Mandy Mitchell
Ixopo, KZN
IG: @mandymitchell1156
The Nhlamvini Valley is hidden away in the bushveld between Ixopo and Richmond, close to the Umkomaas Valley. It’s the home of the iXhobo River system, and a conservancy made up of several game farms, protecting the rich biodiversity found in the area.
We farm in this beautiful valley and because I’m a keen photographer, I enjoy exploring the network of gravel roads that criss-cross the hills and valleys, eventually winding down into the Umkomaas (Mkomazi). These are public roads, and anyone can drive them – try the D299, the D738 and the Inhlamvini road. You’ll see some game by the roadside as you go.
It really is a great place to spend a quiet weekend immersed in nature. There are a few self-catering lodges available on farms and reserves, one of which is Oribi Bush Camp, in Nhlamvini Private Game Reserve. The reserve has game like kudu, hippo, giraffe and oribi. They offer game drives, but you can also book a self-drive tour.
Come during the winter months and you’ll see the magnificent aloes in bloom!
Nhlamvini Private Game Reserve watervalesafaris.com
Brandon and Marcelle Danks
Pinetown, KZN
IG: @lets_get_lost_za
@wandering_soul_za
• Weenen Game Reserve 🖰 kznwildlife.com
• Cumberland Nature Reserve 🖰 cumberlandreserve.co.za
• Eston 4x4 Valley Adventures 🖰 info@eston4x4.co.za
• Tala Game Reserve 🖰 tala.co.za
We love visitingWeenen Game Reserve in the KZN Midlands. It was established around 1975 and is roughly 50 km in size. The reserve has day visitor facilities (entry fee R50 per adult; R25 per child) and a campsite that can accommodate caravans, trailers or tents. The 4x4 trail is very mild – the highlight for us was crossing the slatted steel bridge.
