Ndumo Game Reserve South Africa

Ndumo Game Reserve is a small but spectacular park and something of a well kept secret. Proclaimed back in the 1920's, it is one of South Africa's oldest reserves and considered to be one of the finest in KwaZulu Natal.

Ndumo Game Reserve South Africa Ndumo Game Reserve is best known for its magnificent bird life with the highest bird count in South Africa, some 430 species. Situated near the Tembe Elephant Park on the Mozambique border, the Usuthu River forms its northern boundary and the Pongola River flows through to its confluence with Usuthu. Ndumo boasts many beautiful pans set about with yellow fever trees and extensive wetlands and reedbeds as well as acacia savanna and sand forest.

This varied habitat hosts an astonishing range of aquatic birdlife such as black egret, pygmy geese and flocks of pelicans. The prolific birdlife includes many tropical East African forms at the southern limit of their range. Special ticks for birders include Pell's fishing owl, the broadbill, and southern banded snake eagle.

With game species such as nyala, bushbuck, impala, red duiker, suni, black and white rhino, hippopotamus and a very large population of crocodiles, Ndumo is a most rewarding area to view wildlife with its wetlands and pans, thick bush and savanna and extensive forests.

Ndumo Game Reserve in a hot humid subtropical region just south of the Mozambique border and close to Swaziland.

Fauna and Flora of Ndumo Game Reserve

Ndumo Game Reserve South Africa Unusually, both black and white rhino are found in Ndumo, plus buffalo, hippos, crocodile, giraffe and several antelope species. Its tropical climate gives rise to lush thick undergrowth, which makes some wildlife, particularly lion, leopard and hyena, hard to spot.

Conditions are perfect for attracting large numbers of birds and some people consider this to be the best bird watching in South Africa. It is the southern most range for several species and migrants also call in to boost sightings to over 400 species. You could be lucky enough to see the southern banded snake eagle, gorgeous bush shrike, Pel’s fishing owl and other rarely seen birds.

Seasons in Ndumo Game Reserve

Rainy Season: In this sub-tropical region the wet summer months from October to March are hot and humid.
Dry Season: The dry season lasts from April to September and the temperatures are very pleasant with warm to hot days and cooler nights.

Activities at Ndumo Game Reserve

Visitors may drive through certain areas of the reserve in their own cars, or participate in landrover tours to interesting areas in the company of a tour guide.

Depending on the demand, morning and afternoon tours are conducted and arrangements to participate in these tours are made at the reception office.

Day walks in the reserve may be taken in the company of a guide and, here too, arrangements to participate in these walks should be made at the reception office the day before the intended walk.

Accommodation

Amakhulu Central Reservations
Merl offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She specializes in the Drakensberg and Wild Coast regions.
Accommodation in Ndumo Game Reserve
This website is the best I have yet come across for accommodation in South Africa. You communicate directly with the accommodation establishment and the entire booking is carried out online.
Ndumo Hutted Camp
the hutted camp consists of 7 three-bedded selfcatering units with bedding, cutlery and crockery provided. The camp is served by a kitchen and ablution block with hot and cold water and is mananaged by KZN Wildlife.
Ndumo Wilderness Camp
situated on the shores of Banzi Pan, Ndumo Wilderness Camp is a beautiful, fully catered camp that can accommodate sixteen people in 8 luxury tented units with en-suite facilities.