Mkuze Falls Game Lodge

The Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is 10,000 hectares situated in the heart of historic Zululand in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, and is one of only 2 Private Game Reserves in the province where you can view the Big 5 - lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant - as well as many other African mammals and nearly 400 species of bird.

Game drives take place early morning and late afternoon, and are led by experienced game rangers and trained nature guides, and the evenings are enjoyed under the stars or in the comfortable dining area where tales of the days adventures are swapped amongst the guests.

The main lodge has a comfortable lounge, which leads onto a spacious viewing deck built over the sloping riverbank, providing panoramic views of the winding Mkuze River and the wild, untamed landscape beyond.

In the heat of the day, relax under the shady palm trees and take a refreshing swim in the sparkling pool.

The Mkuze Falls Game Lodge consists of 8 luxuriously appointed thatched chalets, built on raised wooden platforms with spacious private verandas, providing stunning views of the river, bush and mountains.

The twin-bedded chalets all have telephones, air-conditioning, a mini bar and overhead fans. The en-suite facilities include an outside shower and a private plunge pool.

The separate Safari Suite has its own kitchen and unique views over the reserve.

Rates Include

All meals; the Conservation Fee; tea/coffee; morning/afternoon game drives; bush walks; and beverages/snacks on the game drives are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 6 years of age are not permitted to go on game drives, however a short “Baby Game Drive” after breakfast can be arranged upon arrival.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Guest Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 based on 7 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Johannesburg: Take the N12 or N17 to Witbank, and then take the N4 towards Middelburg. Take the Hendrina off ramp (N11) going right towards Ermelo and travel to Piet Retief.  From Piet Retief, travel to Pongola. From Pongola take the R66 and look out for the following signs 'Vryheid/Nongoma' and 'Mkuze Falls Game Reserve 32 km'. Travel 33 km south towards Nongoma on the R66, and then turn right on the D565, where you will see a sign for Mkuze Falls Game Reserve. Continue for approximately 5 km on this dirt road until you reach the lodge.

From Durban: Take the N2 north travelling past Hluhluwe and Mkuze to Pongola. From Pongola take the R66 and look out for the following signs 'Vryheid/Nongoma' and 'Mkuze Falls Game Reserve 32 km'. Travel 33 km south towards Nongoma on the R66, and then turn right on the D565, where you will see a sign for Mkuze Falls Game Reserve. Continue for approximately 5 km on this dirt road until you reach the lodge.

From Eswatini: Exit the country at the Golela Border Post. Travel 10 km to the N2. Turn right towards Pongola/Piet Retief. From Pongola take the R66 and look out for the following signs 'Vryheid/Nongoma' and 'Mkuze Falls Game Reserve 32 km'. Travel 33 km south towards Nongoma on the R66, and then turn right on the D565, where you will see a sign for Mkuze Falls Game Reserve. Continue for approximately 5 km on this dirt road until you reach the lodge.

Please note that you drive through the reserve to get to the lodge - do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstanance.

PLEASE NOTE : MKUZE FALLS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE and Mkuze Game Reserve are NOT the same reserves and should not be confused with one another!

General Information For Guests

All chalets have a viewing deck with views of the river, bush and mountains. Room amenities include a mini bar, telephone, safe, an overhead fan, air conditioning, mosquito nets, an en-suite bathroom, a secluded plunge pool, and an outside shower.

The Safari Suite consists of a spacious lounge area, a small well-equipped kitchen, a viewing deck, along with a mini bar, telephone, safe, an overhead fan, air conditioning, mosquito nets, an en-suite bathroom, a secluded plunge pool, and an outside shower.

The main lodge has a swimming pool, a spa, bar, wooden viewing deck and a boma.

Game walks, bird walks and bush walks are on request after breakfast, subject to the ranger's discretion.

A babysitting service can be arranged (additional cost).

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Popular Alternatives to Mkuze Falls Game Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Mkuze Falls Game Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Mkuze Falls Game Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.