Bonamanzi Game Reserve

All Activities at Bonamanzi are under the escort of experienced local Zulu guides who know the bush and its secrets intimately. Their passion for sharing legends, folklore and bush experiences is enthralling. Understandably, one of our most popular activities is our boat cruise, a leisurely trip down the scenic Hluhluwe river, spotting a host of river birds.

Why not browse through our many varied activities and plan your perfect wild adventure?

Bird Safari at Bonamanzi Game Park

Bonamanzi Game Park is one of the top birding spots in South Africa. Enjoy birding cruises down the Hluhluwe River and guided walks through three different eco-systems. If you’re a casual birder, all you need is walking shoes and a dollop of enthusiasm while serious birders can look forward to unusual sightings.

There are few places where you can find 29 birds on the red data list and Bonamanzi has over 349 recorded bird species. The endangered sand forest area is home to very special birds like the Pink-throated Twinspot, Lemon-breasted Canary and Rudd’s Apalis.

Guides take you out on boat cruises down the Hluhluwe River while you drink in the scenery and idly watch the world go by. Its a wonderfully relaxed way of identifying birds like the African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Spur-winged Goose, Grey Herons, Collared Sunbird and the vivid Malachite Kingfisher and there's also a good chance of spotting Hippopotamus and Nile Crocodile. More energetic but equally rewarding, is a guided walk out onto the St Lucia Floodplains where you can see different birding habitats, rare birds like the Rosy-throated Longclaw and a whole host of waterbirds like Greater Flamingo, African Spoonbill and Great White Pelican.

Birding Walks at Bonamanzi Game Park

Bonamanzi is consistently rated one of the top birding sites in South Africa.

Three different habitats of sand forest, grasslands and woodlands have resulted in a rich diversity of species and it is because of the special nature of the area that Bonamanzi was recognised as a Natural Heritage Site in November 1995. There are few places where you can find 29 birds on the red data list. Bonamanzi has over 349 recorded bird species. The endangered sand forest area is home to very special birds like the Pink-throated Twinspot, Lemon-breasted Canary and Rudd’s Apalis.

Some of the Birds you can expect to tick off your list during your stay at Bonamanzi:

Boat Cruises at Bonamanzi Game Park

Bonamanzi Game Park is one of the top birding spots in South Africa. One the unique qualities of Bonamanzi Game Park is the fact that we have such a water front, hence the name Bonamanzi which means, ‘see the water’.

One of our most popular activities is our boat cruise where you enjoy a leisurely trip down the Hluhluwe River spotting jacana, kingfisher, crocodiles, spurwing geese and a whole host of river birds and animals. The boat trip activity also includes two short games drives to and from the river Hluhluwe.

Snack and refreshment breaks are part of all the activities at Bonamanzi and during the boat cruise one will have the opportunity to sit and reflect on the banks of the river Hluhluwe, sipping a glass of sherry, whilst watching the sun set over Lake St. Lucia.

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Our Famous Bush Braai at Bonamanzi Game Park

Do make a point of booking for the Bonamanzi Bush Braai (BBQ) during your stay. Guests meet at the Lalapanzi camp to be escorted down to the water’s edge of Dinizulu Lake where you are met by a candle-lit path leading to an array of local foods and smell of meat on the braai. Served by candlelight, you sample local delicacies and venison dishes, savour South African wines and linger with other guests around the campfire.
Due to the organization required, there is a minimum number of guests required to lay on the Bush Braai. Please enquire when making your reservation or at reception when checking in.

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Game Drives at Bonamanzi Game Park

Bonamanzi Game Drives in open land rovers are offered at sunrise and sunset and at other times throughout the day, depending on guests’ needs. Bonamanzi has many different antelope species, elephant, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, zebra, wild dog, hyena and a world famous collection of birds.

For something quite different, book the night game drive when you can see the lesser-known nocturnal animals and maybe catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard. There’s a good chance that you’ll see the hippos down at the marshes by the river Hluhluwe and lake St.Lucia. Snack and refreshment breaks are part of all the activities at Bonamanzi and there is nothing quite as pleasant as watching the sun set over Lake St Lucia with gin and tonic in one hand, biltong, cheese and biscuits in the other.

Guided Walks at Bonamanzi Game Park

At Bonamanzi, no guided walk is the same; one day you could sight elephant, the next you will find out why that fruit is called the black monkey orange or why the beetle rolls its dung.

Our experienced local guides will walk you safely through the bush, whilst explaining all you wish to know about the wildlife and vegetation. A close encounter with the giraffe is often possible and the guides will pass on all the tales and folklore about the bush.

Muthi" is the Zulu word for medicine. The Zulu people believe very strongly in natural cures and antidotes for anything from a stomach ache to a broken heart. On our walks you will find out how the Ilala palm is used to make beer, learn how the Fever tree got its name or discover which tree bark cures hay fever.
Guests can also enjoy guided walks out onto the floodplains leading into Lake St Lucia where your ranger will lead you to the habitat of rare birds like the vividly coloured Pink Throated longclaw and you can view pink-backed flamingos, spoonbills and pelicans.

Walks can be arranged for 1 ½ hours to 5 hours depending on hour keen a walker you are.

Conference and Event Facilities at Bonamanzi Game Park

The biggest headache for conference organisers is finding a place where people aren't going to head off on their own in small groups. It’s really important to forge a group spirit with no outside influence. That’s what makes Bonamanzi so ideal - top class facilities and loads for delegates to do in their leisure time.
At Bonamanzi we understand that there is nothing worse than sitting around all day in conference, eating and drinking and feeling sluggish after getting no exercise for two or three days. So to keep your group bright eyed and responsive during the day, we lay on plenty of energetic and enjoyable activities.