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Mthethomusha Game Reserve
The Mthethomusha Game Reserve extends over an area of 7 200 hectares of mountainous country adjacent to the south-westerner of the Kruger National Park. The land is owned by the Mpakeni Community which sanctioned the establishment of the reserve and the reintroduction of large mammals in 1986, and now share in its proceeds from tourism and harvest sustainable products.
The reserve straddles the Nsikazi Highland north of the Crocodile River Gorge, with three distinct woodland types occurring among the jumbled boulders and craggy peaks.
The 'Big five'all occur at Mthethomusha with African Elephant, Lion, Buffalo and White Rhino the subject of successful reintroduction programmes, and Leopard having always been at home in this ideal habitat. Giraffe, Kudu, Burchell's Zebra, Waterbuck, Sable and Nyala are among the many large herbivores present, but it is the sure-footed Klipspringer which is best adapted for the rocky terrain. Smaller carnivores include the nocturnal African Civet and Largespotted Genet. Troops of Chacma Baboon reside among the rocks, with their loud barking calls echoing across the valleys. After dark, the eerie wail of the Greater Bushbaby is a familiar sound.
Among the many bird species recorded are several typical of densely woode habitants. Natal Robin, Sombre Bulbul, Tambourine Dove and Scalythroated Honeyguide are all to be found here as well tahe more widespread Paradise Flycatcher, Klaas's Cuckoo and Plumcoloured Starling.
The rocky shelters of Mthethomusha were obvious attractive to early man, with remains of iron-age settlements in the hills, and well preserved rock paintings of San Bushmen in caves and overhangs.
Activities and Accommodation
Accommodatioin is limited to Southern Sun's luxury Bongani Mountain Lodge; guests are taken on guided drives in 4x4 vehicles and bushwalks with trained trackers. A day visitor facility for picnics is possible by prior arrangement.
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