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uMkhuze

With more than 420 bird species, uMkhuze is one of South Africa’s premier destinations for bird lovers. This 40,000-hectare reserve, established in 1912, is one of the country’s oldest game parks and a spectacular section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. From rare African broadbills to pink-backed pelicans, the skies and forests here are alive with colour and song. uMkhuze offers a perfect combination of birding, wildlife, and immersive forest experiences, making it a must-visit destination in iSimangaliso Wetland Park.


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Big 5 & Rare Predators

Beyond its feathered treasures, uMkhuze is also home to the Big Five and elusive predators such as cheetah and African wild dog. Lions, reintroduced in a carefully managed conservation project, now thrive once more in the reserve, their prides steadily growing with each passing season.

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The Enchanted Fig Forest Along the banks of the uMkhuze River lies the only unspoilt indigenous fig forest of its kind in Africa. Sycamore Fig Forest – A Living Cathedral The Sycamore Fig Forest in uMkhuze Game Reserve is the only unspoilt, indigenous fig forest of its kind in Africa. Stretching along the banks of the uMkhuze River, it feels like stepping into a natural cathedral – towering trees, dappled light, and the constant song of birds. Some of these ancient giants are more than 400 years old, with trunks measuring up to 12 metres around. Their fruit ripens throughout the year, making the forest a never-ending banquet hall for animals and birds alike. A guided walking trail through this magical landscape allows visitors to step back in time and walk among legends. A visit to the Sycamore Fig Forest is a journey into deep time, where nature thrives undisturbed and every step connects you to centuries of life.


The Diverse Beauty: uMkhuze

For unforgettable game viewing, head to the hides at kuMasinga , one of the most hides in uMkuze which overlooks a permanent waterhole that attracts a variety of game including nyala, impala, zebra, giraffe, and even elephant. An excellent spot for seeing raptors, doves, and smaller bushveld birds that come to drink. Kubube Hide particularly rewarding in summer when waterbirds, storks, and herons gather. A peaceful setting for photographers. Kwamalibala Hide which overlooks a forest-fringed wetland. It is great for spotting species like African jacana, pygmy goose, and purple gallinule. Also a peaceful setting for photographers. A series of hides around the large Nsumo Pan, a Ramsar-listed wetland. Famous for flocks of pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills, storks, and herons. Also a hotspot for rare sightings like the Pel’s fishing ow
Whether you are a seasoned birder or a first-time visitor, spending time in uMkhuze’s hides is one of the most rewarding experiences in iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
kuMahlala pans, where herds gather to drink and predators often lurk nearby. The scenic iNsumo Pan hosts hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a remarkable array of birdlife — including one of only two significant pink-backed pelican breeding colonies in southern Africa. Two bird hides along the shoreline offer the perfect vantage point for a peaceful wildlife encounter.

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The bay area is home to Lions

Humpback Whales in iSimangaliso



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In The Area:

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iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a huge protected area along the coast of South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province. The park's centrepiece is the vast Lake St. Lucia, home to large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos.


The bay area is home to Lions

Activities : uMkhuze

The bay area is home to Lions

Humpback Whales in iSimangaliso

Activities : uMkhuze

Humpback Whales in iSimangaliso





Unforgettable Experiences