Mantuma Camp – Mkuze Game Reserve – By Liz Cox – Editor Wildside Magazine
We haven’t visited Mkuze for many years and I was looking forward to spending some time there, even if it was sadly, only for one night. We entered through Ophansi Gate ( just off the R22 ) and I could immediately see that a lot of money has been spent on infrastructure including the roads and the hides as they were all in excellent condition. The viewing hides, many of them built over the water are quite something to behold. They have to be some of the best I have ever had the privilege of spending time in. The bush was very thick, making the spotting of game a challenge but in my view, this just makes each sighting that you do come across even more special. Mantuma Camp itself was very pleasant – we stayed in the tented camp ( R800 for two adults/night). The staff in the camp shop were all very friendly and helpful. The en-suite tents were well equipped with comfortable twin beds, clean bedding and towels. The outdoor kitchen was adequately equipped with crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, a fridge/freezer, stove and BBQ. There is something special about hearing the distinctive sound of hyenas calling in the early hours of the morning and even though I have noticed on various social media platforms that there are often complaints about this camp, I couldn’t really fault it. I enjoyed the laid-back, and unpretentious air of the camp and found it to be charming and peaceful and will definitely be back.
