Proclaimed in the 1920’s, Ndumo Game Reserve – formerly known as Ndumu –
is one of South Africa’s oldest and most scenic parks, situated in northern
KwaZulu-Natal and just south of the Mozambique border. Ndumo has often been
compared to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Nyamithi and Banzi Pans, surrounded
by fever trees, are the focal points in the reserve. These pans are on the
Pongola and Usutu floodplains and attract waterfowl in large numbers.
Ndumo Pans Lodge is located on the edge of Banzi Pan.
Ndumo Pans Lodge is in the wilderness zone of the reserve and in an area
closed to the general public. The camp is set in the most beautiful location,
and offers ten superbly appointed tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms. There
is a separate bar/dining area. The entire camp is raised up on a wooden deck
and linked with a walkway several metres above the ground under a canopy of
giant fig trees. There is a swimming pool.
Ndumo is considered by many to be the finest bird watching locality in South
Africa. Over 400 species – 60% of South Africa’s birds – have been recorded in
the area. Green Coucal, Gorgeous Bush Shrike, Pinkthroated Twinspot and African
Broadbill are among the Ndumo ‘specials’ resident throughout the year. A good
number of Black and White Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo and Crocodile occur, while Red
Duiker, Giraffe, Nyala, and Suni are all fairly common. Time at Ndumo is mostly
spent on nature walks through forests of fig trees and through the bush. Drives
in open 4x4 vehicles around the various pans are a highlight.
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