"Mkhaya Game Reserve: Eswatini's Crown Jewel of Conservation & Exclusive Wildlife Encounters"

“MKHAYA GAME RESERVE: Eswatini’s Last Stand for Endangered Wildlife”

A Living Ark of Biodiversity
Established in 1979 to protect Eswatini’s last remaining Nguni cattle, Mkhaya (pronounced “Mm-kha-ya”) has evolved into the kingdom’s most exclusive black rhino sanctuary and a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve. Spanning 10,500 hectares of pristine sandveld forest and riverine ecosystems in southeastern Eswatini, this fenced but unfenced-in-spirit wilderness is accessible only by 4×4 transfer from Stone Camp – ensuring an ultra-exclusive safari experience.

Wildlife Miracles

• Rhino Royalty: Home to 60% of Eswatini’s critically endangered black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) with a 100% sighting guarantee on guided walks

• Big Five Lite: Besides rhinos, spot elephant, buffalo, and leopard (no lions), plus rare roan and sable antelope

• Phoenix Species: Successfully reintroduced tsessebe (extinct in Eswatini for 50 years) and African wild dogs

• Birding Bonanza: 300+ species including the Pel’s fishing owl and African broadbill

Conservation That Works
Mkhaya’s 24/7 armed ranger patrols and microchip tracking of all rhinos have maintained zero poaching since 1992. The reserve operates on 100% solar power and uses anti-snare dogs to protect wildlife.

How to Experience It

• Stone Camp: 12 thatched suites with outdoor showers where elephants drink from your plunge pool

• Rhino Tracking: Walk with armed guides to within 10 meters of browsing black rhinos

• Night Drives: Spot aardvarks and honey badgers with thermal imaging scopes

Did You Know?
Mkhaya means “home of the acacia” in SiSwati, referencing its ancient fever tree forests where 14 generations of elephants have left unique bark carvings.

Visitor Tip: Book the predawn walking safari when rhinos are most active and the morning light turns the sandstone outcrops gold.