Umkhuze game reserve isimangaliso wp

Overview–southafrica

uMkhuze Game Reserve

uMkhuze is one of South Africa’s little gems. It is seldom visited by overseas visitors, but popular with local birders and photographers. Several photographic shelters give close-up viewing opportunities of a wide variety of animals coming to drink in the dry winter months. Although not a typical Big Five reserve, all of these sought-after animals are present.

Best Time to Visit

The drier months of May to September make for better wildlife viewing in uMkhuze. At this time, the wildlife shelters overlooking the waterholes are a great place from which to observe the constant stream of animals coming to drink. Game drives also tend to be more productive, since the bush has thinned and animals are easier to spot.

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

The vegetation recedes and animals gather at the waterholes
Almost no chance of rain and the skies are clear and blue
Warm clothing is essential for early morning and evening game drives
The bush is dry

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

Lovely scenery and bountiful landscapes
You may spot newborn animals
Migratory birds have arrived
Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the Dry season
It is hot and the humidity is high

Scenery

uMkhuze is part of the wetland system that makes up iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The uMkhuze River meanders along the reserve's borders with big fig trees covering the banks. A rare type of sand forest occurs in the reserve and is home to many special birds. Nhlonhlela and Nsumo are two scenic pans surrounded by yellow fever trees.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Jan

Feb

Nov

Dec

Mar

April

Oct

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: May to September (Dry season)

High Season

From: None (Busy during South African school holidays)

Size

From: 400km² / 154mi²

Wildlife & Animals

It is the wildlife shelters that make uMkhuze special. The waterholes facing these shelters attract many animals, and often a variety of species at the same time. In the dry winter months, there is a constant stream of white rhino, zebra, wildebeest, and nyala, while your patience may be rewarded when a herd of elephants, a pack of wild dogs, or a secretive leopard come to quench their thirst.

Wildlife Highlights

The reserve is particularly rewarding to observe animal behavior as different species congregate around the waterhole. The slow but deliberate display of dominance by male nyala opponents is fascinating to watch and there’s never a dull moment when a troop of squabbling baboons enters the scene. Rhinos can sometimes be seen scratching against a tree stump to rid themselves of parasites.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The dry period from June to September is the best time for viewing wildlife. August and September (which marks the end of the Dry season) are the best time of all since water in the bush is thoroughly depleted, and all animals come to the waterholes to drink.

General Wheather

In South Africa, summer and winter are experienced at opposite times to Europe and North America. Since uMkhuze Game Reserve experiences rainfall during the summer (October to April), this is considered the Wet season. Winter (the Dry season) is pleasantly warm and occurs from May to September. uMkhuze has a subtropical climate, which means the summers are hot and humid.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

There is almost no rain in winter, although an occasional shower could occur due to the park’s closeness to the coast. The temperatures are less oppressive than in the summer and skies are generally clear and bright.

May – The rain and humidity lessen while average temperatures drop to 13°C/55°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Cold mornings follow nighttime temperatures of around 12°C/54°F. This makes warm clothing a necessity. Afternoons are pleasant, with temperatures of around 24°C/75°F.
September – The rain comes with the beginning of spring, usually in the form of thundershowers. Afternoon temperatures rise to an average of 26°C/79°F. Mornings are warmer, with temperatures around 16°C/61°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

The heat is intense during the summer and humidity is substantial. Rain is frequent but mostly falls in the afternoons. Heavy thunderstorms are common.

October & November – It rains during most afternoons and sometimes it rains all day. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – The heat and humidity is intense. Afternoon storms happen almost daily. Although it can get much hotter, average daily temperatures are around 32°C/90°F. The most pleasant time of day is early morning, with averages of 19°C/66°F.
March & April – Average afternoon temperatures become more tolerable at 31°C/88°F. It rains less frequently and the humidity decreases. Mornings are fair at 17°C/63°F.

Prons

Good wildlife viewing
Three excellent wildlife shelters
Renowned birding destination
Good facilities and roads catering to self-drive visitors
Reasonably priced rest camp

Cons

The wildlife shelters get very busy during school holidays
Big cat sightings are rare

How To Get There

uMkhuze Game Reserve is a self-drive destination located about 320km/200mi north of Durban. The drive from Durban takes about 4½ hours*. The roads to the reserve are tarred except for the last 25km/15mi.

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town are the entry points to South Africa for most travelers. Flying into King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban is another option. Car rental is available at all airports.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to South Africa, and what tickets would cost.