Ugede Tented Camp and Campsites

Ugede Tented Camp and Campsites is ideally situated in the Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve, just 30 minutes’ drive from Durban. This true piece of Africa offers water sports, fishing and game drives and is also minutes from the spectacular beaches of the South African Indian Ocean coastline. From awe-inspiring cliffs and waterfalls to lush forests, this reserve is home to rhino, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck, wildebeest, warthog, and a variety of birds.

Ugede Tented Camp and Campsites offers accommodation in well-appointed Permanent Tents as well as unmarked, unelectrified campsites for the outdoor-lover. The Permanent Tents are built on stilts and are situated right on the water’s edge, offering a unique accommodation experience. The unmarked campsites, without electricity, are widely spread and offer clean ablution blocks for both males and females, with shower and toilets.

Shongweni Dam is an excellent venue for overnight camping, game-viewing drives, fishing, picnics, nature trails, and a variety of non-motorized water sports. Activities at Shongweni include canoeing, sail-boating, trailing, rock climbing, and game-viewing.

Shongweni Dam wall is an engineering marvel, with the largest ‘Hydroplus Fuse Gate’ system in the world. For the historian, the original water works are preserved as a National Monument, and some important archaeological site have identified some of the earliest signs of cultivation in the world, making Shongweni a National Heritage Site.

Due to many habitats, the reserve supports a wide variety of wildlife including rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, waterbuck, kudu, wildebeest, caracal, black-backed jackal, dassie, warthog, ostrich, three duiker species, mongoose and the smaller mammals. It is also rated as one of the top bird sanctuaries and there are over 200 species recorded. Features include a nature trail and three beautiful picnic sites, and game-viewing drives, horse rides and canoes are available, though advanced booking is essential.