The Mthembu Lodge

Richards Bay, South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal
3, 4 days+

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The Mthembu Lodge Tour

At Mthembu Lodge, you will discover the awe-inspiring history and natural beauty of a region and culture with over five hundred years of tradition. Join our knowledgeable and passionate guides on game drives and walking safaris to find iconic African wildlife. You will also learn about the culture and history of the Zulu people.

Designed in a circle, a symbol of wholeness, Mthembu Lodge sits comfortably on the banks of the White iMfolozi River. Our private luxury suites are hand-crafted with care and expertise by members of the Mthembu clan. And they offer you stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Relax in idyllic comfort and enjoy watching the wildlife that surrounds you in this exclusive oasis.

Surrounding Mthembu Lodge is an extensive natural island of wildlife-rich habitat. And the hills are steeped in history and tradition. Our guides, all of whom grew up in the region, have a deep understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the Zulu people, which they will share with you on your tours.

The mFulaWozi Reserve and its surrounding areas are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the famous Big 5. This includes Black and Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, and Leopard.

On your game drives and safari walks, you can also find African Wild Dogs, curious Honey Badgers, cheeky Spotted Hyenas, graceful Giraffes, Nile Crocodiles basking in the sun and quick-footed mongooses.

As one of the last sanctuaries of large numbers of herbivores and the predators they support, this Big 5 game reserve is one of South Africa’s most important conservation areas. A walk through the reserve instills an appreciation for the natural world and develops respect for its habitats and the wildlife that call it home. Join us at Mthembu Lodge for an unforgettable experience in South Africa’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The Mthembu Lodge Accommodation

There are seven luxury one-bedroom suites and two luxury family suites. The lodge offers:

Swimming pool in main area of the lodge
Air-conditioning
Kingsize bed
Coffee and tea station
WiFi
Spa treatments*
Laundry service on request*
Private dining set ups
Walk in wine cellar in main lodge
Gift shop

The Mthembu Lodge Tour Summary

Experience an authentic African wilderness adventure with two daily game drives that offer the chance to spot the famous 'Big 5.'

On game drives and walking safaris, you can find Black and Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard.

The reserve also supports

African Wild Dogs
Honey Badgers
Spotted Hyenas
Giraffes
Nile Crocodiles
Mongooses

The wildlife-rich area is a bird lover's paradise. And there are over 400 bird species to find. This is almost half of the total bird species in the southern African sub-region. The diversity of birdlife is due to the area's varied habitats. This includes important populations of birds that have suffered outside of this protected reserve.

Shaka Zulu, an influential historical figure, conserved this land for eight months of the year as his hunting ground and conservation area to protect the endemic game. For years, historians, academics, and conservationists have dreamed of establishing a sustainable ecotourism hub of this vast scale and importance.

This ambitious project unlocks the tourist appeal of the land's rich culture, history, and biodiversity, benefiting local communities through infrastructure, training, and employment. Ultimately, the initiative results in the conservation of wildlife and wilderness.

The ongoing project has garnered tremendous support as one of the last strongholds of wilderness and wildlife preservation.

mFulaWozi boasts some 1,200 plant species, 84 different types of mammals, and over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife photographers of all levels.

Tour Info

Focus Area: mFulaWozi Game Reserve
Duration: 3, 4 days+
Start Point: The Mthembu Lodge
End Point: The Mthembu Lodge

The Mthembu Lodge Activities

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wilds of mFulaWozi, where the majestic Big 5 – Black & Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, and Leopard – roam freely. This incredible reserve is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, ensuring thrilling encounters with skilled hunting packs of African Wild Dog, curious Honey Badgers, and the daring Spotted Hyena. Marvel at the grace of Giraffes, witness Nile Crocodiles basking in the sun, and spot scurrying mongooses on your adventure.

Experience the raw beauty of one of South Africa's most vital conservation areas, a haven for large numbers of ungulates and their predators. Each day offers two exhilarating game drives, immersing you in the heart of this extraordinary landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time explorer, mFulaWozi promises an unparalleled wildlife adventure on each of your twice-daily excursions.

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of nature with our upcoming Wilderness Walks & Trails. These guided walks will instill a deep appreciation for the natural world, fostering respect for its needs and laws. Experience the thrill of exploring the wild on foot, connecting with the environment in a profound way. Stay tuned for updates on our website, or contact us through the link below for more information. Get ready to embark on a journey that promises to be as enlightening as it is exhilarating, and discover the true essence of the wilderness.

Discover a birdwatcher's paradise in this wilderness area, home to over 400 bird species—nearly half of those found in the southern African sub-region. The rich diversity is drawn by the wide variety of habitats, supporting important populations of large, widespread birds that have thrived here while suffering elsewhere. Explore riverine thickets that act as forest corridors for migratory species escaping the harsh winters of the Drakensberg. Whether you're an avid birder or a nature enthusiast, this protected reserve offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the vibrant avian life that flourishes in this unique ecosystem.

Step into a wildlife photographer’s dream at mFulaWozi, where 1,200 plant species, 84 different mammals, and over 400 bird species create an unparalleled canvas. This reserve is perfect for capturing the essence of nature, whether you're an amateur or a seasoned pro. Beyond the lens, your photos play a vital role in conservation, bringing the wonders of wildlife to people around the globe. Each image tells a story of advocacy and compassion, connecting viewers to nature and inspiring change. Through your lens, become part of a movement that makes a real difference in preserving our natural world.

Rates & Inclusions

3 days / 2 nights

Suite (Double Occupancy): $949

Suite (Single Occupancy): $1,294

4 days / 3 nights

Suite (Double Occupancy): $1,424

Suite (Single Occupancy): $1,941

Notes

This rate is converted to show the approximate cost in USD. You will pay the tour operator in ZAR. The Mthembu Lodge will send you the rate in ZAR after you send your request. Note that the exchange rate may change before you pay.
Conservation levy: An additional charge of R265 per person per day. Children over the age of 10 welcome.

Operated By mFulaWozi Wilderness

About mFulaWozi Wilderness

Barry Theunissen was attending a site meeting for a housing project in the Mthembu community back in 2010 when he looked out over the tribal land and asked iNkosi Mthembu what he was planning to do with all of it. He suggested creating a game reserve, and the iNkosi replied, "Yes, Mpunzi" - which is Barry's Zulu name.

Several Zulu chiefs, all descendants of the Shaka dynasty, agreed to open up 16,000 hectares of pristine African bushveld. Today, 6,000 hectares have been added to the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HiP), expanding it to over 100,000 hectares, with plans to include even more wilderness in the future. The removal of dividing game fences has allowed wildlife to roam freely throughout the parks.

The mFulaWozi initiative is set to boost the conservation footprint in Africa by expanding the size and capacity of HiP, the oldest game reserve on the continent. It will also help drive growth in the tourism industry by connecting visitors with one of the most significant biospheres on the planet.

Not only is mFulaWozi committed to safeguarding the wilderness and its wildlife, but it is also dedicated to uplifting the socio-economic status of the surrounding disadvantaged communities.

mFulaWozi Wilderness is where the Zulu nation rose to prominence, and it remains a source of immense national pride. It is a dream being realized - a dream of a wilderness steeped in Zulu culture, tradition, and history.