Everything you need to know

Mudhouse is a private, self-catering hideaway inside the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, near Hluhluwe in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal.

The roads inside the reserve are unpaved. A normal vehicle can usually reach us, though low-clearance cars may struggle in places – a high-clearance vehicle or 4×4 is worth bringing if you have access to one. After heavy rain, particularly in summer, conditions can get more challenging, and on a few days a year 4×4-only access is needed. We’ll confirm current road conditions with you the day before you arrive.

Google’s own search results for “Mudhouse” can point to the wrong place and send you the wrong route – please don’t navigate off a general Google search. Only use the map link below for directions. Use this map link to navigate to the reserve’s main entrance gate: Click here

Check-in is from 2:00 to 7:00 pm – let us know if you’ll be running later. Check-out is before 10:00 am.

Mudhouse is an 18+ stay. We’re not able to accommodate children, cots or pets, and we ask for quiet after 8:00 pm out of respect for the surrounding reserve.

We register every guest vehicle with the Ukuwela Nature Reserve security team ahead of arrival, so gate access is smooth on the day.

Mudhouse is a private, self-catering hideaway – we don’t serve breakfast or dinner, and housekeeping during your stay is available on request only. Linen and towels are provided.

Your camping-style kitchen has plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, cooking utensils, pots and pans, a fridge with a small freezer compartment, a two-burner gas stove, and a portable braai/BBQ. We stock a few basics – salt, pepper, cooking oil, coffee, tea, sugar – charcoal or firewood can be purchased on arrival, depending on stock availability.

Mudhouse runs entirely off-grid on solar power. Our system is sized for the appliances already on site, so please don’t bring additional power-hungry equipment.

We have ceiling fans in the rooms, the rooms do not have air-conditioning.

We recommend buying groceries before you check in. The nearest supermarkets are in Hluhluwe, about 30 minutes away, and several restaurants are within 15–30 minutes’ drive if you’d rather eat out.

Wifi is available and usually works, due to our remote location connection can be slow and intermittent.

Cell signal in the reserve can be limited and intermittent, so it’s worth telling someone your plans and downloading offline maps before you set off.

Mudhouse sits within a working nature reserve, so wildlife sightings are part of the stay. Keep about 10m from any animal that comes close – giraffe can move fast and unpredictably, and hippo are the most dangerous animal on the property. Unaccompanied walks aren’t allowed at all, and self-driving inside the reserve isn’t permitted either, apart from the road to and from the reserve’s main entrance gate. Monkeys, bushbabies, geckos and the occasional snake are part of everyday bush life and mostly harmless if left alone.

Owner hosted by Martijn & Bernadette. If you have any questions or want advice while you’re planning, just get in touch – reply by email or on WhatsApp.

Email hello@mudhouse.co.za, or WhatsApp only on 078 177 2211.