Situated northeast of Richard’s Bay in the South African province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the 40 000 hectare, state-owned Mkuze Game Reserve is known for its dramatic landscapes, exceptional birdlife, and cultural village. The scenery is beautifully diverse, with thornveld on the hills, an enchanting fig tree forest near the pans, stretches of acacia savannah, swamps, riverine forest and a rare type of sand forest. The reserve is home to incredible birdlife, covering 420 species. Animals on the reserve include lion, elephant, zebra, hippo, crocodile, black and white rhinoceros, giraffe, nyala, blue wildebeest, warthog, eland, impala, kudu and other smaller antelope. Rare species occurring in the reserve are cheetah, hyaena, suni and leopard. A unique cultural village offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and crafts of the local Zulu community.