uMkhuze Game Reserve
Wildlife & Animals
South Africa Parks
Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.
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 elephant, 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. Rhino 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) is the best time of all since water in the bush is thoroughly depleted, and all animals come to the waterholes to drink.
