Kwazulu Natal, South Africa |
One of the most sought after locations that I get asked about is for 'natural' or 'untouched' locations which, is why I take so many people to Namibia each year. But every once in a while, we all stumble upon something special in an unexpected location, and in this case I am talking about the newly opened Mawana Wildlife Reserve in Kwazulu Natal.
Beyers Coetzee is a champion Bow-Hunter in his own right and at Mawana it is possible to walk and stalk with a bow - I know, I've been with him as we've got within 30m of Impala (see below) 20m from Duiker, and we all know how hard they are to hunt, not to mention 40m from Wildebeest and 60m from Giraffe, all on the same morning!
Facilities at Mawana are of a good standard with large rooms and en-suite facilities. Air-conditioning is about to be installed at the Reserve and work is currently underway to build a tented camp on a remote outpost of the estate. Kindly note that steel fencing is already in place to keep the Hippo Elephant and Rhino out of the camp!
I have to say that apart from the diversity of species, the sheer volume of game at Mawana is stunning. A reluctant withdrawl from the cattle industry some seven years ago prompted Beyers and his Father-in-Law, Kerneels Van der Walt, to introduce a variety of game species into their 10000 Hectare Reserve and fast-forward seven years and you can see the results - Mawana has not been marketed ANYWHERE in the world yet and is untouched and has hardly been hunted during the last 7 years - a unique proposition for those that enjoy a pure experience!
If you are reading this thinking that I've been impressed by this place, then I am sincerely glad. These guys are new to the industry of hunting, but have hunted all their lives. Supported by more seasoned PH's, Beyers and Kerneels are building a hunter's paradise built on good manners, ethical practises and respect and I am delighted to be a part of that - they also know how to have fun too and thats a big part of it for all of us!
While I may not have seen their Elephant at close quarters, one very special attraction did make a suprise appearance - Mawana, simply fabulous!
