Khumbula Thina Mountain Sanctuary

"Mountains In The Mist" …... “Diamond in the Crown” in The Kingdom of the Zulu….. as it is fondly known, personifies this "Peace of Eden". His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill is the reigning monarch of The Kingdom and is a Patron of Khumbula Thina Trust (USA).

You will find it in the midst of one of the most spectacular regions on The African Continent.

It is situated on The Elephant Coast high up above surrounding Big Five reserves such as KwaZulu Natal’s Mkuze, Hluhluwe and Pinda Game Reserves. Immediate neighbors are the world-renowned Thanda Private Game Reserve and Zululand Rhino Reserve.

From the Mountain Sanctuary’s “Roof of the World” the furthermost horizons eastwards are those of neighboring countries. One of great note for its Gorongoza Reserve, is Mocambique, a former Portuguese Colony. Its length stretches along the Indian Ocean with its warm Mozambique current. The other good neighbor is The Kingdom of Swaziland ruled by King Mswati 3rd originally protected by Queen Victoria of England.

In closer proximity to the east The Sanctuary, is the mighty Ubombo Mountain Range, which stretches along the East Coast of South Africa. The Elephant Coast on the Indian Ocean is home of the world-famous National Heritage Site, the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park.

“The World Natural Heritage Site The Isimangaliso Wetland Park (previously known as The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park) must be the only place on the Globe where the world’s oldest Land Mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s largest Terrestrial Mammal (the elephant) share an eco-system with the world’s oldest Fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s largest Marine Mammal (the whale).” quote of: Former President Nelson Mandela 10 August 2003

Gazing westwards an astonishing site meets the eye. Unending, vast mountain ranges, are the domain of our Royal neighbor, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelethini of The Kingdom of the Zulu. Historically this is Africa’s oldest game reserve, once the Royal Hunting Ground of King Shaka. Hluhluwe iMfolozi, a small part of this domain, is credited with ensuring the White Rhino’s survival.

With awe-inspiring views of magnificent and unspoilt bushveld-covered ranges and valleys spread out below the Sanctuary’s “Misty Mountains” it is little wonder that this little piece of Eden with its copious quantities of water, in an otherwise dry and arid land, is coveted by people both nationally and internationally. It is often pointed out that the land reclaimed by Khumbula Thina Wildlife Sanctuary from the overgrazing of cattle, the resultant erosion and thorn-scrub, has recovered to such an extent as to appear as healthy with its diversity of trees, shrubs, flowers and grassland as in the time of King Shaka’s ruling of The Kingdom.

Our Mountain Sanctuary is a refuge for myriad life forms. These are some of the most diverse life-forms on the Continent, not least are from the Butterfly and Moth Kingdoms. There are hundreds of different bird species. The diversity of trees, shrubs and flowers is said by the authorities to be remarkable. Such is the diversity of Fauna and Flora it has been suggested that the Mountain Sanctuary apply for Registration as a World Heritage Site.

Our Mountain Sanctuary is a refuge for myriad life forms. These are some of the most diverse life-forms on the Continent, not least are from the Butterfly and Moth Kingdoms. There are hundreds of different bird species. The diversity of trees, shrubs and flowers is said by the authorities to be remarkable. Such is the diversity of Fauna and Flora it has been suggested that the Mountain Sanctuary apply for Registration as a World Heritage Site.

This level of International interest has regularly arisen. The Mountain Sanctuary Lodge "Fleur's Camp" will cater for much-needed first-rate accommodation for international tourists, scientists, conservationists, educators and volunteers from all over the world, particularly the United States of America and Europe.

From the standpoint of financial viability, the Mountain Sanctuary with accommodation at its Main Lodge, Family Lodge, self-catering
Bungalows and Tented Camp, will ensure a cross-section of accommodation now much in demand by the public from various walks of life.

The peace and great beauty of the Sanctuary is still the mainstay of enormous attraction to the average visitor, be it nationally or internationally.

Khumbula Thina Trust's Ethos and Vision remains:

The ETHOS.....

Faithful to its calling
True to its cause
Steadfast in its Purposes, Aspirations & Objectives

The VISION.....

Protection of the biodiversity of the region
Creation of a significant Wildlife Treatment, Orphanage & Research Center

Due to Khumbula's proximity to hundreds of lodges and reserves, Khumbula Thina is easily accessed for the care and rehab of wildlife.

The Sanctuary consists of more than one thousand hectares (six thousand acres) of world class natural habitat, The Elephant Coast of Zululand.
With close proximity to South Africa’s main city Johannesburg, and Durban on the Indian Ocean, it is also the gateway to Mozambique and Swaziland, all distinct destinations for travelers.

Of note, not far away, are found many other world class venues including Big Five Hluhluwe Umfolozi and Mkuze Game Reserves and World renowned Sodwana Bay Marine Reserve that forms part of the World Natural Heritage Site the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Nearby are also other beautiful wilderness areas where the Great Zulu Culture is preserved by Tribal people that still live in their traditional way.

Where we are - by appointment:

You will easily find us if you drive SW on the national highway N2 from O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, or NE from Durban's new International King Shaka Airport - both routes will take you to the magnificent North East “Elephant Coast” of Zululand, South Africa. The road from Durban leads past Hluhluwe to Mkuze. 30 kms north of Hluhluwe, at Bayela, turn left, ie. west. Khumbula Thina Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 10 kilometers on PR 450, a well used route.

Red Data Species (Endangered)
Mountain Rietbuck