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Kwa-Madwala Private Game Reserve - JIA

Elephant  Inside Kwa-Madwala Private Game Reserve  Boomerang Pool  Group tour    

This is the Private Game Reserve where we stay on most of our Kruger National Park Safaris.

Kwa-Madwala Private Game Reserve is situated on the southern border of the Kruger National Park which is perfect for us to make use of their fantastic 4* accommodation as a base from where we can explore the Greater Kruger National Park as well as enjoy game viewing in this private reserve.

About Kwa-Madwala Private Game Reserve
This 4000 hectare private game reserve is located in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Meaning "place of the rock" in the local Swazi tongue, Kwa-Madwala lies on the southern side of Kruger National Park and is home to the fabulous 4* Manyatta Rock Camp. Here, comfort comes as standard along with elegant African touches and commanding views over the surrounding bush from our stunning hilltop location. Enjoy the exhilarating game viewing experiences and soak up the tranquility of this unique hilltop camp.

About Manyatta Rock Camp
Two towering granite rocks reach towards the sky to provide the dramatic setting for this comfortable four star camp which sits on a typical African hill. Located in the heart of the Kwa-Madwala Private Game Reserve, Manyatta Rock Camp is the perfect setting to relax, unwind and enjoy the wilderness and wildlife at Kwa-Madwala.  Watch the sun rise over the Lembobo Mountains to the east and in the evenings marvel at the orange glow as the sun sets again in the west. Take in the bush views in every direction and listen to the stillness of this piece of African wilderness. Chill out in the cosy viewing lounge deck which is raised on stilts and juts out to provide a stunning spot for leisurely game viewing from this vantage point.

The boomerang shaped swimming pool with its sundeck and tree dappled shade is a delight and partially hewn from the surrounding rock to provide a great place for a cooling dip or just to chill out and read. There is an open air boma next to the towering rocks for open air dining under the stars and one can enjoy a refreshing drink from the grotto style bar which is nestled between the two towering rocks. Or chose to relax on one of the two wooden dining decks which all afford magnificent vista's out across the wilderness. Cheerful and unobtrusive staff will welcome you and add to your memories of your stay at Manyatta Rock Camp.

Accommodation at Manyatta Rock Camp
Looking like giant rocks the unique dome shaped bedrooms are scattered across the hillside with fabulous views out across the bush from the private wooden deck of each unit. Manyatta has been skillfully designed to blend in with the surrounding natural environment and to ensure that all rooms offer a private wooden deck for bright mornings and lazy afternoons overlooking the African bush. An outside shower and deckchairs make the decks very popular with guests.

Subtle lighting around the camp and footpaths connect all rooms to the swimming pool, boma dining decks, bar and viewing lounge deck. All 27 rooms are comfortable yet tastefully furnished and infused with elegant African touches. The bedrooms are air-conditioned with two twin beds made up as a queen size bed and include a mini fridge (which can be stocked as a bar upon request). The en-suite bathroom has dual his and hers sinks, w.c. and bath.

Seven of the accommodation units also feature a separate living room complete with sofa bed, mini fridge and wood burner. These units are well suited to families with older children. Maximum room occupancy in these units is 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. The beautifully appointed Honeymoon Suite features a large four poster bed, private deck and shower and is ideally located for maximum privacy. Comfortable and elegant without being fussy, Manyatta is praised for its relaxed charm, unique bedroom design and stunning hilltop location.

Kwa-Madwala Lodge  A beautiful view of Kruger  Inside Kwa-Madwala Lodge  Kwa-Madwala Outdoors

Game Viewing at Kwa-Madwala
Using four wheel drive vehicles, the specially trained rangers and trackers delight in taking guests out on twice daily safari drives and guided bush walks. Breathtaking birds-eye views can also be enjoyed on aerial safari flights which take in the reserve plus the southern border of Kruger National Park. Also available to Manyatta Rock Camp guests are elephant back safaris and elephant interaction programmes which now operate on the reserve. Getting into such close proximity to these amazing creatures is indeed a privilege. Visitors can also choose from a range of treks and interaction experiences at Kwa Madwala.

Wildlife at Kwa-Madwala
Kwa-Madwala offer a diverse variety of wildlife both big and small. Many of the smaller animals thrive at Kwa-Madwala in regular social structures with healthy herds of zebra, impala, kudu, nyala and wildebeest. As the reserve is relatively small at 4000 hectares, the herd sizes will not be the same as say Kruger National Park which often has many 1000’s of animals of one species. However, the animal numbers are in accordance with a reserve of this size and over population is not a problem. Also to be found is the common Pangolin (also known as a scaly anteater) which looks similar to an Armidillo in its appearance and is sometimes seen at night at Kwa- Madwala. The Pangolin is very unfortunately now scarce and rarely seen in Southern Africa. It is not known how many are located at Kwa-Madwala.

Crocodiles and hippopotamus numbers are plentiful in the reserves water bodies and the big cat numbers are broadly in line with the size of the reserve and number of antelope. There are currently 5 white rhino and overall the diversity of species is excellent. Of course the animal populations are subject to nature and even careful monitoring and control cannot guarantee sightings on safari nor the exact number of animals on the reserve at any one time.

The last major independent animal audit conducted in July 2004 concluded that Kwa-Madwala "has a healthy game population and broad species diversity and has achieved a suitable balance between herbivores and carnivores with no over grazing encountered". Regrettably the buffalo herd at Kwa-Madwala contracted bovine TB and in accordance with government measures have been removed. This is in line with government policy designed to eradicate the disease in South Africa. It is very much hoped to have clean buffalo back on the reserve in the near future.

Our KNP02 - 3 Day Kruger & Private Game Lodge Safari stays at Kwa-Madwala Private Game Reserve. The detailed tour itinerary and cost can be found at the following link KNP02.

 

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What our guests have to say...

We had a wonderful time at Kwa-Madwala Private Game Reserve. Our guide was great, really knowledgeable and so helpful. The staff at Manyatta Rock Camp were all so friendly and our game drives were the best! We saw all of the 'Big 5' in the Kruger and had a lot of fun learning all about the animals. Our only wish was that we could stay longer - next time!

O'Meara Family
Australia
KNP04 - 4 Day Kruger & Private Game Lodge Scheduled Safari
06-10 September 2009

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