In the southeast of Swaziland, in the heart of the lowveld lies an unspoiled wilderness, haven to endangered species who roam the magnificent African bush.

Mkhaya Game Reserve, named after the Acacia nigrescens tree, comprises of acacia-dominated thornveld in the south and broadleaf sandveld in the north. Unique, intimate encounters with Mkhaya's wildlife are almost guaranteed as all travel within the reserve is solely by Big Game Parks' open Land Rovers or on foot (all guided). The reserve is criss-crossed with dry riverbeds, dotted with waterholes and has a network of intertwined game-viewing roads.

After a day out in the hot African bush, come back to the camp that is sited in bird-rich riverine forests and enjoy an ice-cold drink under the giant sausage tree or retire to the comfortable stone and thatch open style accommodation and sit back and enjoy real nature.

A trip to Mkhaya is a trip into Real Africa - a soul enriching, quality experience you'll never forget!

Laid out along the banks of a dry river bed, is Mkhaya Game Reserve's Stone Camp where the vegetation comprises of tall fig, leadwood, sausage and knobthorn trees, with a lush under-canopy giving it a year-round subtropical appearance.

Bird life in the camp is a special feature with many species of robin, purple-crested lourie, narina trogan and pink-throated twinspots among the special treats. Smaller game such as warthog visit the camp whilst the big game, such as elephant, is kept at bay outside the camp by a three-strand electric cordon.

The camp is comfortable, quiet and relaxing and a welcome retreat after a day out in the burning sun.

The camp is known as 'Stone Camp' due to the dolerite rocks used in the construction of the semi-open stone and thatch cottages. This unique style accommodation in its primeval setting offers visitors the opportunity of really getting back to nature.

All twelve units are laid out individually in the riverine forest overlooking the dry riverbed, linked by central and branch pathways surfaced with riversand and lit at night by paraffin lanterns as the camp has no electricity. Each unit is totally private due to the thick vegetation, though some units are close enough together for use as an extended family unit.

The entire internal structure of these cottages, although veiled for privacy, is open to the external bush, which gives visitors a totally unique, true bush experience.

Accommodation at Mkhaya Game Reserve is available on both an all-inclusive and dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Hearty meals mixing the best in local and international cuisine are typically served in the camp boma under the star-strewn African sky.

Mkhaya was established in 1979 to save the pure Nguni breed of cattle from extinction and is a proclaimed Nature Reserve. Its focus has expanded over the years to include other endangered species such as black rhino, roan & sable antelope, tsessebe, white rhino, elephant and other locally endangered species.

As a refuge for endangered species with an intensive breeding project for re-establishing scarce species in Swaziland, Mkhaya offers superb photographic opportunities to game enthusiasts.

Mkhaya currently supports four of the Big Five; with leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino being present on the reserve. Giraffe, hippo, crocodile, roan and sable antelope, tsessebe, eland, kudu, waterbuck, nyala, zebra, wildebeest, impala, warthog, grey duiker, steenbok, ostrich, bushbaby and vervet monkey are also seen daily whereas species such as red duiker, genet, lynx, baboon, serval, mongoose and jackal are seen infrequently and leopard, hyena, honey badger and pangolin seldom.

Mkhaya is alive with many species of smaller mammal, reptiles, insects and a rich diversity of bird life, with the climax vegetation of ancient leadwoods, knobthorns and Tamboti being particularly valuable from both a conservation and an aesthetic perspective.

Along with guided daily game drives, nature walks, and bird watching from the comfort of Stone Camp, traditional dancing is an experience not to be missed during your stay at Mkhaya.

Sibhaca Dancing is the traditional Swazi dance performed by teams of men (and sometimes even women) at a vigorous pace. The 'headman' of the Sibhaca dance will personally invite you to an evening of Sibhaca entertainment so be sure to take along your drinks and gather around the main campfire for an hour or so of good traditional Swazi entertainment.

All rates inclusive of open Land Rover game drives, walking safaris, meals and accommodation in semi open en-suite thatched stone cottages, and conservation fees. No children under 6 years please.

Rates quoted in SA Rand (ZAR) per person per night. Prices are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Rates include 14% tax where applicable, but exclude any tourism / bed levies.