Mkhaya Game Reserve Swaziland accommodation is in luxury semi-open cottages, food is traditional bush cooking. The unique, safari-style Stone Camp in Swaziland offers safari-lovers the complete African experience.
After an adventurous day in the Swaziland bushveld in search of wildlife, lodge guests return to the reserves bird-rich riverine forest camp to enjoy a refreshing beverage under the giant sausage tree before retiring to their beautiful semi-open stone and thatch cottages to relax with the sound of the bush.
The reserve is in the heart of the African bush, offers standard lodge facilities as well as exciting wildlife activities such as daily safari drives in open land rovers and walking safaris. For guests to enjoy the serenity of the African bush, services are focused on animal viewing, tracking, and bird-watching.
Swazi-guided safari drives - guests are driven into the forest in open Land Rover to get up close to some of Africa’s endangered species, including the Black Rhino. The guided walking safaris - visitors are accompanied by local rangers on daily hikes that enable them to experience the White and Black Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo, Crocodiles and a wide range of rare birdlife on foot.
Bird-watching – A wide variety of Riverine Bushveld Forest species and Savanna Woodland species are regularly spotted with highlights including Raptors, Vultures, Marabou Storks, Narina Trogon and Pink Throated Twinspots. The hide is within easy walking distance of Stone Camp, offers guests the chance to view a variety of bird, mammal, reptile, insect and amphibian species in proximity.
The lodge is in 12 twin stone and thatch cottages nestled in the forest. The cabins are semi-open. A guide will meet all guests at a pre-arranged time (10 am OR 4 pm), at the pick-up point, next to a local store. Guests will then be escorted to the Ranger base station, a few kilometres into the park over the river. In the event of rain preventing access to the river, guests’ vehicles remain at the entrance, the staffed location outside the Park.
The reserve our guides will then meet and assist guests with the above and take them to the Ranger base station. A welcome refresher is provided, and there are toilet facilities available at the Ranger base station. Arrival times at the lodge are at 10 am OR 4 pm pre-arranged when the booking is made. The earlier arrival will attract additional costs.
Overnight Guests
Safari drives are included in your booking and are an integral part of your stay. Walking safaris are an excellent way to get close to wildlife; they promote an affinity with nature and kinship with all life, so you are encouraged, at your discretion, to leave the Land Rover and pursue animals on foot, under the guidance of our experienced rangers. Longer walks for those who prefer them can be arranged. No Night drives are available at the reserve. The activities are approximately two hours in length and are conducted before all meals.
Mkhaya Game Reserve on check out with your guide the starting time of travel from the camp, usually 9:15. Once your luggage is ready, please leave them in the Chalets for us to collect and arrange them for loading onto your vehicle. Then once you are ready, please check out at the Administration point where payments need to be settled, inform them your bags are available for collection, and here you will meet your guide for departure at 9:15 am.
- Children under the age of 10 years cannot be accommodated. Fixed entry and exit times: Set Arrival and departure times of 10 in the morning or 4 in the afternoon depending on your itinerary, apply to visitors.
- Stone Camp is a bush camp without electricity; they use candles and lanterns for lighting. The cottages are semi-open with no door and no windows. Each cabin has an en-suite toilet and shower with hot water.
- The lodge works strictly on two times of arriving and leaving the park (10 am and 4 pm). We have scheduled your arrival time to be at 4h00pm.
- Please note that you cannot self-drive, you are met by our guides at the meeting point (Phuzamoya) and driven into the park in open land rovers. Your vehicle is taken to a safe place before you begin the tour.
- Please be advised that your car is not taken into the Park, and we request that you, therefore, pack a small overnight bag to be transported to the camp as the viewers cannot carry your full luggage. Your vehicle is left in a safe, securely fenced area outside the Park if the river cannot be crossed, or just inside the Park at the Ranger Base Station.
- You will only be met at the meeting point at the time pre-booked (either 10 am or 4 pm). If you arrive earlier, there is no shelter, and you will have to wait until the guides come to meet you. If you think you may be later than the arrival time booked, please call the emergency number +268 7618 1266 to advise. No entry will is after 5 pm.
- Power Supply: There is no electricity supply on reserve. Water pumping, radio batteries, and electric fence power are generated by solar energy. All refrigerators are powered by gas while meals are prepared on gas stoves and open fires. All lighting is provided by candles and paraffin lamps, creating the Bush ambience we love to share. If an extra light is required in your room, please notify us. Be aware that open flames are dangerous near thatch and that linen and mosquito nets are highly flammable so great care must be exercised. There are no facilities to charge digital or video cameras on the Reserve.
- Water Supply: Due to the remote location of all water is sourced from a borehole and surface veld water is dependent on good rains in the summer. Please use water sparingly as it is a precious resource. The water is suitable and safe for drinking purposes. Mineral water can be purchased from the bar if needed.
- Advice and Awareness: In the summer, months use sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats due to sun exposure on safari drives and take water on all walking safaris to avoid dehydration. Bring a raincoat in the event of a thunderstorm. In the winter months bring warm clothes, a jacket, and closed shoes.
- You are in the open bush, so be aware of what is around you. Take note of the ground below you and the branch height on trees. Remember animals and reptiles are untrusting of people and will move off on their own, better without interference. If you require any assistance or advice, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Overnight guests are requested to pack a smaller overnight bag as space for large luggage is limited. Your other bags can be left safely in your vehicle that is parked at the Ranger base station within the Park, or in a secure, fenced and guarded area ±500m against the gate.
Seasons
Summer Times (September to April)
- Wake up call by housekeepers with tea & coffee room service at 5:30 and the safari drive departure at 6:00.
- Return from the safari drives at 8:00 for breakfast.
- Guests check out for the current day at 9:00 to depart between 9:15 and 9:30. To arrive at the Ranger base station at 10:00.
- Guests staying further are offered a walking safari at 11:00. A safari drive and walk can be arranged in one, or just a safari drive. Please notify the reception in advance of preferences.
- Lunch is served at 13:00 for all guests.
- The afternoon safari departs at 16:00 and returns at 18:30.
- Dinner is served at 19:00. The Bar closes at 23:00.
Winter Times (May to August)
- Wake up call by housekeepers with tea & coffee room service at 6:00 and the safari drive departure at 6:30.
- Return from the safari drives at 8:30 for breakfast.
- Guests check out for the current day at 9:15 to depart at 9:20. To arrive at the Ranger base station at 10:00.
- Guests staying further are offered a walking safari at 11:00. A safari drive and walk can be arranged in one, or just a safari drive. Please notify the reception in advance of preferences.
- Lunch is served at 13:00 for all guests.
- The afternoon safari departs at 15:00 and returns at 17:30.
- Dinner is served at 18:30. The Bar closes at 23:00.