Discover Malelane: Wildlife and Outings in the Surrounding Area

Malelane offers nature and history from very different perspectives: at Mahushe Shongwe Game Reserve, rare plants, mammals and birdwatching take centre stage. In the surrounding area, routes at Malelane Gate pass through a variety of landscapes. Dumaneni adds a much longer history of ochre mining to these impressions. When planning your trip, you can weigh up wildlife watching in the reserve against longer excursions by car.

Wildlife at Mahushe Shongwe Game Reserve

A rare Impala Lily grows at Mahushe Shongwe Game Reserve in Malelane and is under serious threat from increasing habitat loss. Herbivores reintroduced there include kudu, waterbuck, impala and Burchell’s zebra, which are particularly often seen. African civets, banded mongooses and large-spotted genets can also be seen there. The reserve is also suitable for birdwatching. Species that can be observed there include the Pink-throated Twinspot, Yellow-spotted Nicator, Purple-crested Lourie and Woodland Kingfisher. The range therefore extends from a rare plant and reintroduced herbivores to several mammal and bird species.

Drives at Malelane Gate

Malelane Gate is on the Crocodile River, about 50 km upstream from Crocodile Bridge. Excursion routes at the gate include the Matjulu Loop (S110): it is listed as 23 km and about 1.5 hours, and runs on tar and gravel roads through mixed woodland and mountain scenery in the southern biome. The Crocodile River Road (S114, S25) leads to Crocodile Bridge; the route is listed as 141 km and about 5.5 hours. It runs on a gravel road through thorn scrub and riverine forest. The main H3 road to Skukuza is listed as 64 km and about 2.5 hours. It passes through gently undulating mixed woodland; interesting wildlife sightings are noted at Afsaal.

The drive from Afsaal to Pretoriuskop (H2-2) is listed as 34 km and about 1.5 hours. It follows a historic transport-rider route, passes Ship Mountain into the southwestern foothills and, according to the route description, offers frequent opportunities to spot rhinos, eland and hyenas. The routes therefore differ in both duration and scenery. Since route information can change, check it before setting off.

Golf in the Surrounding Area

The championship golf course at Leopard Creek Country Club is in the surrounding area. Visitors can play on certain days and during limited off-peak times. If golf is part of your travel plans, check directly with the club to find out which playing opportunities are currently available.

Dumaneni and the History of Ochre

Dumaneni, south of the entrance to Kruger National Park, is an ancient ochre mining site. According to Kruger historians JJ Kloppers and Hans Bornman, more than 100,000 tonnes of red ochre were mined there between 46,000 and 28,000 years ago. This historical estimate adds a perspective reaching far back in time to the area’s nature themes.

Malelane as a Starting Point for Planning Your Trip

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Malelane, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay. The reserve in the town is known for nature and birdwatching; the routes at Malelane Gate differ mainly in duration and scenery. A shorter loop such as the Matjulu Loop calls for different day planning than a drive of around five and a half hours along the Crocodile River Road.

Discover more destinations: Hectorspruit, Emanzana, Crocodile Bridge, Brakfontein, Matsulu, Hazyview, Weltevreden, Ligfontein.

For the overall travel overview: Mpumalanga.