a most informative and enjoyable hike to the fig forest with Patrick, what a delight to see the trumpeter hornbills up so close.
The hides are if nothing else, world class! They are so well made and we found we could sit there all day and watch the animals and birds. It really gives you a feeling of being right out there in nature. The people we saw there adhered to the rules of keeping quiet, so we were all able to watch a goliath heron swallow a whole fish only two metres from us. We spent a whole day around the reserve and only saw three other cars in the whole time. It felt rather like the Kruger Park used to be before it got shopping malls etc.
We ate a meal at the rhino dino and we loved it. It was freshly made with love and quality ingredients, well priced too. The hours for the rhino dino are understandably not open 24/7 so just take a look at the times and then plan your day for a visit there.
We will most certainly be back again, we loved every minute of the time there, we felt after three days, like we had been on holiday for weeks as we were so relaxed and our souls restored.
The hides are if nothing else, world class! They are so well made and we found we could sit there all day and watch the animals and birds. It really gives you a feeling of being right out there in nature. The people we saw there adhered to the rules of keeping quiet, so we were all able to watch a goliath heron swallow a whole fish only two metres from us. We spent a whole day around the reserve and only saw three other cars in the whole time. It felt rather like the Kruger Park used to be before it got shopping malls etc.
We ate a meal at the rhino dino and we loved it. It was freshly made with love and quality ingredients, well priced too. The hours for the rhino dino are understandably not open 24/7 so just take a look at the times and then plan your day for a visit there.
We will most certainly be back again, we loved every minute of the time there, we felt after three days, like we had been on holiday for weeks as we were so relaxed and our souls restored.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicki
Durban, South Africa126 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
We have just returned from a lovely 3 night stay in Mkhuze and we’re so impressed with the wonderful bird hides which look as though they have all been upgraded.
We stayed in the 2 bed chalets and they were spotless and I think are in the process of being upgraded .
They are well sized and the bedroom has an air conditioner in good working order and a TV . Beds are very comfortable .
The bathroom is clean and spacious but needs upgrading .
The kitchen has a good size new fridge.
The staff keep the camp very neat and tidy .
I think ISimangaliso are now taking over this reserve from Ezemvelo so look forward to the upgrades .
Really worth visiting for amazing bid life
We stayed in the 2 bed chalets and they were spotless and I think are in the process of being upgraded .
They are well sized and the bedroom has an air conditioner in good working order and a TV . Beds are very comfortable .
The bathroom is clean and spacious but needs upgrading .
The kitchen has a good size new fridge.
The staff keep the camp very neat and tidy .
I think ISimangaliso are now taking over this reserve from Ezemvelo so look forward to the upgrades .
Really worth visiting for amazing bid life
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyrell Fuhri
Hillcrest, South Africa33 contributions
Dec 2022
Lovely game reserve with the big 5. Had a very enjoyable experience with my wife, who visited the game reserve for the first time. She thoroughly enjoyed it. But won't go again in Summer and rainy season as it was extremely lush and could hardly see 20m in. Burnt the heck out of my arm and if our lodge did not have AC & pool, would have died from the heat. Looking forward to going there again in the winter.
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
giulio r
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Terrible experience. No water and electricity for three days. We were left in the dark with no food and no one checking on us.
We had to leave a day earlier and they didn't even refunded us.
Get your business right and learn how to treat customers.
We had to leave a day earlier and they didn't even refunded us.
Get your business right and learn how to treat customers.
Written April 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JennyJapie
Durban, South Africa4 contributions
Jul 2022
A great venue for birds, some tortoises and slender mongoose, many terrapin, impala and nyala. Great hides, well maintained. Nsumo Pan is FANTASTIC. Staying in the safari tents was great with hyena calling at night and nyala trotting past. The road getting there is really bad for the "tarred" section over the hill and the section running parallel to the N2 is scary after rain.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexcia v d Berg
2 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Game viewing was fantastic. Saw such a variety of animal from a tiny duiker to a large kudzu and lion. The hides and toilets are excellently maintained and we loved the buck who visited around our chalet every morning and afternoon.
We loved the old world feel of the chalet although some things in the chalet needs to be repaired or seen to and maybe updated a little but we weren't here for luxury we were here for the game reserve experience. We really enjoyed it so much we booked in for an extra night.
We loved the old world feel of the chalet although some things in the chalet needs to be repaired or seen to and maybe updated a little but we weren't here for luxury we were here for the game reserve experience. We really enjoyed it so much we booked in for an extra night.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sumpine
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa109 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
Very happy to see that Mkuze has recovered after the severe drought. Saw a lot of game and bird-life, but none of the cats and no big 5, but that was probably because we were on a day trip. Roads were in very good condition and we are hoping to return within the next few years and spend several days here.
Written April 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric C
Sydney, Australia91 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Very few animals that day. Lunch at one of the hide saw some birds and turtles but no animals. For the rest of the drive few giraffes close up. Impalas, wildebeest, boar at a distant that is about all. Like all game drive it is luck. The landscape is not bad.
Written May 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clifford R
Surrey, UK12 contributions
Jan 2018
Mkhuze has been my favourite park in KZN for years, but since the drought and animal relocation, it’s now a shadow of its former past, with the accommodation beyond basic now,seem to have improved main road and fancy park entrance but very few animals.
Written December 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris S
Ashford, Kent UK198 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
The drive through this reserve was strictly on the roads so seeing animals was less likely. However, we did see Zebra, Lions, several species of antelope and an assortment of other things.
The guide was extremely knowledgeable and helped us to understand why it is managed in the way it is.
There were some interesting birds to see from the hide.
The guide was extremely knowledgeable and helped us to understand why it is managed in the way it is.
There were some interesting birds to see from the hide.
Written December 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello all. Planning to visit around Mkuze side in the start of September. Wanted to ask if it's a better option to go to Mkuze Game Reserve or Hluluwe Imfolozi? Also I have a small car that doesn't manage to well on gravel roads. Which park between the 2 have more tarred roads and are more accessible via tar?
Thanks in advance
Written August 18, 2020
I have read differing opinions on whether malaria is present in the park. Any definitive information?
Written October 16, 2019
Hi
We (a family group of 15 pax) are considering camping at Mshopi camp site in Mkhuze in June 2020. What does it offer? What are the campsites & the ablution facilities like? What is the current situation wrt electrical power supply to sites? Are photos available on internet anywhere? Any info would be much appreciated plse. Thanks. Regards. Johan
Written August 1, 2019
Hi, can you tell me what kind of wildlife I am likely to encounter at the park In Aug/Sept. Birds do not interest me at all. I am more a Lion, Leopard,Hyena and Spotted Dog person. Do you have these in your park? Many thanks Jeff.
Written April 18, 2019
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"We were even lucky enough to see Lions on our last day. the hides are amazing,"
Found this elsewhere on Tripadvisor.
Written May 1, 2019
Hi, I last walked the Fig Tree forest in the 80s .... Unforgettable. :-) I'd love to do it again. We are traveling down the N2 from Pretoria to Sodwana early morning of the 2nd Jan '19 ....... Would it be possible to divert into Mkuzi and join a walk somehow? ... and - if so, an estimation of how much time we should allocate (from the N2, back to the N2) would help a ton. Thanks :-)
Written December 27, 2018
Hi there is a 4x4 vehicle an absolute must to get to the camp site at Mkuzi. We plan to visit in November. Thanks for your help.
Written July 31, 2018
We visited mkuze without a 4x4 - the last 20km or so are dirt roads, but no need for a 4x4. The roads in the park are better than on the way to get there...
Written August 16, 2018
I am a bit concerned about the renovated hides. Are construction works still ongoing? We will visit the park mid-August. Thanks for your information.
Written June 23, 2018
Everything seems to be finished. We've been there on 2018-08-15.
Written August 16, 2018
What are the best restaurants at a good price in Pretoria and Johannesburg?
Written June 22, 2017
I am sorry, but Mkhuze Game Reserve is about 500 km away from Johannesburg and so your question should be addressed to someone with knowlegde of Pretoria and JHB
Written July 2, 2017
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