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Provincial Parks
Ndumo Game Reserve
Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Zululand
Main Attractions: Game Viewing, Birding
Ndumo Game Reserve is perhaps best known for its magnificent bird life with the highest bird count in South Africa, some 430 species.Situated near the Tembe Elephant Park on the Mozambique border, the Usuthu River forms its northern boundary and the Pongola River flows through to its confluence with Usutu.Ndumo boasts many beautiful pans set about with yellow fever trees and extensive wetlands and reedbeds as well as acacia savannah and sand forest.
This varied habitat hosts an astonishing range of aquatic birdlife such as black egret, pygmy geeseand flocks of pelicans.The prolific birdlife includes many tropical East African forms at the southern limit of their range. Special ticks for birders include Pell's fishing owl, the broadbill, and southern banded snake eagle.With game species such as nyala, bushbuck, impala, red duiker, suni, black and white rhino, hippopotamus and a very large population of crocodiles, Ndumo is a most rewarding area to view wildlife with its wetlands and pans, thick bush and savannah and extensive forests.Ndumo is of particular interest to entomologists with a very interesting array of insects including 66 recorded species of mosquito. Visitors may drive through certain areas of the reserve in their own cars, or participate in landrover tours to interesting areas in the company of a tour guide. Depending on the demand, morning and afternoon tours are conducted and arrangements to participate in these tours are made at the reception office.
For the more energetic, day walks in the reserve may be taken in the company of a guide and, here too, arrangements to participate in these walks should be made at the reception office the day before the intended walk.
Accommodation:
The hutted camp consists of 7 two-bedded squaredavels, each equipped with a hand basin with cold water, a table and three chairs and a refrigerator. Bedding, cutlery and crockery are provided. The camp is served by a kitchen and ablution block with hot and cold water. The camp is equipped with mains electricity.There are six rustic campsites accommodation 36 people adjacent to the hutted camp that share the camps ablutions.
ACCOMMODATON
Ndumo Camp provides seven twin-bed chalets situated in a parkland setting under spreading marula trees.The camp enjoys spectacular easterly views across the Phongolo River floodplain and nestles comfortably into the serene tropical landscape. A sparkling swimming pool provides coolness in the heat of the day and a well-equipped kitchen and self-catering facilities are available.
A camp cook provides excellent meals from the food provided by the guests.
Guided open-vehicle safaris are offered around the pristine pans and day walks and specialist birding walks are led by extremely knowledgeable guides who are specialists at finding that elusive bird missing from the avid birders life list.Ndumo camp is scheduled to be upgraded into a lodge featuring an additional seven luxury en-suite tents. In addition the existing chalets will be upgraded with en-suite facilities and air-conditioning. The lodge will feature full catering, open-vehicle and walking safaris with dedicated rangers and hosts. The lodge will continue to accept both individual bookings and single group bookings. The upgrading is expected to be completed by December 2002.
GENERAL INFORMATION
VITAL INFORMATION
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
Summer ( October to March ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (April to September ) 06h00 to 18h00
Office Hours:
The office is open from 07h30 to 10h00 and 10h30 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 16h00
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: 6 kms
Camp Telephone Number: (035) 5910004
Camp Fax: (035) 5911042
Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00
Facilities:
Game drives, Auto trail, laundry facilities, freezer.
Shop:
There is no shop in the reserve but there is a well stocked trading store 2 kms from the reserve gate.
Special Precautions:
Ndumo is in a malaria area and special precautions are necessary.
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Mkuze which is 100 kms away.
How to get there:
From the north or south follow the N2 and turn off at Jozini. Go through the town and across the dam wall then follow the road untill you see the Ndumo sign posts.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
Concessions:
Education groups from KwaZulu-Natal are admitted free to the reserve.
Facilities for people with disabilities: Nil
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