Mammals at Bongani Mountain Lodge:
Larger mammals are concentrated in valley bottoms, with buffalo, white rhino, impala, Burchells zebra and common waterbuck occurring in good numbers. Elephant range widely as do lion and leopard. Packs of nomadic African wild dog move in and out of the reserve from the adjacent Kruger National Park. Dainty klipspringer and diminutive rock elephant-shrew dwell among boulder outcrops. The rare Mellers mongoose is occasionally seen on night game-drives, as are the more common large-spotted genet and white-tailed mongoose.

Birds at Bongani Mountain Lodge:
Birdwatchers can see up to 269 species. Jackal buzzard, striped pipit, red-winged starling and mocking cliff-chat are frequently seen close to the Lodge. Impressive African crowned eagles soar over the reserve from breeding sites in the nearby Crocodile River gorge. Purple-crested turaco, African green pigeon, black-collared barbet and violet-backed starling are abundant fruit-eaters. The rare half-collared kingfisher is occasionally seen on small streams.

More African wildlife:
Brilliantly-coloured common flat-lizard and rainbow skink favour exposed rocks and are often seen around the Lodge. Nile crocodile and water monitor occur on the banks of the Nsikazi River. Butterflies recorded include pearl charaxes, green-banded swallowtail and yellow pansy. A variety of beetles, dragonflies, mud-wasps and crickets may also be seen.