Ndumo Game Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours &

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Ndumo Game Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 6 hours

Located in the far northeastern corner of KwaZulu-Natal, Ndumo Game Reserve spans just 11,000 hectares yet holds ecological significance far beyond its size. It is internationally recognized for its Ramsar-listed wetlands, where the Pongola and Great Usutu rivers meet near the Mozambique border. These wetlands support one of the richest bird assemblages in South Africa, with over 430 recorded species, including the elusive Pel's fishing owl, African broadbill, and Narina trogon. The park also provides critical habitat for Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a range of aquatic life across its floodplains, pans, and reed beds. Ndumo's varied ecosystems—ranging from sand and riverine forests to thornveld and grasslands—create an exceptionally biodiverse landscape. Mammals such as nyala, giraffe, and Cape buffalo roam freely, though large predators are absent. The park is also notable for its herpetofauna and is considered one of South Africa's last strongholds for several frog and reptile species. Its position within the Maputaland biodiversity hotspot contributes to high species turnover, particularly among birds and amphibians, thanks to the region's warm, wet climate and transitional biogeography. Despite its ecological richness, Ndumo's conservation efforts have been complicated by unresolved land rights issues. In the mid-20th century, local communities were forcibly removed, and although some restitution was later offered, parts of the eastern reserve are now occupied and farmed—threatening habitat integrity and species such as nesting crocodiles. Plans to incorporate Ndumo into the larger Usuthu-Tembe-Futi Transfrontier Conservation Area remain uncertain. Yet, the reserve continues to draw researchers and birdwatchers, offering insight into both the promise and challenges of conservation in historically contested landscapes.

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Reviews of Ndumo Game Reserve

Christopher Zaayman

5
Reviewed: 2025-01-29

We stayed at Ndumo Game Reserve in December 2024. It was great! I camped, and my brother stayed in the chalet with his wife. The chalets are lovely! Ndumo is for birding no doubt, and we were privileged to enjoy a bushwalk with Bongani to the Fig Tree Forest on the lake. Bongani was an exceptional guide, he called birds nearer to us and managed to show us a Narina Trogan! Ndumo is not for the "big five" but certainly a special place, and even more so for twitchers! Value for money and worth a visit! :)
deb rowe

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-25

This exquisite reserve is truly a hidden gem. The staff team is amazing, the accomodation pristine, however it is the absolute beauty of nature that surrounds you and the experience of perfect peace and tranquility that makes Ndumo worthy of its name and should be on everyones bucket list to visit! I cannot speak too highly of this reserve ... you have to go there!
Placed on the Map - Frik Ernst

5
Reviewed: 2024-01-07

Unfortunately when we were there it rained a lot, but we still enjoyed every moment of our visit. We are birdwatchers and we were amazed with all the birds we saw and heard. The bird hide that overlook the dam was incredible. I have never so many pelicans in my whole life. There also plenty egrets, darters and cormorants at the dam. Our hike to the hide and back was also great. The nature still seems still so undisturbed - a real Africa wildlife experience. Unfortunately, because of the density of the bush, it is difficult to spot the wild animals with ease, but we managed to still see a good variety of animals. We also drove to the lookout point on the northern border of the reserve that overlooks the river and you could also the the unspoilt riverbank on the Mozambican side. We enjoyed our trip and I recommend it to any nature lover that still want to see a peace of unspoilt wilderness - not so commercial as most other reserves in South Africa
Leone Beukes

3
Reviewed: 2023-07-06

We camped at Ndumo 30 June - 2 July 2023. We were well received by Chris. Although we couldn't go on a bush walk, the rangers seemed very friendly and knowledgeable. Sadly, the park just needs a little bit attention to detail: the newly built ablution block was amazing, but there wasn't an appropriate dishwashing area. They opted for the cement basins instead. Half of the campsite was not mowed and many of the roads were overgrown, my car got scratched quite a bit! We had to turn around (or reverse) on a few occasions. Highlights: 🟢Birdlife was amazing at Nyamithi pan! 🟢Seeing a Palmnut vulture at the "vulture restaurant" 🟢Sunset at the lookout tower close to the main gate. We will return, but not in the height of summer for sure! 🟠Things to consider: ▪️No shop at the reserve. ▪️No wood to purchase on the way to the reserve, as is customary at many of KZN's reserves. ▪️The Spar at Ndumo village is very basic. ▪️Beware of ticks and scorpions! ▪️Take a basin along to wash your dishes. ▪️Take a water can if you want to avoid trips to the tap.
CF Trim

4
Reviewed: 2022-01-05

The Game Reserve is great. Birding paradise even in the wet season when the bush and forest is dense. The Ezemvelo staff are really helpful. Facilities are good at the campsite but they need more thorough cleaning and repair attention. The pool was light green for want of chemicals and thorough cleaning. Beware of the lashing thunderstorms in the region in Summer and select a campsite carefully as there is substantial runoff during heavy rain. Mozzies are present by the millions at dawn and at sunset - it is a malaria area and being stung is unavoidable because there are so many mozzies. Lovely trees provide shade. The brick braai places are brand new - well constructed and one per site. There are taps at a few places around the site. The washing basins behind the ablution block are grubby and drainage is poor. No plugs or hot water for the dishes. There is a large geyser for hot water showers. The lights work and there are millions of bugs, beetles and flying things attracted there. Roads are good, some slick patches and puddles in the rainy season. Saw buffalo, giraffe, water monitor, mongoose, nyala, impala, crocodile, The shop at the main office is closed for now. Make sure you get a gate pass from the office before leaving Ndumo. Well worth the visit for the peace and tranquility.