What Is Mjejane Game Reserve?
Mjejane Game Reserve is a private game reserve situated on the southern boundary of Kruger National Park, directly adjacent to SANParks land in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The reserve covers approximately 7,500 hectares and shares an open, unfenced boundary with Kruger — meaning wildlife moves freely between Mjejane and the national park, giving guests access to the full Greater Kruger ecosystem without the crowds and restrictions of the main park.
Mjejane is notable for its position straddling the Crocodile River, which forms Kruger's southern boundary and provides year-round water for wildlife. The reserve is named after the mjejane tree (Combretum imberbe or leadwood), one of the dominant tree species along the riverbanks.
Where Is Mjejane Game Reserve?
Mjejane Game Reserve is located approximately 15 kilometres west of Malelane Gate — one of Kruger's main southern entry points — in Mpumalanga, near the town of Malelane. The Crocodile River forms the reserve's northern boundary, beyond which lies Kruger National Park proper.
Getting to Mjejane:
- From Johannesburg: 4–4.5 hours by road via the N4 highway through Nelspruit to Malelane
- Nearest airport: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA, Nelspruit) — approximately 45 minutes by road
- From Skukuza Airport: approximately 1 hour
What Wildlife Can You See at Mjejane?
Mjejane's open boundary with Kruger gives guests access to Big Five wildlife in an exclusive setting. The Crocodile River corridor is particularly productive:
- Elephant — large breeding herds regularly cross the Crocodile River between Mjejane and Kruger; remarkable river-crossing sightings are possible
- Hippo and crocodile — the Crocodile River holds some of South Africa's most impressive hippo and Nile crocodile populations; easily visible from the river banks
- Lion — multiple Kruger prides range across the Mjejane boundary; sightings are regular
- Leopard — present and breeding; the riverine forest along the Crocodile is excellent leopard habitat
- White rhino — present on the reserve; good sightings possible
- Buffalo — large herds visit regularly
- Plains game: impala, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, nyala, zebra, warthog, giraffe
- Birds: The Crocodile River corridor is exceptional for waterbirds — African fish eagle, goliath heron, saddle-billed stork, and numerous kingfisher species
What Accommodation Is at Mjejane?
Mjejane Bush Camp is the primary accommodation within the reserve — a small, intimate camp offering self-catering and catered options. Units are positioned along the Crocodile River with views across the water into Kruger National Park. The camp accommodates groups and families comfortably and operates guided and self-drive options for guests.
Additional accommodation options at Mjejane include private riverside chalets and camping facilities; the reserve caters to both self-sufficient overlanders and guests seeking a more guided bush experience.
What Activities Does Mjejane Offer?
- Guided open-vehicle game drives through the private reserve and into adjacent Kruger sections
- Self-drive within the private reserve; guests can also access Kruger via Malelane Gate for extended drives
- River cruises on the Crocodile River — hippo, crocodile, elephant, and outstanding birdlife from the water
- Bush walks — guided walking safaris along the Crocodile River and within the reserve
- Night drives — within the private reserve after park hours
How Does Mjejane Compare to Other Kruger-Adjacent Reserves?
Mjejane occupies a niche distinct from the more famous private reserves like Sabi Sands or Timbavati:
- More affordable than flagship private lodges; strong value for a guided, off-road Kruger experience
- Excellent river experience — the Crocodile River setting and hippo/crocodile viewing is a specific advantage most other reserves don't offer
- Direct Kruger access — the Malelane Gate proximity means Mjejane guests can combine private reserve exclusivity with self-drive days inside the national park
- Less exclusive than top-tier private reserves but delivering genuine guided Big Five experiences
Plan Your Mjejane and Southern Kruger Safari
African Safari Group can incorporate Mjejane Game Reserve into a broader southern Kruger itinerary, combining it with Sabi Sands, a self-drive Kruger component, or other Mpumalanga experiences. We handle all bookings and logistics.
Enquire Now to plan your Kruger and Mjejane safari.
