African wildlife: Against the backdrop of impressive scenery, four distinct habitats within Bongani’s magnificent 8000-hectare mountainous reserve at the southwestern tip of the Kruger National Park, support a diversity of wildlife:

Big Five Excellent birdwatching, including several mountain species Endangered African wild dog move through the Reserve Impressive flowering trees during August and September Huge granite domes

Bongani Mountain Lodge Habitats:  Wooded hill slopes dominate the Reserve with combretum, sterculia, erythrina, kirkia and dombeya among the characteristic trees. In the dry winter months (July to September) the red flowered erythrinas put on a spectacular display. Acacia and schotia proliferate on valley bottoms. Tall riparian forest grows along the Nsikazi River providing habitat for shade-loving wildlife. Aloes and other succulent plants thrive on rocky outcrops where rock-splitting ficus also occur.
Mammals at Bongani Mountain Lodge:  Larger mammals are concentrated in valley bottoms, with buffalo, white rhino, impala, Burchell’s zebra and common waterbuck occurring in good numbers. Elephant range widely as do lion and leopard. Packs of nomadic African wild dog move in and out of the reserve from the adjacent Kruger National Park. Dainty klipspringer and diminutive rock elephant-shrew dwell among boulder outcrops. The rare Meller’s mongoose is occasionally seen on night game-drives, as are the more common large-spotted genet and white-tailed mongoose.
Birds at Bongani Mountain Lodge:  Birdwatchers can see up to 269 species. Jackal buzzard, striped pipit, red-winged starling and mocking cliff-chat are frequently seen close to the Lodge. Impressive African crowned eagles soar over the reserve from breeding sites in the nearby Crocodile River gorge. Purple-crested turaco, African green pigeon, black-collared barbet and violet-backed starling are abundant fruit-eaters. The rare half-collared kingfisher is occasionally seen on small streams
More African wildlife:  Brilliantly-coloured common flat-lizard and rainbow skink favour exposed rocks and are often seen around the Lodge. Nile crocodile and water monitor occur on the banks of the Nsikazi River. Butterflies recorded include pearl charaxes, green-banded swallowtail and yellow pansy. A variety of beetles, dragonflies, mud-wasps and crickets may also be seen.