Mkhaya Game Reserve in Mkhaya Game Reserve. 4.2767855 out of 5. 2 ratings. 2 user reviews.
Description
In the southeast of Swaziland, the heart of the Lowveld lies an unspoilt wilderness, haven to endangered species who roam the magnificent African bush. For the animals that once roamed wild and free, uninhibited by fences and boundaries, they faced and still face an uncertain future with man’s compulsion toward maximum yield, poaching and lack of ignorance toward nature conservation and protection of our natural heritage. The once abundant animals that could be seen for miles around were, and some still are, close to extinction. It became clear to the Reilly Family, Swaziland’s foremost nature conservationists, which these animals needed a place of refuge, and tranquility and the absence of menacing man and his gun, and Mkhaya was the perfect place.
Laid out along the banks of a dry riverbed, is Stone Camp where the vegetation comprises of tall fig, leadwood, sausage and knobthorn trees, with a lush under-canopy giving it a year-round subtropical appearance. Bird life in the camp is a special feature with many species of robin, purple-crested lourie, narina trogan and pink-throated twinspots among the special treats. Smaller game such as warthog visits the camp whilst the big game, such as elephant, is kept at bay outside the camp by a three-strand electric cordon.
The camp is comfortable, quiet and relaxing and a welcome retreat after a day out in the burning sun. The camp is known as Stone Camp due to the dolerite rocks used in the construction of the semi-open stone and thatch cottages. This unique style accommodation in its primeval setting offers visitors the opportunity of really getting back to nature. All twelve units are laid out individually in the riverine forest overlooking the dry riverbed, linked by central and branch pathways surfaced with river sand and lit at night by paraffin lanterns as the camp has no electricity. Each unit is very private due to the thick vegetation, though some units are close enough together for use as an extended family unit. The entire internal structure of these cottages, although veilded for privacy, is open to the external bush, which gives visitors a unique, true bush experience.
As a refuge of endangered species with an intensive breeding project for re-establishing scare species in Swaziland, Mkhaya offers superb photographic opportunities to game enthusiasts. Mkhaya currently supports four of the Big five with Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and black and white Rhino being present on the reserve. Mkhaya provides tourist with probably their best chance of seeing Black Rhino in the wild in Africa today. Please note no children under 10 years allowed.
2 Reviews for Mkhaya Game Reserve in Mkhaya Game Reserve
All Ratings:
Mkhaya Game Reserve in Mkhaya Game Reserve Reviewed by Maria Leonor Meirelles, Mozambique on . Staff are nice and glad to be of assistance. They made our stay a very pleasant one. The whole camp is also very nice, the one you expect to find in a place like this. Thank you!
Mkhaya Game Reserve in Mkhaya Game Reserve Reviewed by Tony Clucas, South Africa on . A magic placeThis is totally different from any game reserve I have ever visited and this includes over 50 visits to Kruger Park, as well as Mkuze, Hluhluwe/Imfolosi, Gorongosa, Masai Mara, Hwange, Singita, Nambiti and others. There are no doors and windows which gives one a 'real' bush experience. Dudley is a warm and welcomimg host supported by an excellent staff. Our ranger, Temba, was outstanding. The food was very good. My only criticism was that access to our lodgings was steep and uneven in the dark, particularly as there is no electricity. This was a really unique experience for us 'died in the wool' game park visitors and Mick Reilly and his team have created something very special.
