Makhasa is adjacent to iSimangaliso Wetland Park / Mkhuze Game Reserve section, and close to Hluhluwe Game Reserve and Sodwana Bay Coastal Reserve. Just 3 hours north of Durban, this KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve in South Africa is also accessible from Johannesburg, which is a 7 hour drive away.

Makhasa is a 2000 hectare community owned / KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife stocked reserve situated in the heart of Maputaland. Makhasa Reserve is for the exclusive use of guests of Makhasa lodge. Guests can view Rhino, Buffalo, Nyala and Red Duiker browsing below the chalet decks or enjoy sundowners at the open main lounge which overlooks the waterhole.

Rich in flora and fauna, this KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve in South Africa is also a haven for prolific birdlife – more than 380 species, including the African Broadbill, Pinkthroated Twinspot and the sought after but elusive Narina Trogan.

Driving Directions

Makhasa is 3 hours north of Durban and 7 hours from Johannesburg.

Directions from Johannesburg: From Johannesburg take the N17 to Leandra. From Leandra take the R29 through Bethal, Ermelo, Piet Retief and Pongola. Approximately 29km (18 miles) after Pongola, you join the N2. Go SOUTH on the N2, past Mkuze and continue on until you get to the Hluhluwe turnoff. Take the Hluhluwe turnoff and at the stop sign turn left.

Direction from Durban: Take the N2 North from Durban. Take the Hluhluwe turnoff and at the stop sign turn right.

Directions from the N2 turn off to Hluhluwe

Continue approximately 2.5km (1.5 miles) and you will reach Hluhluwe town. Go straight over the first three traffic circles following the signs to Sodwana Bay. At the fourth circle you will turn left. Continue along this road for approximately 800m until you see the sign for Sodwana Bay. Turn right and go over the railway line. Continue on this road for 32km (20 miles) and turn left after the 2 sets of closely positioned speed bumps (Makhasa School is on your left).

Continue for a further 500m turning right onto a gravel road to Makhasa Game Reserve (signposted). Follow the gravel road for approximately 4.5km (2.7 miles) to the Makhasa gate at the end of the road. This gate will not be locked. Proceed through the gate following the signs to the lodge.

Please do not forget to close the gate behind you.