Welcome to our self-catering game lodge in Mpumalanga. Welcome Home

Deep in the heart of the South African bushveld lies Jacana River Lodge, an exclusive self-catered game lodge, situated in Mjejane Private Game Reserve. We are the perfect escape from the world, the ideal getaway for those who love the bush and who are looking for a place where they can spend a few days enjoying the wonders that nature has to offer. Life in the bushveld is never hurried and at our self-catering game lodge in Mpumalanga, guests can look forward to exquisite accommodation and exciting game viewing. Our lodge has 5 en-suite bedrooms, which includes 1 wheelchair friendly room, and open plan living spaces with a sprawling kitchen, comfortable lounge, and a dining room big enough to fit the whole family. Our lodge is also child-friendly, making us the ideal family holiday destination. Our onsite amenities include all of the essentials such as a spacious infinity swimming pool which looks out over the game reserve, a large braai area, secure parking and free Wi-Fi access. Jacana River Lodge is a 5-star self-catering establishment and there is no better place to enjoy a relaxing family holiday or just a lekker kuier.

About our home in Mjejane Private Nature Reserve

Mjejane Private Nature Reserve is a slice of heaven. The reserve is situated on the boundaries of the legendary Kruger National Park, forming a part of the Greater Kruger, a specific concession area that is made up of various pieces of land which have, over the years, become a part of the Kruger conservation effort. This specific area is especially beautiful not only because it is a more exclusive area of the park, but also because a part of the Crocodile River runs through it. Game lodges of all kinds have been built along the banks of the river, including our own, which has become one of the most sought after accommodation facilities given its location and its stylish comfort. The location of the Mjejane Game Reserve makes it a game viewing paradise. Because it is so close to the Crocodile River, guests are treated to the most bountiful wildlife sightings. Within the thick riverine forest, a habitat which grows abundantly along the river banks, bird and animal life flourish. This habitat is home to green pigeons, which flutter amongst the leafy trees in search of wild fruits, and purple-crested louries, whose calls are soothing and inviting. In the midday heat, when the Fish Eagles, which nest in the trees, take flight they unleash a cacophony of calls, which are so distinctly African. But this part of the Greater Kruger is not just a wonderful place for birding. Guests who choose to make Mjejane their holiday destination of choice, can also look forward to spotting a variety of wildlife. On the banks of the Crocodile River, the early mornings and late evenings are the perfect time for a safari, even if your safari is from the lodge stoep. Leopards and elephants frequent the area and they are often spotted wondering the banks in search of water. The grunting sounds of hippo pods can also often be heard from the lodge. The river attracts a wide variety of plains game, such as antelope, wildebeest and buffalo. And wherever these animals roam, predators are never too far behind. We chose to make our home here because we have a deep connection to this beautiful place. We have found a purpose here, and it is to welcome our guests to this most amazing piece of South Africa. Our lodge has been built to accommodate only a select number of guests at a time, ensuring utter peace and privacy, away from tourist crowds. This exclusivity also means that wildlife sightings are experiences unique to those who see them. You don’t have to share the sighting with a horde of tourists, which, while it’s not necessarily a bad thing to have others around you, means you can savour the moment and really take in the magic.

A Word about the Mjejane

Africans hold a special place in their hearts for the wilderness and the wildlife that characterise our home. We all feel a special connection to this place and a definite desire to preserve every part of it. This wide stretch of land was set aside by Chief Lugedlane with the intention of preserving the land and its wildlife for future generations to enjoy. His vision was to create an inheritance in a way that is so distinctly African. Our inheritance is the wildlife that we are here to look after and it is because of the visions of people like Chief Lugedlane that Africa’s wildlife lives on, untouched, in the very habitat that once belonged to their ancestors. The land still belongs to the Mjejane community, and those who have built their self-catering game lodges here understand the importance of honouring the commitment to preserving the land.

Wildlife of the Mjejane Private Nature Reserve

Since the Mjejane Private Nature Reserve is situated on the Southern Boundary of the Kruger National Park, those who stay here can spot just about every animal the area has to offer. The Southern Kruger is famous for its rich wildlife population and guests can see all of the Big 5 as well as all sorts of other interesting animals. Wildlife migrate throughout the year. Before the areas around the Kruger became a part of the park, wildlife were stopped by the fences which meant that their natural migratory patterns were completely changed. In some cases, this halt resulted in wildlife having to change feeding habits as well as certain other natural instincts that once filled with the urge to make the move. With the fences coming down, and more land being incorporated into the Kruger area, wildlife could once more move freely, according to their ancient patterns. This movement is equally beneficial for those visiting the Mjejane, as it gives guests a unique view of how the wildlife move. The animals that you will see while staying at Mjejane Private Nature Reserve are not just those that migrate. The reserve is full of all sorts of wildlife as well as a colourful array of some of the most spectacular birds. Given the size of the nature reserve, the animals you can see while visiting the Mjejane can include just about every type that this part of the world is well known for.

The Big 5 of the Mjejane

The legendary status of the Big 5 means they appear on just about every safari bucket list, and when you visit the Mjejane, you can see them all, perhaps even from the comfort of our self-catering game lodge in Mpumalanga. The Big 5 are a protected group of animals, which makes their naming quite ironic. These famous animals were given their name by hunters who would come to Africa, mostly from Europe, to make a trophy of these majestic creatures. The hunters would traverse the rough African terrain on foot, with their simple rifles in hand. Often, they would become the hunted as the Big 5 were at that time considered the most dangerous animals to hunt. The danger factor is what earned the animals a place in the Big 5. If a hunter could kill one of them, they were indeed talented hunters.

• Rhino

With so many hunters flocking to Africa, it didn’t take long for the white rhino population in the Lowveld to be hunted to extinction. In 1961, 337 rhinos were reintroduced to the area and since then the populations have more or less flourished, although the ever present danger of poachers has resulted in the Kruger and surrounding nature reserves having to improve their security efforts. The rhino of Mjejane have crossed the river to make a home for themselves in the reserve. The reserve is also home to a few black rhino, although they are rather shy.

•  Elephant

Some guests staying at Jacana River Lodge have had the luck of spotting elephants from the lodge swimming pool, while others will normally see elephants while out on a safari. Before the Mjejane was a part of the Kruger National Park, it was primarily used as agricultural land, which means the elephant herds not only have a reliable food source, but they also have a large area of land to spread out across. When the elephants moved in, the land took a bit of a beating, with trees and other vegetation destroyed, but the land has since recovered. The elephants of the Mjejane live in matriarchal societies and the herds are often spotted at the Crocodile River, where they can each drink up to 17 litres of water upon each visit.

• Buffalo

Like the other grazing animals seeking greener pastures, the Mjejane buffalo herds crossed into the game reserve in search of food and territory. They have proven to be a valuable asset to the conservation area as they keep the grasslands maintained which in turn opens the area to smaller antelope. The buffalos live in large herds, but guests do often see the lone buffalo, generally an older male now separated from the herd and living a bachelor lifestyle. Buffalo have always had a bit of a reputation for being aggressive, especially when feeling threatened, and guests are encouraged to enjoy any buffalo sighting from a safe distance.

•  Lion

The mighty Kings and Queens of the Kruger savannah have also made their way into Mjejane, lured by the appealing scent of prey. Working in prides, the lions are often spotted taking down prey along the Crocodile River, and they are also occasionally spotted with their cubs, which generally appear between February and April each year. Spotting a lion while in the Mjejane is an unbelievable experience as they can come quite close to the lodge, giving guests a once in a lifetime sighting.

•  Leopard

The leopard is at the top of many a wildlife sighting list, and yet for many guests it remains an elusive creature. With the thick riverine forest, a natural habitat for leopards, and the fact that the reserve is a lot smaller than the Kruger, guests visiting the Mjejane have a better opportunity to spot these quiet big cats. The best way to see a leopard is by spending some time close to the Crocodile River, where leopard populations are impressively big.

Accommodation in the Mjejane Private Nature Reserve

The Mjejane is a magical place and it has the power of weaving its way into the hearts and minds of those who visit. With its more exclusive appeal, the Mjejane is home to some of the most luxurious and private self-catering game lodges in Mpumalanga. Guests looking for a quiet escape, and who don’t want to visit a tourist packed place like the Kruger National, will find solace right here, in the peaceful African bush. Guests who are staying at any of the self-catering game lodges wake up to the sounds of elephants and other wildlife close to their bedroom windows and they fall asleep listening to the thrilling roar of lions, the cackling of hyenas and the haunting calls of owls, all of whom stay close to the reserve’s various accommodation facilities. And Jacana is no exception. At our peaceful lodge, guests will be staying close to nature, so close in fact that they will feel as though they are once again a part of the natural cycle. Our self-catering accommodation in the Mjejane Private Game Reserve is the perfect place for a family getaway and with our full-time domestic worker, Esther, available to help clean up, you can sit back and fully enjoy a well-deserved break away from your day to day life. The Jacana River Lodge accommodates a maximum of 10 guests at a time, and you can book your stay for a full week, or just for a weekend. Given the exclusivity of the lodge, you will never have to worry about sharing your space with strangers or having your African bushveld break spoiled by unexpected loud music or neighbours.

What Makes Jacana one of the Best Game Lodges in Mpumalanga?

For anyone planning a holiday at a game reserve in Mpumalanga, being greeted with an array of stunning accommodation options can make the choice of game lodge a little more daunting than it should need to be.

Mpumalanga is a picturesque place, and while it is possibly best known for its lush rolling green landscapes and its incredible mountains, there is another side of the province that has possibly made it even more popular. And that is the various game reserves that have over the years come to dominate a wide part of the province.

Some game reserves in Mpumalanga are completely private establishments, while others have grown onto the Kruger National Park, becoming a small part of this legendary conservation park, while still holding onto some of its independence. These parks, with their shared borders, are a popular place to stay as the wildlife from the Kruger is able to move freely between the two parks. This means there is much more to see, but without the ever present Kruger crowds.

Over the years, Jacana River Lodge has become one of the best game lodges in Mpumalanga, and for a variety of reasons. Our lodge, situated on the banks of the Crocodile River, it is secluded, big enough for the whole family, and more than capable of meeting your luxury expectations, even though it is self-catered.

If you’ve not yet made your choice for a place to stay during your Mpumalanga holiday, there are many reasons why Jacana is one of the best game lodges in Mpumalanga, and one lodge that should make your list.

1. Jacana is an affordable place to stay

Considering the size of the lodge and its ability to sleep a big family, and also taking into consideration the fact that the lodge is certainly one of the higher end accommodation options, when you are thinking about Jacana River Lodge as your preferred place to stay, you can budget for it.

2. Jacana is the perfect lodge for a lengthy safari

When you are booking our lodge for your holiday, especially if you are sharing the expenses, you can afford to extend your time in the game reserve, and have a much longer holiday. Ideally, the general advice for a Mjejane holiday is to spend far more than 2 days in the game reserve. The more time you spend in the reserve, the more chance you will have of seeing all sorts of wildlife that you might have otherwise missed had you not been staying in the area little longer.

Given the fact that Jacana is built in the midst of a bustling wildlife habitat, you don’t even have to travel too far from the lodge in order to see all sorts of animals. This makes us one of the best places to stay, as you won’t often find other lodges that can bring you this close to nature.

3. Jacana has a personality

Our guests are always entranced by our lodge when they first arrive. From the absolutely exquisite views of the Crocodile River that can be enjoyed from the lodge, to open plan living areas that embody that full African aesthetic, guests can’t help but feel as though they have left behind their city life for something completely otherworldly.

Jacana has been built for that holiday vibe that so many guests seek from their stay with us. When you stay at our lodge, you will understand why we are considered one of the best game lodges in Mpumalanga.

4. Jacana offers the best game viewing

Jacana is home to the Big 5 and so much more. When you come to our lodge for a holiday, you can look forward to the best game viewing the areas has to offer. Whether you head out on a self-drive safari or if you plan to just lay on the deck and watch the wildlife go by, you are certain to have all sorts of animals cross your path.

5. Jacana offers exclusivity

If you are looking to escape the crowds and have a completely private stay, then Jacana is the place to be because here you will find exclusivity. You won’t bump into random guests at the lodge, because you and your family will be the only ones here throughout your stay.

To book your stay at our self catering game lodge in Mpumalanga, you can get in touch with us via our website and make your reservation. As one of the best game lodges in Mpumalanga, your stay with us will be everything you expect from a luxury holiday.