About Kwa Madwala Manyatta Rock Camp

Two towering granite rocks reach towards the sky to provide the dramatic setting for this comfortable camp which sits on a typical African kopjie. Located in the heart of the Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve, just 25 minutes from the Melalane Gate of the Kruger National Park, Manyatta Rock Camp is the perfect setting to relax, unwind and enjoy the wilderness and wildlife at Kwa Madwala.

SAFARIS & WILDLIFE

Located in Lowveld bush to the south of Kruger National Park, this 2000 hectare conservancy is home to a vast array of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. The reserve is a mixture of Lowveld savannah and thick bushveld making for a highly varied biome. Through hard work and perseverance, Kwa Madwala today boasts a hugely diverse variety of wildlife, both big and small. Pleasure is taken in showing you not only the big 3 (no buffalo and lion), but also in highlighting the unusual, the small and the rare. Many of the smaller animals thrive at Kwa Madwala in regular social structures with healthy herds of zebra, impala, kudu, nyala and wildebeest. As the reserve is relatively small at 2000 hectares, the herd sizes will not be the same as say Kruger National Park which often has many 1000’s of animals of one species. However, the animal numbers are in accordance with a reserve of this size and over population is not a problem.

Kwa Madwala has an innovative approach to game viewing experiences and offers more than the usual four wheel game drives. Why not try an exhilarating aerial safari flight by Microlight aircraft, flying low over the bush and up to the Crocodile River on the southern border of Kruger. See the African bush and wildlife from a totally different perspective. Or get really close to nature and experience the thrill of an Elephant Back Safari across the reserve. Ranger led daily bush walks are very popular with guests and are a great way to get up close and learn more about the flora and fauna.

Watch the sun rise over the Lembobo Mountains to the east and in the evenings marvel at the orange glow as the sun sets again in the west. Take in the bush views in every direction and listen to the stillness of this piece of African wilderness. Chill out in the cosy viewing lounge deck which is raised on stilts and juts out to provide a stunning spot for leisurely game viewing from this vantage point. The boomerang shaped swimming pool with its sundeck and tree dappled shade is a delight.

There is an open air boma next to the towering rocks for open air dining under the stars and one can enjoy a refreshing drink from the grotto style bar which is nestled between the two towering rocks. Or chose to relax on one of the two wooden dining decks which all afford magnificent vista’s out across the wilderness.

Cheerful and unobtrusive staff will welcome you and add to your memories of your stay at Manyatta Rock Camp.

Looking like giant rocks our unique dome shaped bedrooms are scattered across the kopjie with fabulous views out across the bush from the private wooden deck of each unit. Manyatta has been skilfully designed to blend in with the surrounding natural environment and to ensure that all rooms offer a private wooden deck for bright mornings and lazy afternoons overlooking the African bush. An outside shower, deckchairs and hammock make the decks very popular with guests.

Subtle lighting around the camp and footpaths connect all rooms to the swimming pool, boma dining decks, bar and viewing lounge deck. All 27 rooms are comfortable yet tastefully furnished and infused with elegant African touches. The bedrooms are air-conditioned with two twin beds made up as a queen size bed and include a mini fridge (which can be stocked as a bar upon request). The en-suite bathroom has dual his and hers sinks, w.c. and bath.

Two of the accommodation units also feature a separate living room, with two twin beds and mini fridge. These units are well suited to families with older children. Maximum room occupancy in these units is 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Four of the accommodation units also have a separate living room with one sleeper couch, maximum occupancy in these units is 2 adults and 1 child.

The beautifully appointed Honeymoon Suite features a large four poster bed, private deck and shower and is ideally located for maximum privacy.

Comfortable and elegant without being fussy, Manyatta is praised for its relaxed charm, unique bedroom design and stunning hilltop location.

Being on safari can be a hungry business even in hot weather. Wholesome South African dishes are mixed and crafted with an international flair by the young team of chef’s and cooks. A hearty late breakfast is taken after the morning game drive on the wooden dining deck overlooking the reserve. With the game drives departing around sunrise a range of hot drinks, fruit juices and rusks are served from our outdoor drinks station. Lunches are also served under the shade of the dining deck – bring your binoculars as you never know what you might see from these east facing decks.

Dinner is served after returning from the afternoon / evening wilderness game drive and is served either on the main dining deck or at the boma with its huge central fire out under the stars at our legendary bush barbecue (known locally as a braai).

A good selection of South African wines, cold beers and spirits are available from the bar. The bar staff will happily stock your room mini fridge to order if requested.

The dedicated team of camp staff, rangers and trackers will ensure that you have a memorable safari experience, very comfortable stay in the elegant bedrooms and plenty of tasty food from the team of chefs and cooks.

Guests are transported from Manyatta Rock Camp to the Elephant Enclosure (70 ha non-Big 5 area) and introduced to the rangers and grooms on duty. A safety briefing is held so that all guests feel comfortable when in close proximity to the elephants and understand the instructions issued by the grooms. Guests have the choice of an Elephant  Interaction and/or Elephant Back Safari Experience.

Furthermore, Kwa Madwala has pioneered low level aerial game viewing flights and is one of the few places in Africa to offer such an experience. Using microlight aircraft which carry one person at a time and which afford near 360 degree views, this is possibly the ultimate safari viewing experience! The thrill of staring out across the African bush and down at the wildlife is one to savour and remember forever. These are views not possible from the 4X4 vehicle and the smiles on guest faces when returning from a flight is testament to the joy and freedom one feels when gliding over the African bush.

Flights traverse the Kwa Madwala reserve and longer flights also take in the southern border of Kruger National Park. Although flights over Kruger are prohibited you are able to fly low along the Crocodile River for some truly breath taking animal sightings.

Room Features

• Larger air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms and lounge area
• 2 en-suite units with an extra lounge area with two twin beds
• 4 en-suite units with an extra lounge area with sleeper couch
• Honeymoon suite with four post queen size bed
• Private outside shower on the lookout deck (per chalet)
• Private viewing deck
• Mini bar (stocked up on request – need to place order at reception)
• Safe available in the chalet
• Coffee and tea facilities
• Amenities provided in the bathroom

Lodge Features

Additional Activities

• (PRICES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. CHILDREN PARTICIPATING WILL ALSO PAY FULL RATE)MICROLIGHT SAFARISLow altitude light safaris – time slots morning 06h30 – 08h30, afternoon 15h00 – 17h00 (weather depending)
• 15 minute Microlight Safaris above the Reserve (minimum 4 persons)
• 30 minute Microlight Safaris above the Reserve & along Crocodile River (border KNP)
• One hour Microlight Safaris above the Reserve & along Crocodile River (border KNP)ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS & INTERACTION EXPERIENCES
• 15 minute Elephant interaction experience (groups only)
• 30 minute Elephant interaction, including walk (feed, touch, sense & talk) (groups only)
• 60 minute Elephant interaction experience (groups only)
• 60 minute Elephant Back Safari including game viewing experience through the bush
• 60 minute energetic walk with the elephants through the bush
• 90 minute Elephant Back Safari including a half an hour elephant interaction
• 2 hour Elephant Back Safari including a 30 minute Elephant interactionHORSEBACK SAFARIS
• 30 minute family rides
• 1 hour horseback safari
• 2 hour horseback safari
• Half day horseback safari including breakfastGAME DRIVES AND WALKING SAFARIS
• 1.5 hour morning wilderness game drive including coffee and rusks in an open 4 x 4 game viewer vehicle, hosted by a professional ranger
• 1.5 hour afternoon wilderness game drive in an open 4 x 4 game viewer vehicle, hosted by a professional ranger
• Greater Kruger National Park – 3 hour morning game drive including coffee and rusks in an open 4 x 4 game viewer vehicle, hosted by a professional ranger
• Kruger National Park full day tour in an air conditioned mini bus or open 4 x 4 including entrance fees
• Kruger National Park half day tour in an air conditioned mini bus or open 4 x 4 including entrance fees
• Night drive – 2.5 hour night safari hosted by a professional ranger
• 1 hour walking safari
• 2 hour walking safari
• 3 hour walking safariCULTURAL EXPERIENCES
• Local traditional dancing and singingDAY TOURS, SAFARIS & TRIPS – EXTERNAL
• Day trip to Mozambique
• Day trip to Swaziland
• Panoramic TourRUSTIC DAY SPA
• Only available for bookings on siteGOLF AT LEOPARD CREEK
• Prices available on request