|
Mdala Nature Reserve
Incorporating 8 000 hectares of sandy bushveld, and a chain of rocky outcrops, the Mdala Nature Reserve
is situated within the former KwaNdebele, less than a one hour drive from Pretoria.
The lower-lying part of the reserve is dominated by tall, open woodland, with denser thickets at the base
of the miniature escapement of jumbled boulders, and open grasslands combined with woodlands on the plateau.
A number of smaller streams flow through Mdala, but most are seasonal.
Many different larger mammals known to have occurred in the region in the past have been introduced, with
Burchell's Zebra, Impala, Kudu, Waterbuck and Red Haartebeest among the herbivores most often seen.
Warthog are plentiful with adults and their piglets frequently seen dashing across tracks with tails held high.
The distinctive spoor of Leopard and Brown Hyena are often seen on soft sand but the
predators themselves are seldom encountered. After dark, the eerie wail of the Blackbacked Jackal may be heard,
and the industrious Aardvark moves like a ghost in search of termite colonies.
A wide variety of bushveld bird are present, with Grey and Yellowbilled Hornbill, Meyer's Parrot, Crested Barbet
and Grey Lourie abundant and frequently seen. In low Acacia thickets the striking Crimsonbreasted Shrike may be
seen foraging alongside the snow-white of the Pied Babbler. Wahlberg's Eagle and Gabar Goshawk hunt and capture
small mammals and bird during daylight hours, with Giant Eagle Owl and Whitefaced Owl taking over this role at night.
Activities
Mdala has a network of gravel roads which afford good game-viewing opportunities. Arrangements
may be made by birdwatchers to explore parts of the reserve on foot. The S.J Mabena Educational Centre offers
environmental interpretation courses for school children recently completed dormitories
and a fully-equipped kitchen provide facilities for school groups.
Accommodation
A variety of overnight facilities exist at present, with further developments in the planning stage. The
charming Mkholwane Lodge provides accommodation and a large swimming pool in a tranquil setting for groups
of up to eight people. Zwelabo Lodge is a converted farmhouse providing accommodation for groups of up to
eight people, and Manala Camp is a simople complex of rondavels with outdoor toilets and fire-place cooking
sites. All the accommodation are self catering.
|
|
|
Home
