WILDLIFE
Exquisite wildlife viewing
The Mjejane Private Game Reserve offers a truly African game viewing experience with private access to the world-famous Kruger National Park. As there is no fence between Mjejane Private Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park, wildlife moves freely between the nature sanctuaries on either side of the river. Wildlife can be spotted from the lodge as you enjoy your morning coffee or evening sundowner.
GOLF
With four established picturesque golf courses close by, Fifty-Five Mjejane is a superb wildlife golf destination.
(20 min / 20 km)
Built in 1900 on the banks of the Crocodile River, close to Malelane Gate in the picturesque Onderberg, lies this beautifully maintained 9-hole jewel of the Lowveld. Surrounded by indigenous trees that are a hive of activity for birds, insects and
foraging vervet monkeys, this golf course is definitely not
to be missed.
Tel:
013 790 0283
(30 min / 27 km)
Set in the wildest corner of South Africa at the confluence of the Crocodile and Komati Rivers, this unique 9-hole golf course will challenge the skill level of any golfer, with the stunning Lebombo Mountains as a backdrop. It features a well-stocked bar & a breezy restaurant; the perfect relaxation spot after an exciting golfing experience.
Tel:
082 888 0188
(45 min – 34 km)
Since 2000, the Alfred Dunhill Championship has been staged at this magnificent Gary Player designed golf course overlooking the Kruger National Park, on the banks of the Crocodile River. This prestigious tournament occupies a unique place in world golf. Open to visitors in off-peak periods subject to Member bookings
Tel:
013 791 2000
Email: info@leopardcreek.co.za
(2 hr 6 min / 90 km)
Built in 1972, Skukuza has a wonderfully kept nine-hole course that is completely unfenced to its natural surroundings, several of the Big Five are often your audience. The course is well suited to golfers of all levels ,and a day here will leave you with fond memories of a unique golfing experience. Please book a tee-off time ahead.
Tel:
013 735 5543 / 079 168 9859
Email:
proshop@skukuza-golf.co.za
Tel:
013 790 0283
Tel:
082 888 0188
Tel:
013 791 2000
Email: info@leopardcreek.co.za
Tel:
013 735 5543 / 079 168 9859
Email:
proshop@skukuza-golf.co.za
SPA
Mjejane Mobile Bush Spa – A Touch of Africa.
Mjejane Mobile Bush Spa comes to you offering restorative massages and pampering treatments deeply rooted in African traditions and themes and utilising the finest locally sourced products.
Enjoy a relaxing treatment at Fifty-Five Mjejane overlooking the Crocodile River and Greater Kruger National Park.
Signature treatments include a Hot Stone Journey, an African Hand, or the Footprint Ritual. Or you can also choose the Essence of Africa Aromatherapy or Shamans Healing Reflexology.
Like the abundant natural beauty all around, the Mjejane Mobile Bush Spa will open your mind, rejuvenate your body and soothe your spirit.
Booking is essential and subject to availability.
Booking is essential and subject to availability.
Tel: 073 278 9158
Email: mjejanebushcamp-gm@dreamresorts.co.za
THINGS TO DO
The Greater Mjejane area offers more than 5-star game viewing and exquisite luxury lodges. You are surrounded by multiple activities and adventure destinations for everyone to enjoy.
Fifty-Five Mjejane is situated between the Malelane and Crocodile Bridge gates into the Kruger National Park. This provides easy access to nearby attractions and the exploring of the area.
Cities, towns and airports nearby
- Skukuza Airport
2 hr 21 min – 96 km - Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
1 hr 20 min – 90 km - Mbombela (Nelspruit)
1 hr 20 min – 90 km - Malelane
40 min – 28 km - TSB Malelane Airport
30 min – 23 km - Hectorspruit
25 min – 12 km - Komatipoort
40 min – 34 km
THINGS TO DO
Activities at Fifty-Five Mjejane Lodge
Wildlife Viewing
Our lodge on the south bank of the Crocodile River has unimpeded north-facing views of the wildlife roaming between the Mjejane Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park. Whether you are lounging on our expansive upper or pool decks, enjoying a drink at the bar, working out in the fitness centre, playing in the games room, or swimming in the pool, our unique design ensures that you enjoy wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities.
Game Drives
Guests enjoy one morning and one evening complimentary game drive each day. Adventure out in our ten-seat game viewing vehicle and experience the most spectacular animal encounters in the heart of the African Bushveld. Game drives in the Mjejane Game Reserve are known to be filled with action and more photo opportunities than you can ever imagine. A large variety of wildlife, including the world-renowned Big 5, roam freely between Mjejane Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park.
Infinity Pool
The Infinity Pool is situated on a lower deck where the view, water, sun, and sun loungers combine to provide an incomparable outdoor experience. It has an eco-friendly gradual entry like a lake or pond, and the infinity edge shows off the Crocodile River and Kruger Park beyond.
Fitness Centre
The airconditioned fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art cardio equipment and weights to satisfy your workout needs. Equipment includes treadmill, rowing machine and cardio bike.
Games Room
The Games Room on the deck has beautiful views of the Crocodile River and beyond. Games Room equipment includes a foosball and pool table.
Media Centre
Visit the spacious Media Centre where audio and video can create an amazing you-are-there experience.
Activities within the Mjejane Game Reserve
A whole new world awaits those who exit their 4×4 and tackle the veld on foot. Nothing beats the thrill of encountering wildlife eye-to-eye in their own domain. With no disturbing exhaust fumes or running engines, walking in the veld allows you to experience nature on an altogether different level. Takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete.
Booking is essential and subject to availability.
Tel: 082 786 3815 or 071 485 5721
Email: hoa@mjejane.com
Whether it is a morning spent out on the open plains of the Mjejane Game Reserve, or a sunset game drive along the banks of the Crocodile River, a guided drive is one of those experiences that everyone visiting this corner of the world should book.
Guests enjoy one morning and one evening complimentary game drive each day. Adventure out in our ten-seat game viewing vehicle and experience the most spectacular animal encounters in the heart of the African Bushveld. Game drives in the Mjejane Game Reserve are known to be filled with action and more photo opportunities than you can ever imagine. A large variety of wildlife, including the world-renowned Big 5, roam freely between Mjejane Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park.
Explore the walking trails, take on the cycling routes and enjoy a relaxing bush braai. The wonderful Kingsland picnic spot and containment provides a great place for family and friends to interact with nature in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying the gentle wildlife.
The Kingsland Recreational Area is one of Mjejane’s hidden gems. It is situated on the tranquil buffalo drainage line with lots of birdlife and is the perfect place to unwind and relax under the Tamboti trees.
On Kingsland you can explore the walking trails, take on the cycling routes, or enjoy a relaxing bush braai that accommodates up to 12 people.
Booking is essential and subject to availability.
Tel: 082 786 3815
Email: hoa@mjejane.com
The area surrounding Mjejane Game Reserve and the Crocodile River is a paradise for birders. Guest may enjoy birding from the lodge or while out on a game drive in either Mjejane Game Reserve or in the Kruger Park.
The open grasslands play hosts to some of the grassland species like the Kori Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, Saddle-billed Storks and Secretarybirds. The river, which is one of the Kruger National Park’s largest rivers, is home to many fish species which in turn attract a large number of fish-eating birds like Kingfishers, Herons, Night-herons and Fish Eagles. Goliath Herons, Green-backed Herons and Little Egrets may also be found along the river and at nearby pools.
Visit https://birding.krugerpark.co.za/ for more information on which bird species can be found in this beautiful region.
“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.”
- John Hemingway
Activities in the Greater Mjejane Area
Book & self-drive
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park Bush Walks are a treat for any wildlife lover and with Kruger National Park right next to Mjejane Game Reserve you can plan your schedule so that you are able to enjoy one of the Kruger National Park’s special walks.
Booking at Kruger National Park is essential and subject to availability.
Booking at Kruger National Park is essential and subject to availability.
Jane Goodall Institute (1 hr 30 min | 96 km)
This internationally well-known sanctuary set up by the famous conservationist is well worth visiting and you will encounter the chimps of the popular television program ‘Chimp Eden’.
A short 15km outside Mbombela visitors to Mpumalanga can meet one of the world’s most endangered animals. Although not native to South Africa these primates displaced from their natural habitat and rescued elsewhere on the continent have been offered a safe haven at JGI Chimpanzee Eden.
Hunted for bushmeat trade
Wild chimpanzees are under constant threat of extinction due to hunting, and habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural and forestry expansion. When poachers hunt chimpanzees for the bushmeat trade, they often take out two generations at once. Usually, they kill the mother, and then sell her infant as an exotic pet in an illegal market.
Rescued and in rehab
Authorities rescue some from circuses, beach resorts and night clubs. Outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as Ebola and anthrax, have also led to a decline in chimp numbers. Rescuing these animals is a risky, dangerous business. In addition, rehabilitation can be slow and difficult. But Chimp Eden offers these animals a permanent, stable home away from abuse and misfortune.
A better life
The chimpanzees at Chimp Eden are the lucky ones, living out their lives in a risk-free environment and being provided with the necessary attention to recover from the trauma they have experienced. They spend their days in semi-wild enclosures and show normal social interaction and behavioural patterns as group members.
Eco-tourism to educate
The sanctuary, set in the 1000 hectare Umhloti Nature Reserve and established in 2006, is the only one of its kind in the country. Chimp Eden committed itself to the rescue and care of chimpanzees in need of refuge and serves as an educational and eco-tourism facility. Before Jane Goodall’s pioneering studies revealed tool use in chimpanzees, humans believed the making and use of implements was what set us apart from other species. We now know chimpanzees share about 99% of our DNA making them our closest living relative.
Chimp Eden Visits
Watch out for Cozy, who likes to intimidate visitors by throwing rocks at them (luckily his aim is bad)! It is suspected that he sustained brain damage as a result of abuse while Jessica has the unfortunate habit of pulling out her hair.
Baby Amari and his touching relationship with mom Bazia and probable dad Mowgli, on the other hand, will steal your heart. Watching the different individuals interacting with each other is fascinating and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There are currently three different chimp groups and enclosures. There are viewpoints overlooking the forest and foraging areas from which visitors and volunteers can observe and study the chimpanzees.
Guided tours take place three times a day (weather permitting), twice around feeding time and last for about 1,5 hours. Light meals and refreshments are available from the restaurant before or after the tour.
Tiger Fishing (23 min | 27 km)
Book a never-to-be-forgotten tiger fishing adventure on the Komati River in the Wild Frontier near Komatipoort at one of South Africa’s premier tiger fishing venues bordering the Kruger National Park.
The Komati River adjacent to the Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s premier venues for tiger fishing. Located outside Komatipoort, Mpumalanga Province, at the foothills of the Lebombo mountain range is what is known as the Wild Frontier. Tiger fish are known for being extremely aggressive fighting fish with powerful hits and runs. The best season for tiger fishing is from September – May but the Komati River is fortunate to have warm weather throughout the year and tiger fishing is done all year-round. River Hill Lodge supports only catch and release tiger fishing and encourages viable, sustainable fishing methods.
The tiger fishing base is perched on the banks of the Komati River and boasts beautiful fishing grounds. It includes braai facilities along the banks of the Komati River at the confluence of the Crocodile River.
Booking is essential. Prices include a river guide, rods, bait, and boat.
Tel: 013 793 7855 / 066 491 7710
Email: reception@riverhilllodge.co.za
Kruger National Park Half or Full-Day
A full or half day game drive in the famous Kruger National Park in an open-air game viewing safari vehicle accompanied by a FGASA qualified and experienced game ranger is an unforgettable adventure. On this outing you will be in the perfect position to spot the big-five wildlife while learning more about the animals and plants you stop to observe.
The vehicle can take up to ten guests and will be guided by a Mjejane Game Reserve Ranger.
Booking is essential.
Tel: 065 513 4320
Email: info@55mjejane.com
(2 hr 15 min – 168 km)
An arresting view, a plummet down into a mist-shrouded forest and a very accessible walkway and it is child friendly to boot. What is not to like about the Graskop Gorge Lift? The perfect breakaway from safari-related activities for a day and there’s a nice restaurant as well.
Just south of Graskop along the R533 you will find the Graskop Gorge Lift Company. Open daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm, it is centrally located on the Panorama Route. It is an ideal stopover point, whether it be for the view, the forest, the food, or various adventure activities. Such as guided tours and hikes in the surrounding area.
One of Mpumalanga’s most exciting new tourism developments, it offers something for everyone. Set in a pristine natural environment, the experience starts with an enchanting 51-metre elevator ride. All the way down a cliff into the cool gorge below.
Otis manufactured the Graskop Gorge Lift and is a triumph in engineering. It carries twenty-six passengers and is partially glass-fronted. It provides truly spectacular views across the escarpment. It takes about a minute to complete a trip down. The lift is wheelchair-accessible (as is part of the trail).
The Graskop Gorge
Down in the gorge, an extensive network of sturdy elevated walkways and suspension bridges lead from the spectacular 80-metre Panorama Falls along the Motitsi River on a 600-metre forest trail.
Geared towards eco-education, the interactive exhibits along the way provide background information on the surrounding ecosystems.
The Centre
The activity centre at the top has enough to keep visitors busy for a few hours. It includes a coffee shop/restaurant, The Lift Café, and an art gallery. Also, a curio shop and informal arts & crafts stalls are available.
The Big Swing
From here, you can watch the brave take on The Big Swing. Certainly, the world’s highest cable gorge swing.
The jump can be done solo or in tandem with a partner. Participants are strapped into safety harnesses upright. Because this is better to enjoy the spectacular views on the 70-metre/140 km/hour freefall!
The Zipline
For the slightly less adventurous there is a 130m high wire zipline across the gorge. A spectacular 52-metre suspension bridge spanning the gorge might be more to taste.
Good to know
The trail has six interpretation exhibits. These include information about the forest and its biodiversity. Also, information about water conservation, birds, and insects. Moreover, the trail includes giant replicas of indigenous mushrooms. Not to mention the stunning stained-glass window.
You can complete the trail in about an hour. Although not too strenuous, it has several stairs and steep inclines. The first part is accessible to all including wheelchairs.
The climate is wet, so it can be slippery in sections. The decks have been fitted with anti-slip treads, but caution should always be taken.
What to take
- Comfortable rubber-soled walking shoes, so as not to slip
- A raincoat or umbrella if raining or if the waterfall is full
- Camera and binoculars
- Water
To see more, including up-to-date rates and information, visit Graskop Gorge Lift Company.
Full-day self-drive route well-known locally and internationally visiting geographical gems including Three Rondawels, Bourke’s Lucks Potholes, Gods Window and Blyde River Canyon.
The Panorama Route, Mpumalanga, is one of the country’s most iconic scenic self-drives.
It explores the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. In these rugged mountains the plateau comes to an abrupt and dramatic end and, falling steeply away into the Lowveld, it creates incredible views out over the grasslands of Africa.
The Panorama Route’s popularity is centred around the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon on earth and one of the province’s major scenic drawcards.
The Panorama Route starts at Nelspruit where you can visit the Lowveld Botanical Gardens.
It moves on to White River where you can play golf and visit a Motor Museum. Sabie brings tons of adventure with activities like 4×4 trips and abseiling. Pilgrims Rest has a few spectacular pubs and restaurants, which are a must if you want to experience the culture of the town.
Graskop is the highlight of the Panorama Route, with attractions like:
- God’s Window
- Lisbon Falls
- Berlin Falls
- The Pinnacle
- Bourke`s Luck Potholes, and
- Blyde River Canyon
The Panorama Route ends at the Swadini Forever Resort, Hoedspruit, which has tons of activities from boat trips to microlight fights.
The return to Mjejane might include the R37 via Long Tom Pass (one of the most beautiful passes in the province) and Lydenburg.