"Duma Manzi Private Game Reserve" a Umkomaas Travel Page by kzngirl

Duma Manzi is stunning. My husband and I booked in for one night's luxury accommodation and were not disappointed. The accommodation, food and treatment from the staff was five star and we couldn't complain about anything - except perhaps the food was way too good and we ate way too much!

This is an ideal spot for a romantic break away from the business of the city - not to far from Durban and an easy drive to navigate. The staff are exceptionally friendly and made sure we wanted for nothing. Our privacy was ensured by the wonderful placement of the cabins, neatly hidden within the bushveld and far from any civilization. The only noise was that of the birds, bees and frogs. It was bliss.

The journey from Durban to Duma Manzi took about two hours (you could probably do it in one hour fifteen if you kept your pedal on the gas.) We were asked to let the reserve know what time we anticipated arriving as we would be met at the main gate, guided to the reception area, before parking our car, and climbing on board a four-by-four with our bags, which would take us all the way down the side of the mountain, to the camp.

The camp is only accessible via this four-by-four track and therefor would not be ideal for anyone suffering from sore joints, an aching back or in the later stages of pregnancy! The journey is about 20 minutes to half an hour and by the first day we had gone down it once to get the the camp, up and down it again later that afternoon as part of the game drive, and by that stage had more than enough of the bouncing and shuddering!

The main camp has four cabins on either side of a communal lounge area. The architecture is wonderfully sympathetic to your natural surroundings and makes the most of the glorious river view. Each cabin has a main entrance, a balcony with two chairs and a table overlooking the river, two lounge chairs inside the room, complete with double bed, roll top bath and rain shower. The toilet is en suite.

The room is open plan, but wonderfully presented - the little touches making a great first impression: two miniature Amarula liqueurs laid out for our enjoyment, a variety of bubble bath, oils and candles surrounding the bath, a thermos flask filled with hot water for our tea/cofffee tray, and a small fridge stocked with water and fruit juice.

The resort is all inclusive, so our meals included lunch upon arrival, a three course dinner that evening, followed by breakfast the next morning and a two course lunch prior to our departure. As I mentioned earlier, in retrospect the food was way too good and way too much. We felt extremely bloated and full come time to leave, so much so we were actually uncomfortable! Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing!