Somkhanda Game Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa,

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Somkhanda 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

Somkhanda Game Reserve, established through the 2006 land restitution of the Gumbi community and formally launched in 2005, spans around 12,000 hectares of rolling bushveld in northern KwaZulu-Natal. As South Africa's first community-owned Big Five reserve, it supports robust populations of black and white rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and endangered African wild dogs—part of a coordinated conservation network with Zululand Rhino Reserve and Pongola Game Reserve. The reserve's success in rhino translocation and wild dog reintroduction is linked to partnerships with WWF's Black Rhino Range Expansion Project and Wildlife ACT's expert monitoring programs. Guided and self-drive safaris offer travelers opportunities to observe this significant wildlife recovery firsthand. Accommodation includes thatched lodge rooms, communal areas like the boma and viewing deck overlooking a watering hole, as well as fully serviced bush tents and wild camping sites. Beyond game viewing, Somkhanda places emphasis on community development and ecological education—employing over 80 local staff and operating a conservation center that hosts internships, youth outreach, and ranger patrol experiences.

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Reviews of Somkhanda Game Reserve

Jens Tietze

5
Reviewed: 2025-02-19

Very nice community reserve. Wild africa feeling. If you want to re-connect with nature, thats the place to go. Very friendly staff
Ryan Kaye

5
Reviewed: 2025-01-06

Amazing remote bush getaway with genuine safari hospitality from Carla and Riaan; all in the name of community-based natural resource management. Will definitely be back!
Beverley Spies

4
Reviewed: 2025-01-01

Had a lovely overnight stay - self drive was good, facilities all very clean and staff were friendly and helpful all that was missing was an aircon in the bedroom.
william kruger

5
Reviewed: 2024-01-11

We spend 2 nights at scotia camp and this was the most awesome experiance. This is wild camping at the top level. 3 rhinos spend a few hours next to our camp site.The roads are a little tricky at some stages but that is part of wild camping. If you travel in a vehicle with high ground clearance, you can drive on most of the roads.The staff was friendly and very helpfull. We will definately be back.
Tristan Brouard

2
Reviewed: 2023-06-29

While Somkhanda Game Reserve has some incredible driving and scenery, one should take note that the roads/trails are mostly overgrown with little maintenance taken to keep the overhanging branches of the road. Roads that are shown on the map, simply arent there anymore. If the reserve is trying to preserve roads and allow the bush to recover itself in those areas they should make it very clear that its a no entry road. The chalets, especially the family room is spacious and welcoming, that is until it rains. I have a better chance at staying dry under tree. The roof leaked directly over the beds.