Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve

Destination

Hectorspruit

Kwa Madwala is a smaller reserve of some 4,000 hectares and has a wide range of wildlife. Many of the smaller animals thrive here in a regular social structure with herds of zebra, impala, kudu, nyala and wildebeest. It is the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the Lebombo Mountains off in the east. While staying here all you see in every direction is the natural bush and all you hear is the stillness of the wonderful african wilderness. Kwa Madwala is one of the few places on earth that offers Elephant Back Safaris, Microlight Safaris, as well as Horse Back Safaris and a range of the best of game viewing experiences all on site in the reserve. The trained rangers take guests in open four wheel drive vehicles on early morning, late afternoon safari drives and night drives, in the Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve and half day or full day tours in the Kruger National Park, Kwa Madwala also offers Walking Safaris which should not be missed. Breath taking birds-eye views can also be enjoyed on the aerial safari flights (Microlight safaris) over the Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve and Manyatta Rock Camp, some flight options also include the southern border of the Kruger National Park which consists of the Crocodile River and a private Kruger National Park concession area along Kwa Madwala’s northern border. Within the Reserve: Manyatta Rock Camp The Manyatta Rock Camp nestles amongst boulders and trees that form a kopje overlooking the private Kwa Madwala Reserve, with magnificent views from the dining deck, bar and private lookout deck of each chalet. At the lodge you’ll find a restaurant serving delightful local specialties as well as a few international favourites, a welcoming bar area, outside boma and swimming pool. The cosy viewing lounge deck is raised on stilts jutting out over the rocks provides a stunning spot for leisurely game viewing or a quiet moment to enjoy a sun-downer absorbing the special beauty that surrounds you. The 27 en-suite chalets each within a dome shaped building blend amongst the monolithic boulders they’re scattered across. Six of the domes have an additional separate living room, two with a sofa bed and four with an extra single bed, ideal for families with children. There is also a Honeymoon Suite for anyone looking to experience a little more romance and maximum privacy. Comfortable and elegant without being fussy, Manyatta is praised for its relaxed charm, unique bedroom design and stunning hilltop location.

Area Attractions

Birding Kwa Madwala has identified 223 different birds so far and there is clear evidence that further monitoring is needed to complete the identification process. Bird watchers will not be disappointed and sightings are plentiful with a good variety of indigenous and migratory birds in evidence. Several varieties of eagle, kingfisher, swallow and the ubiquitous hoopoe can be seen with relative ease around the reserve. Our daily guided bush walks are very popular with those interested in birding and generally allows for better opportunities in terms of spotting birds than when out on the game drive vehicles. Elephant Interaction Experiences (no age restriction) A 15 minute elephant interaction – (minimum of 4 people) - A brief introduction which includes touching, feeling and feeding the elephants. A 30 minute elephant interaction - Again an introduction to the elephants which includes a brief talk on their history as well as an explanation on the training concepts that are used and a game that are played to demonstrate their good sense of smell. The elephants are asked to lie down and guests can then have the opportunity to touch and feel them from head to toe. A one hour elephant interaction - A longer interaction experience which also includes a game to demonstrate their good memory and which covers a deeper knowledge shared by the elephant stable master and his specialised team. A one hour elephant walk - A walk through the bush in the 70 ha non-Big 5 area where guests can interact with the elephants and the natural environment simultaneously. A great way to combine a walking safari with a close encounter and lifetime experience with African elephants. Elephant Back Safaris for Guests (no children under 5 years) A one hour Elephant Back Safari (Maximum of 4 Adults and 2 children 5 – 12 years per safari) A half an hour interaction which includes touching, feeling and feeding the elephants and then a half an hour Elephant Back Safari through the bush in a 70 ha non-Big 5 area. You might come across some sightings of wildebeest, kudu, zebras, impala and warthogs. One and a half hour Elephant Back Safari (Maximum of 4 Adults and 2 children 5 – 12 years per safari) A half an hour interaction which includes touching, feeling and feeding the elephants and then a one hour Elephant Back Safari through the bush in a 70 ha non-Big 5 area and again you might come across some sightings of wildebeest, kudu, zebras, impala and warthogs. Two hour Elephant Back Safari Night Safaris The Kwa Madwala night safaris are nothing short of magical and offer an excellent introduction to the nocturnal species and animal activity in the reserve. The night drive traverses through the Kwa Madwala reserve and you can expect to get close to lion, porcupine, bush babies and occasionally if you are very lucky leopard, pangolin and aardvark. Microlight Safaris Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve has employed the services of licenced Microlight pilots with their registered Microlight aircrafts on an ad hoc basis specifically to assist with aerial surveillance for the purposes anti-poaching and protection of the reserves Rhinos and wildlife. Bush Walking Safaris Following morning coffee and rusks or afternoon tea and cakes you will leave camp for a wilderness walk into the 4,000 hectare Kwa Madwala private conservancy. Horse Back Safaris Equestrian safaris are extremely popular throughout Africa and provide an exciting addition to the many other safari activities Kwa Madwala offers. Both beginner and intermediate horse trails wind through the reserve and indigenous bush passing rocky outcrops, river beds and exceptionally scenic terrain. You are likely to see antelope, giraffe, impala, zebra, waterbuck, wilderbeast and sometimes herds of wild elephant and rhino. Traditional Dancing and Singing This magical experience has been put together by the workers and staff at Kwa Madwala and is totally managed by them. They spend many hours arranging local dance and songs that express their heritage and local traditions and are a delight to watch. Local costumes are worn from different tribes and those that excel in certain songs and dance often partake in solo performances. Rustic African Day Spa The Kwa Madwala Rustic Day Spa is situated in a private lookout deck in the Manyatta Rock Camp which overlooks the reserve below. The Spa offers a variety of body massages and treatments which will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Leopard Creek Golf Course A gift to nature Leopard Creek has grown out of the vision of a banker and the skills and expertise of one of the world’s greatest golfers. It is founded on the values of friendship, a common love of the game of gold and a shared reverence for nature.