Mkhaya Game Reserve Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Mkhaya Game Reserve, featuring natural and cultural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food, accommodation, shopping, local customs, safety, transportation and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Mkhaya Game Reserve

Mkhaya Game Reserve is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in Southern Africa, situated in the heart of Eswatini. It is known for its impressive wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and black and white impalas, as well as for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and cultural significance.

The reserve covers more than 30 000 hectares of land and offers various activities, including guided game drives, nature walks, birdwatching, photography, and cultural tours.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of Mkhaya Game Reserve, including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, things to do, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local culture and customs, transportation, and nearby destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Mkhaya Game Reserve

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mkhaya Game Reserve is home to various museums and historical sites that reflect its rich cultural heritage, history, and traditions. These include:

  • The Nyonyane Cultural Village - a reconstructed traditional Swazi village with thatched huts and cultural exhibitions.
  • The Mlawula Nature Reserve - a protected area that is home to ancient rock art and traditional Swazi artefacts.
  • The Swazi Candles Craft Center - a popular spot for tourists to watch local artisans create and sell their handcrafted candles.
  • The Mantenga Cultural Village - a living museum that showcases the cultural and traditional lifestyle of the Swazi people.

Natural Attractions of Mkhaya Game Reserve: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mkhaya Game Reserve is known for its scenic views, diverse landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Here are some of the natural attractions you must explore:

  • The Nsangwini Rock Shelter - a natural cave that contains ancient rock art, estimated to be around 20,000 years old.
  • The River Walk- a guided tour that explores the riverine forest, home to various bird species, reptiles and small mammals.
  • The Rhino Drive - a popular activity in the reserve, which takes you on an off-road game drive that allows you to spot rhinos, elephants, lions and other wildlife species.
  • The Guided Walks- guided walks with rangers through the diverse and stunningly beautiful scenery.
  • The Birdwatching Trail - featuring over 400 species of birds.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mkhaya Game Reserve

Mkhaya Game Reserve is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts a variety of hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore the area’s diverse and stunning landscapes.

  • Nkonyeni Hiking Trail - a moderate 17 km hike that takes you through the riverine forest of Usuthu River.
  • Phuzamoya Mountain Trail - a challenging 23 km hike that takes you through the mountain rock formations with a fantastic view of the entire park.
  • Biking Trails - Over 200 km of tracks and paths for bikers, Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist.

Best Things to Do in Mkhaya Game Reserve: Activities and Tours

Mkhaya Game Reserve offers visitors a wide range of activities, tours, and experiences that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Night Drives - A unique night game drive to spot the nocturnal animals of the park and their habits.
  • Bush Walks - Unforgettable walking safari with an experienced guide, unforgettable moments of natural environments.
  • Rhino Tracking - An increasingly popular excursion that takes visitors on foot in search of this endangered species, the black and white rhino.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mkhaya Game Reserve

Day 1: Arrival and Check-In at Lodge Day 2: Guided Game Drive Day 3: Bush Walk and Riverine Forest Exploration Day 4: Cultural Tour Day 5: Night Drive Day 6: Rhino Tracking Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Mkhaya Game Reserve

Mkhaya Game Reserve offers various dining options that showcase local cuisine, flavors, and traditions. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Braai - A traditional African barbecue that features grilled meats, sausage, and other grilled vegetables.
  • Emasi - A type of sour milk that is often used in cooking and added to dishes.
  • Sishwala - Porridge prepared from whole-grain maize flour and boiling water served with beef, chicken, or sour milk.

Local Beverages

  • Umcombotsi - A traditional beer brewed from maize or sorghum that is often served at cultural events.
  • Rooibos Tea - A caffeine-free tea that is native to southern Africa and known for its health benefits and anti-oxidants.

Where to Stay in Mkhaya Game Reserve: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mkhaya Game Reserve offers various accommodation options that cater to different budgets, preferences, and needs. Here are some of the popular choices:

  • Mkhaya Game Lodge - A luxurious lodge that offers exclusive game drives, guided bush walks and birdwatching.
  • Stone Camp - An eco-friendly and budget-friendly tented camp that offers guided game drives and a ‘back-to-basics’ experience.
  • Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge - A historic lodge that offers stunning views of the reserve and cultural tours.

What to Buy in Mkhaya Game Reserve: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Mkhaya Game Reserve can bring home various souvenirs and local products that reflect the area’s culture, traditions, and arts. Here are some of the best options:

  • Handcrafted Candles - Swazi Candles Craft Center offers unique and handcrafted candles in various shapes and sizes, perfect for decoration or gifts.
  • Traditional Crafts - Local markets in the area offer various crafts, such as pottery, baskets, and carved wooden figures that reflect the Swazi culture.
  • Wildlife Photography - Various reserves offer photographic safaris to spot the rare wildlife in their natural habitats, and there is an excellent opportunity to purchase exclusive photos.

Local Culture and Customs of Mkhaya Game Reserve

Mkhaya Game Reserve is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditions, and customs. To be respectful of the local community, here are some essential things to keep in mind:

  • Dress Conservatively - Eswatini has a conservative dress code that includes covering your shoulders, knees, and midriff.
  • Respectful Greetings - It is customary to greet people with a handshake and the phrase ‘Sawubona’ (I see you) before asking for directions and addressing the purpose.
  • Cultural Values - Traditional values such as respect for elders are highly esteemed, so it is wise to show respect.

Best Time to Visit Mkhaya Game Reserve

The best time to visit Mkhaya Game Reserve is during the dry season, which takes place from May to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the animals are more visible due to the decreased foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mkhaya Game Reserve

Do:

  • Bring appropriate clothing (Comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, sun hats, and sunscreen)
  • Bring your camera to capture the wildlife and the stunning views.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Approach or feed the animals.
  • Litter the environment and the park.
  • Disturb the natural habitat of the organisms.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mkhaya Game Reserve

Mkhaya Game Reserve generally is safe for tourists, with rangers on patrol 24/7. However, here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay within the designated areas.
  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Keep a distance from the wild animals and follow the instructions of the guides.

Health in Mkhaya Game Reserve

Visitors to Mkhaya Game Reserve should take precautions to prevent malaria, which is prevalent in the area. It is recommended to take anti-malarial medication prescribed by your doctor, wear long-sleeved clothes, and use insect repellent. Visitors should also drink bottled water.

Getting to Mkhaya Game Reserve: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mkhaya Game Reserve is accessible by various modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Mkhaya Game Reserve

  • King Mswati III International Airport - located in Manzini, about 45 km north of the reserve.

Bus Stations Near Mkhaya Game Reserve

  • Matsapha Bus Terminal - located in Matsapha, about 40 km north of the reserve.

Other Options

  • Private car hires or rental with or without a driver.

How to Get Around in Mkhaya Game Reserve

Visitors to Mkhaya Game Reserve can get around using various modes of transportation, such as guided game drives, hiking and biking routes, and walking tours. Guided tours with a dedicated and qualified guide are recommended to experience the reserve’s full potential.

Where to Go Next from Mkhaya Game Reserve: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Mkhaya Game Reserve can explore nearby destinations and go on exciting excursions, such as:

  • Hlane Royal National Park - Another wildlife sanctuary in Eswatini that is known for its lions, elephants, and white rhinos.
  • Ezulwini Valley - A picturesque area that is known for its stunning views, traditional crafts, and cultural activities.
  • Kruger National Park - One of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa, located across the border in South Africa.

Conclusion

Mkhaya Game Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It offers an unforgettable and immersive experience of Southern Africa’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Visitors can explore the diverse landscapes, spot rare wildlife, experience local traditions, and explore nearby destinations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Mkhaya Game Reserve, including its natural and cultural attractions, activities and tours, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local customs and culture, safety and health information, and transportation options.