Far and Wild Safaris cc

04/03/2024

27/02/2024

News Flash
Unconfirmed Reports of a Fire at the Manyane Resort Resturant and Main Building last night.
Awaiting official feed back from Golden Leopard Resorts. Only Bakgatla Resort has confirmed that there was a fire. No futher details

02/02/2024

Update: Phone lines are now working.

Our Main Phone phone is offline.
You are welcome to call on the following numbers

WhatsApp - 031 208 3684
Office Mobile - +27 79 173 5105

We are hoping this gets resolved soon.

23/01/2024

We have just renewed our SATSA membership for 2024

02/01/2024

As recieved from Hilltop Camp - 2 January 2024
Please access park via Memorial Gate if you are staying a Hilltop Camp tonight as low level bridges are closed between Nyalazi Gate and Hilltop Camp

21/12/2023

Bonamanzi Game Reserve and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife have decided to implement a ban on visitors bringing firewood into any of their Reserves.
Visitors can still purchase firewood from the curio shop that have been safely sourced from Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer -free areas.

04/12/2023

In appreciation of International Cheetah Day today!

15/11/2023

Congratulations to Jason Lee McCall with 392 likes at 4pm on the 15th of November 2023.
Please message us to claim your prize.
This Competition is now closed.
Thank you to everyone who participated.

Bonamanzi Game Reserve

10/11/2023

Activities available at the Bonamanzi Game Reserve
Boma Braai with or without Zulu Dancers
3 hour Big 4 Bonamanzi Open Vehicle Game Drive
3 hour Big 5 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park Game Drive
3 hour Elephant Tracking on Bonamanzi
3 hour Black Rhino Tracking on Bonamanzi
3 hour Guided walk in Bonamanzi Big 4 Game Reserve
3 hour Snare Patrol in Bonamanzi Big 4 Game Reserve - Min 4 guests max. 8 guests.
3 hour Boat Birding and gill net Patrol Hluhluwe River, False Bay
6 hour Big 5 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park Game Drive with Lunch Packs
Bonamanzi Anti-Poaching K9 tracking
Bonamanzi Game Reserve

09/11/2023

Competition CLOSED.
Congratulations to the following 10 persons, shortlisted to Win a 2 night stay DB&B for 2 people sharing, at the Bonamanzi Game Reserve.
Please Like one for the following 10 Comments picked by Bonamanzi managment below.
The One Comment with the highest number Likes on this Post at 4pm, 15 November 2023 will be the winner.
T&Cs Apply.

Jason Lee McCall
Phakeme Ayanda Mthembu
Tiaan Wasserman
Yasmeen Ibrahim
Euline Mason-Pearce
Anita Maharaj
Maxine Dawn Carter
Wendy Beveridge
Kim Lewis
itsmetegz
No more posts accepted.

Note. No Likes for rewared!

20/10/2023

Competition CLOSED. Please look out for the New POST with the 10 shortlisted comments.

Win a 2 night stay for 2 people sharing, at the
Bonamanzi Game Reserve in Zululand
Write a brief description as to why you would like to visit this Game Reserve near Hluhluwe and
describe its location. We will choose what we believe to be the 10 best responses.
These will be published on Far and Wild Safaris FaceBook page for the Public to vote which
they regard to be the best. The person with the most Like’s wins.
Dinner, B&B
T&Cs Apply.

A bit more information on Bonamanzi Game Reserve - win a two night stay for 2 people sharing by writing a response and sharing the prize page notification posted earlier.
https://farandwild.blogspot.com/2023/08/bonamanzi-private-game-reserve.html
Bonamanzi Game Reserve

The manned entrance gate to Bonamanzi Game Park The Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve is located in Zululand, east of the N2 and south from Hl...

18/09/2023

Manyane Resort - Pilanesberg National Park Fire Update.

Golden Leopard Resorts have confirmed that Camping, caravan stands and 2 sleeper safari tents at Manyane Resort are open and not affected by the fire.
Currently no Power at Manyane.
To go through to the Park you use Bakgatla and Bakubung gate as Manyane Gate to the Park is currently closed.

Update Manyane Gate open

31/08/2023

Here is a link to a bit of information and images of Bonamanzi Game Park in Zululand. A private venue that makes for an excellent base, set in its own 4000 ha Game Reserve, from wher guests may explore the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park and region. An incredible birders destination.

The manned entrance gate to Bonamanzi Game Park The Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve is located in Zululand, east of the N2 and south from Hl...

02/08/2023

05/06/2023

A couple of Waterbuck with unusual horns!

26/05/2023

The 3 bedroomed, 6 bed selfcatering Cottages at Mantuma Camp in the Mkuze Game Reserve are now open for bookings, contact [email protected]

26/05/2023

Rhino Friday, may they prosper with a bit of mother's love and protection

24/05/2023

There is a great deal of excitement in the chase, the testing of the hunter's ability and that of the prey. These two were at high speed, with the warthog managing to eventually get safely away.

21/05/2023

Some more images from around eventide

20/05/2023

Late afternoon into the night is a special time in the bushveld

11/05/2023

Giant’s Castle Camp – Maloti Drakensberg Park
In the ‘central’ Drakensberg, of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, in the valley created by the Bushman’s River, is one of my favourite venues in the mountains, the Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve. Run and administered by the Provincial Government, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife organisation.
Renowned as a haven for the threatened Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) one is able to view these and other species including the threatened Cape Vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle and Jackal buzzard from a hide, built on the edge of a mountain plateau – these birds utilise the updraft from the topographical effect on the winds, to soar along this extended cliff face in search of sustenance. Visitors to this hide assist, by paying for the privilege, as well as providing meaty bones as an attraction and supplement to their diet. One would need a 4x4 to access this hide.
The very diverse birdlife found in the reserve, with a large variety within the camp itself, such as Bush Blackcap, Ground Woodpecker Drakensberg Prinia, Fairy Flycatcher, a variety of Sunbirds and….and are not the only wildlife interest. The rock hyrax, chacma baboon, a number of antelope species including the massive Eland and rarely encountered Mountain Reedbuck, then Grey mongoose, even Caracal and Serval cats, along with a full spectrum of reptiles and general natural animals of interest. Plants, yip an incredibly rich biome for anyone with a botanical interest. One is under the impression that the Protea is endemic to the Cape, no Sir, there are numerous and plentiful Protea in the Drakensberg. Lana is in her element exploring all these beautiful options with no less than six species of protea found in these mountains with the two most common species of this Sugarbush, Protea caffra and roupelliae.
It is no wonder that the early San chose this area to live. A legacy of their existence here, is recorded in numerous Rock Art, with Main Caves, now in a protected enclosed area, turned into a diorama with guided interpretations of the scene, set in this mountain overhang. These San (Bushman) were descendants of the first Homo sapiens sapiens that lived in southern Africa.
The Giant’s Castle Camp chalets are nestled in amongst the montane forest, most with views of the recumbent Giant, whilst others look into the forest. All the chalets are selfcatering with breakfast at the camp restaurant included in the tariff. One may purchase snacks and lunches during the day with dinner also an option. Booking essential for dinners at the restaurant. Guests that are selfcatering, should bring all food and drink, even charcoal for braais as well as firewood to light up the fireplace in each chalet. The camp shop has limited supplies.
Giant’s Castle has quite a variety of accommodation units, from 2, 4 and 6 sleeper chalets, these all brick under thatch, along with the large Rock Lodge with its three bedrooms, each en suite to a full bathroom and large entertainment area. This sleeps a maximum of 6 guests. The flat roof of the Lodge is quite intriguing and planted with indigenous flora.
The principal activity is walking in amongst the beautiful mountain scenery, a swim in the river? Visiting the San Rock Art shelter (at a nominal fee) or for the birders the Vulture Hide, which should be booked in advance along with the general montane biome. A place to relax and enjoy the natural environment.

05/05/2023

Thendele Camp – Royal Natal National Park
An update on Thendele Camp in the Royal Natal National Park, which is located in and is part of the uKhahlamba World Heritage site. The camp has uninterrupted views of the magnificent Amphitheatre escarpment. There is a well established network of hiking trails, well signposted and maintained.
The thatch roofs at Thendele, have been rather the worse for wear over the past few years, exacerbated by the local Chacma baboons damaging them further, rendering some of the chalets untenable. The Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Park authorities, have decided that a more permanent repair needs be affected, and are consequently in the process of having the roofs clad in an attractive synthetic tile, laid securely on top of the thatch. This has been a slow process, I am sure governed by funding for this extensive refurbishment.
Work started on the lower camp’s 2 and 4 bed selfcatering chalets, then progressed to the upper camp accommodation units. All of the lower camp chalets are completed, with their new roof protection, with some of the chalets in upper camp done. The two 6 sleeper Cottages have unfortunately had severe damage to their roof thatching, and are yet to be restored and clad. This is not expected to happen soon, with the two Cottages presently closed to future bookings. The 6 bed Thendele Lodge with its three bedrooms, each en suite to a full bathroom, has not been affected, no thatch roof there.
The contractors have apparently not been too intrusive whilst working, and guests have been able to enjoy their visit despite the work in progress. Camp Management are keeping the completed units functional and occupied. There is still other general maintenance required on the accommodation which has yet to be done.
The chalets are serviced daily, beds made, braai and fireplaces cleaned. Guests are required to clean their own utensils, cutlery and crockery. Bedding, towels, Crockery / cutlery are supplied by the camp. The chalets have basic appliances, Fridge / freezer, stoves, microwave ovens, toasters, kettles and there is a backup gas cylinder with ring burner in each unit. The camp is on Eskom power and does not have a backup generator.

There is no restaurant at Thendele Camp. Guests need to bring all food and drink, as well as braai and firewood. Camp shops currently have limited to no stock. The closest shop where general supplies may be purchased is at Bergville, some 46 kms away.
The roads are potholed and require vigilance, but easily negotiated by normal saloon cars. We do not recommend travelling after dark. The gate is monitored 24 hours, with late arrivals being able to access their chalets on learning which one, their name being posted on a board with the chalet keys at the Thendele Camp reception. Check in the next day and be sure to get an Exit permit.
The main road bridge over the Tugela River at the entrance gate to the Royal Natal Park is closed. Take the detour. Immediately after the ' Tower of Pizza' lodge which is on the left-hand side of the road when travelling in, there is a road off to the right, leading to a number of private venues, this is approximately 9 kms before the Park entrance gate. Take this road, which crosses the Tugela River. After crossing, take the first left, towards and past the Hlalanathi Drakensberg Resort. Continue on the tar road running adjacent to the river, past Rugged Glen Nature Reserve, on to where you re-join the main road at the entrance gate. Approximately 14 kilometres. This detour may not be signposted.
Ensure you have sufficient fuel, closest fuel garage is in the main towns, Bergville the closest.