Mkuze, Elephant Coast
The little village of Mkuze lies in the shadow of the Ubombo Mountains just 18 km west from the entrance gate of the Mkhuze Game Reserve on the N2 north of Lake St Lucia.
In this remote north eastern wilderness of Southern Africa, human presence is felt less and vast plantations of scrubland, freshwater pans and lakes form sanctuaries for rare plants, hippos, turtles and crocodiles. Summer temperatures soar and winters are mild and, although the Mkuze Game Reserve tends to be overshadowed by the Hluhluwe and Umfolozi reserves, this area is worth a visit for the amazing variety of bird and animal life and the incredible range of plant species - over 700 - as well as the different reptile and amphibian species sheltered in the park.
Wildlife in Mkhuze Game Reserve includes the big Five including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino to rare species such as wild dog, suni, leopard and hyena.
Mkhuze Game Reserve now forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (previously known as Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) with over 360 kmē of land. It was proclaimed a protected area in 1912 and is a birdlife mecca with around 450 identified species of bird in the area. Mkuze's landscape is one of contrasts - primarily flat, dry sandy dunes, some of which are over 2 million years old.
There are also water pans, a river gorge embedded with marine fossils and a thick acacia forest. A rare giant fig tree forest lies on the banks of the Mkuze River, which curves along the northern and eastern borders of the reserve.
There are five pans throughout the park. Three of these - the Kubube, Kamasinga and Kwamalibala - are set up with viewing hides to provide some of the best game viewing in South Africa, especially during the drier months when these waterholes attract large numbers of game.
The Hhlonhlela and Nsumo pans further north in the park are home to communities of hippo, crocodile and white and pink backed pelicans.
Just outside the reserve is the legendary Ghost Mountain. The mountain is steeped in legend, which claims that the site witnessed a number of fierce Zulu battles and is also said to be the place where bodies of the previous chiefs of the Ndwandwe clan have been laid to rest in secret caves along it's base.
Please note, this is a low malaria risk area but precautions should be taken when travelling to the region.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
We've been to Mkuze a number of times and I always leave feeling like I've now got a real taste of Africa. It has a real "safari" feel to it and is home to a huge variety of animals. Bring along binoculars and a camera because there's wildlife everywhere that you don't want to miss.
Mike (Johannesburg)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
isiGodlo Villa
Amakhosi Private House, also known as "IsiGodlo" meaning a Chief residence, is our private house which overlooks the meandering Mkuze River and i...
Ghost Mountain Inn
At the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain in Mkuze lies the privately owned 4 Star Ghost Mountain Inn. This intimate and beautiful hotel is the...
Umziki Chalets
Umziki Chalets offers comfortable accommodation for those looking to explore the Jozini Dam or those looking for a stop over along their travels....
Biweda Nguni B&B
Biweda Nguni B&B is located in Mkuze, KwaZulu Natal. The lodge provides Elephant Coast accommodation in a home away from home environment that is...
Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
This 5 Star Multi Award winning, Big 5, Family Run Safari Lodge set within an endangered species protected area in the magnificent 58 000 acre Ma...
Mpeti Self Catering Lodge
Mpeti's Main Lodge consists of six luxurious Deluxe Suites and one Executive Suite with a Jacuzzi. All accommodation suites are private and have ...
Amakhosi Safari Lodge
AmaKhosi translated from Zulu means "The Place of the Kings" - at AmaKhosi Safari Lodge, guests can expect luxurious accommodation, outstanding c...
Mkhuze Inn
At Mkhuze Inn, we believe that every journey should be accompanied by a comfortable and memorable stay. Our guest house offers accommodation Mkhu...
Buffalo Hill Safari Lodge
Buffalo Hill Safari Lodge is located in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve which is home to the Big 5 and so much more. Activities on offer are mor...
Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Rhino Sands Safari Camp offers five-star accommodation in a tented, luxury safari destination, that is designed to bring an authentic safari expe...
Somkhanda Game Reserve
Somkhanda Game Reserve offers accommodation in Mkuze and is a community-owned Big 5 game reserve located in northern Zululand stretching across 1...
Umkhaya Lodge
Umkhaya Lodge has six self-catering units with high ceilings, open living space, and private patios. Each unit has a double bed and sleeper couch...
Mpeti Villa
Mpeti Villa is ideal for families who want some privacy and space. The villa offers spacious accommodation in Mkuze where you can relax and enjoy...
Mavela Game Lodge
Mavela is situated on the beautiful 23 000 hectare 'Big Five' Zululand Rhino Reserve. The lodge offers accommodation in five luxury safari style...
Lucky Bean Tree Cottage
Lucky Bean Tree Cottage is located at Buffalo Hill Safari Lodge which is situated in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, home to the Big 5 and so m...
Mkuze Falls Game Lodge
Situated between the Kruger National Park and the Zululand Coast - the same Africa, a different world! Mkuze Falls is one of only two Private Gam...
Bayala Game Lodge
Bayala Game Lodge offers extraordinary accommodation in a great setting where you can enjoy superb meals, friendly service and a warm, welcoming ...
Mpeti Lodge
At Mpeti Main Lodge offers Mkuze accommodation and is ideally situated as an overnight stop on the way to Mozambique and is located right next to...
African Spirit Game Lodge
African Spirit Game Lodge, situated 12 km's west of Mkuze, invites guests to experience true luxury and warm African hospitality. The lodge is si...
Tandweni Villa
Bordering Lake Jozini, Tandweni Villa is a modern lodge offering accommodation in the 10 000 hectare Pongola Game Reserve. The reserve is the sec...
Things to do in the area
Mavela Walking Safaris
Walking safaris through the Manyoni Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal (home to the Mavela Lodge) give visitors an incredible opportunity to e...
DumaZulu Traditional Village
DumaZulu Traditional Village presents something special to its guests. Experience the traditions and language of the Zulu people, learn and inter...
Zulu Croc Reptile Park
Zulu Croc Reptile park in Hluhluwe offers a two hour croc and snake experience - you will be up close and personal with the creatures and will be...
Noteworthy attractions
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is situated on the coast in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal and surrounds the Kosi Bay lake system. The system con...
Lake Sibaya
Lake Sibaya is the largest fresh water lake in South Africa with a surface area of 77 kmē and an average depth of 13 m. The lake was previously c...
Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site on 1 December 1999. It is considered South Afric...
Mapelane Nature Reserve
Mapelane Nature Reserve is the southernmost reserve within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Mapelane Nature Reserve is situated on the south ba...
Ndumo Game Reserve
Ndumo Game Reserve (adjacent to the Tembe Elephant Park) is a small but impressive game reserve. Proclaimed in 1924 Ndumo Game Reserve is one of ...
Sodwana Bay National Park
The small Sodwana Bay National Park consists of a narrow coastal strip of forest covered sand dunes. Sodwana Bay National Park was proclaimed in ...
Tembe Elephant National Park
The largest African elephants in the world, along with rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo and antelope species in a 300kmē park on the South Africa /...
Enseleni Nature Reserve
The Enseleni Nature Reserve is a small reserve of 293 hectares lying just inland from the town of Richards Bay, almost midway between Empangeni a...
Maputaland Marine Reserve
The Maputaland Marine Reserve lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known as one of the 'jewels' of South Africa's coastline and a UNESCO de...
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