Zebra Hills Safari Lodge at Manyoni Game Reserve – South Africa

About

Zebra Hills Safari Lodge is located on Manyoni Private Game Reserve in Mkuze, South Africa. The reserve was established in 2004 and is maintained by 17 landowners who came together to create this safe space for endangered birds and other threatened species. There is a great variety of landscapes surrounding the lodge on the reserve: rolling hills, riverbeds lined with beautiful trees, cliffs, and various waterholes. The Lodge’s deck overlooks a water hole where you can see lions, buffalos, and rhinos. The area is home to other popular African mammals too – hippos, cheetahs, zebras, and the Impala and Nyala. Many of these animals are on the “must-see” list for visitors, and the lodge is a steady home for them due to conservation efforts. While the lodge and the reserve it is located on is certainly an attraction for the big mammals, this place is home to over 400 species of birds, including endangered birds! An abundance of birds come to the woodlands to eat the figs here. Among some of the birds that can be found are the African Paradise Flycatcher, African Pied Wagtail, Little Bee-eater, and some endangered birds like the Lappet-faced Vulture and White-backed Vulture. Different habitat areas attract different birds. The Egyptian Goose, Hamerkop, and Woolly-necked Stork can be found at waterholes, while drier areas like the Acacia savannahs are the area of choice for the Lilac-breasted Roller, African Hoopoe, and Crested Barbet. Various birds of prey like vultures are also known to play a part in keeping the reserve area clean. A large variety of birds means getting the best wildlife photography on your visit. Owen traveled to this lodge in September 2015.