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 of 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 locationBeing 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 breathtaking animal sightings.