Mankazana Valley  Lodges

Mbila Bush Camp is modern but simple, uncluttered but comfortable. Comprising three self-catering cottages, tucked away next to the Mankazana River, under high cliffs with spectacular rock textures: Thekwane, a wooden tree house set high against the cliff with a white stinkwood growing through the bedroom and a natural cliff-faced shower, a delight for children; Ntini, a cozy en suite wooden cabin and Mbila, with its generous deck and large glass doors make sundowners a favourite time of the day. Interior fittings and furnishings are wood throughout and the thatched roof and stone floor lend the cottages a cool country aroma.

Mbila offers nature walks, plentiful bird life and for the more athletic, day-long hikes through a game farm. For the kids the natural river pool is long and lazy, the rocks are just made for hide ‘n seek. Look out for leguaans, otters, ducks, small fish and frogs of many voices. Resident dassies, red rock rabbits and bigger game including black wildebeest, kudu, bushbuck, gemsbuck and letchwe roam freely. The bird-life is varied – a hammerkop nests above the lodge, and there are red-billed hoopoe, rock thrush and Burchells coucal.

Solar power lights the cottages and generous braai area. Hot water comes from well behaved gas heaters. The entire area is given a cozy unity by the screen of willow trees along the river, and high rock walls with startling lichens and creepers.

This magical place has been created with love and care, and if you appreciate simple holidays with more ambience than action, this is for you.

Mbila Bush Camp is serviced daily, providing a laundry service, fresh linen and towels and cleaning products. Wood is provided. Sleeps 10, children under 12 free of charge.

Please note cell phone network coverage is intermittent and unreliable.