The Manyoni Reserve is a large area of 23 000 hectares and contains a variety of different habitats that provide for a vast array of bird species. Being situated between the Mkuze Game Reserve and Hluhluwe, it is regarded as one of South Africa’s top birding destinations with over 430 bird species recorded. The reserve has a habit of turning up vagrant birds with the Red-tailed Shrike and Arnot’s Chat being seen, as well as the Golden Pipit which has been seen on numerous occasions.

Among the more resident and migratory species, one can encounter Pink-throated Twinspot, Rudd’s Apalis, Black Coucal, Shelly’s Francolin, African Broadbill, Narina Trogon, Bushveld Pipit, Neergard’s Sunbird, Eastern Nicator, Gorgeous Bushshrike, Crowned Eagle, Striped Kingfisher, Scaly-throated Honeyguide

The reserve can only be accessed by booking into one of the private lodges, ranging from self-catering to 5 star accommodation. When at the lodge, one can explore the reserve through guided game drives. Most of the lodges have well versed birding guides.

The Northern and central areas of the park are characterized by rolling hills with open grassland, acacia thickets, mixed woodland and lush valley thickets and is suitable for species such as Pink-throated Twinspot, Bushveld Pipit, Green-winged Pytillia, Striped Kingfisher, Black & Brown-crowned Tchagra, Acacia Pied Barbet, Burnt-necked and yellow-bellied Eremomela as well as Rudd’s Apalis. In summer one has a good chance to find Black Coucal and if luck is on your side, the Shelly’s francolin can be found year round. Numerous sunbirds can be seen in the different habitats. Marico, White-bellied, Grey, Collared, Purple-banded, scarlet-chested, Olive and Neergard’s can be found.The Msunduze river winds through the southern section of the park and provides excellent birding. Staring in the dramatic mountainous section to the West, the river cuts through the steep rocky mountains and emerges into the flat terrain towards the centre of the park. Lined with large Sycamore Figs, lush riverine thickets, and indigenous forest the river provides for a host of species. In the forests, patience and a good knowledge of the calls will be rewarding, and one can encounter a variety of sought-after species. African Broadbill, Narina Trogon, Pink-throated & Green Twinspot, Grey Waxbill, Crowned Eagle, Pygmy Kingfisher, Gorgeous Bushshrike, Grey & Olive Sunbird, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Dark-backed Weaver, Square-Tailed Drongo, Eastern Nicator, Broad-billed Roller and Red-fronted Tinkerbird all inhabit the indigenous forest.

Taking time to scan the open grasslands can produce Croaking, Rattling and Zitting Cisticola, while Rufous-naped, Sabota and Flappet Lark can also be seen. Pipit species include African, Plain-backed and striped, while in summer one should always be on the lookout for the incredible Golden Pipit.

Night drives can also be arranged with the various lodges and is well worth staying up late for. Nocturnal species such as Spotted Eagle Owl, Marsh Owl and Southern White-faced Owl are numerous, while African Grass Owl is a rare find. African Wood Owl can be seen in the forests at night by listening out for the rhythmic call. Fiery-necked, European and Square-tailed Nightjar are found on the reserve.

Manyoni Private Game Reserve is one of the largest privately-owned reserves in Kwazulu-Natal. This 23,000-hectare reserve is the product of 17 dedicated landowners who dropped their fences in 2004 to create one contiguous protected area for our wildlife. The selection of the area as a potential release site for the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project was a major driving factor in the establishment of Manyoni. In 2005, the newly established reserve was confirmed as a release site by the WWF and a founder population of black rhino were released into their new home.

A few years later, in 2009, the reserve was formally proclaimed by the government as a Nature Reserve under the Protected Areas Act. Since the establishment of the reserve there has been the reintroduction of lions, making Manyoni a Big 5 Reserve, and the reintroduction of endangered cheetahs and African wild dogs. In addition to endangered species conservation, Manyoni Private Game Reserve has a strong focus on conserving biodiversity, this includes the landscapes, ecosystems and processes upon which this biodiversity depends.

Today Manyoni is listed as one of South Africa’s top Big 5 reserves with a strong focus on conserving biodiversity. Moreover, the reserve is certrally situated in Maputaland between Hluhluwe and Mkuze Game Reserves, placing it in one of South Africa’s richest birding hotspots. Over 430 species have been recorded on the reserve, with new species being added regularly. The list includes much sought-after species such as Pink-throated Twinspot, Rudd’s Apalis, Neergards Sunbird, African Broadbill, Black Coucal and a host of other notable species.

Directions:
Take the N2 freeway north until you reach the town of Mkuze. Turn to the west along the D240, then immediately south to the North Gate of Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Alternatively, roughly 25km to the south of Mkuze, turn west along the D464 to reach the southern gate to Manyoni Private Game Reserve.

Notable points of interest include the:
North gate: -27.6402, 32.0210
South gate: -27.7534, 32.1051

Key species:

Pink-throated Twinspot, Rudd’s Apalis, Neergards Sunbird, African Broadbill, Black Coucal, Gorgeous Bushshrike, Bushveld Pipit, Shelly’s Francolin

Contact details:

For more information, please contact at:

Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)35 595 8550
Email: admin@manyoni.co.za
Website: www.manyoni.co.za