Game Drives
The Main Lodge and the Homestead each come with their own open safari vehicle. Two game drives per day with an experienced field ranger are included in the package (a maximum capacity of 10 people per vehicle is allowed).
Wildlife
Our twice daily game drives with our passionate and knowledgeable rangers will open up a world of incredible wildlife for you. Our reserve boasts the famous Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and both species of Rhino) as well as near 100 species of other mammals and 415 bird species. Wildlife viewing on our reserve is nothing but spectacular. Our afternoon game drive will include a post sundowner night drive which can often be the most exciting part of the excursion.
Birding
Manyoni means “place of the birds” and our reserve truly lives up to its name. As at September 2020, 415 species have been recorded on our reserve and the birding is truly spectacular. Johan and Wonderboy, two of our senior rangers are also top class birding guides and woulkd be thrilled to focus on birding during your game drives. Click here for further information on Manyoni’s birds and birding or here to view an African Birdlife magazine article about birding during Lockdown on the reserve.
Rhino darts
This incredible activity which supports the reserve’s rhino conservation efforts entails our specialist wildlife vet, reserve ecologists and a helicopter. A rhino that requires dehorning or other intervention is identified and darted from the helicopter. Our guests are then able to watch and sometimes even assist in the procedure. It is a truly exhilarating and humbling experience to be able to be up so close and personal to these magnificent creatures.
Pangolin Experience
Manyoni, in partnership with the Zululand Conservation Trust, serves as a release site for Temminck’s ground pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Join the Wildlife Management Team on a pangolin monitoring session and follow their tracks in the wild.
Specialised tracking guides share fascinating insights into pangolin behaviour, diet, and the conservation challenges they face, offering guests the rare chance to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures in their natural environment.
Elephant connection
Meet the majestic Rambo and Rachel – habituated elephants who were rescued after their herd was culled. Experience the thrill and privilege of getting up close to these elephants and be educated about the plight of the mighty African Elephant.
A passionate and knowledgeable ranger will talk you through Rambo and Rachel’s history and provide you with interesting facts about elephants. You will be given an opportunity to feed Rambo and Rachel as well as touch Rambos ears, behind his tusks, between his front legs and even get to feel his tongue! This experience, described as “Life Changing”, is sure to delight visitors.
When the elephants are not greeting visitors, they are roaming freely within the Manyoni Game Reserve with their keepers by their side.
Gallery
