GAME RESERVES

NORTH COAST KZN

Amatikulu Nature Reserve

Contact: KZN Wildlife (032) 4530155

The Amatikulu Nature Reserve is situated on the Indian Ocean coastline in Northern Kwazulu-Natal between the Tugela River and Amatikulu River. The reserve is approximately 100 km From Durban. take the Amatikulu turn-off from the N2 . The reserve is situated to the north of the Tugela River Mouth.
The reserve includes the estuarine area and the joint mouth of the Inyoni and Amatikulu Rivers. It contains interesting vegetation zones from the beach, dunes, coastal dune forest, the vegetation along the river banks, swamp forest, acacia woodland and grasslands. It is a well-known fishing area for mullet, rock salmon, springer, kingfish and perch. There is a thriving population of giraffe as well as zebra, waterbuck and smaller antelope in the reserve. Bush camp-self catering accommodation is available in the reserve.

Babanango Valley Nature Reserve back to top

Located on the Babanango Valley Private Wilderness Reserve, 4000 ha of stunningly beautiful countryside, Babanango Valley Lodge has magnificent views down the Valley.

We combine attentive personal service with the luxury and charm you would expect of a small gracious country lodge. The gentle candlelight, silver and crystal in the elegant dining room, furnished in Stinkwood, compliment the exquisitely presented cuisine. The nine bedrooms, all en-suite, are tastefully appointed anticipating our every need. Guests may relax around the sparkling pool set in the indigenous garden, which attracts a large variety of birds. The splendour of the surroundings may be appreciated while gently ambling along 30km of self guided trails. We offer horse riding on well-schooled horses, from which one has an unparalleled advantage for game viewing. We have a Zulu Heritage Village, a community based project, offering a unique glimpse into the traditional Zulu customs and culture as well as access to a modern rural Zulu homesteads. Because of our central and convenient location, we offer high quality day tours to the Battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu War including Isandlwana and Rorke`s Drift, the Zulu Historical Sites and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, home to the "big 5" and famous for its Rhino`s.

Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve back to top

Telephone: (035) 4745280

This dense forest contains many species of hardwoods, forest climbers, and dense undergrowth, especially fern species. There are small grassy glades in and around the forest margins. This reserve borders the Eshowe Municipal Caravan Park, with an entrance next to the Eshowe High School.Lodge(Bush/Country) Accommodation.

Enseleni Nature Reserve back to top

Contact: KZN Wildlife - (035) 7920034

Southern Zululand, between Empangeni and Mtubatuba, about 13km north of Empangeni on the N2, which goes through the reserve.

The reserve lies in the bend of the Enseleni River. Nyala, Impala, Bushbuck, Zebra, Blue Wildebeest and reedbuck may be seen. There are crocodiles and hippos in the river. There is an interesting nature trail through swamp forest and a 5km self-guided walk through the game park is available at weekends. Walks may be under-taken from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Entumeni Nature Reserve back to top

Contact: KZN Wildlife - (035)4745280

Central Zululand, Eshowe district, 16km west of Eshowe on the road to Nkandla. A little-known and as yet undeveloped small forest reserve at an altitude of about 650 m. Many magnificent and rare tree species. In parts the undergrowth is dense, with ferns of several species, many ground orchids and shrubs providing good cover for birds. Situated in a sugar cane growing region, it is an important wildlife sanctuary.

Esikhotheni BIOSPHERE RESERVE back to top

Tel ( 035 )   5801088 ( 035 )   5801099

Kwambonambi Luxury lodge on the edge of Jozini Lake. Seven private Chalets with en-suite, private decks & mini bar overlooking the lake. Rate inclusive of all meals, teas, coffees & game activities. Drinks, bundry, tranfers excluded.45km south of Pongola on N2

Ezulwini Game Ranch back to top

Telephone (035) 562 2100/083 6350858

Situated in the indigenous coastal sand forest area direct bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park Ezulwini offers a great variety of the bird and animal life. Accommodation includes tree houses, log cabin, cottages, rooms.

Falaza Game Reserve

Telephone (035) 562 2319 E-mail: resfalaz@mweb.co.za

This privately owned game park in an ancient sand forest in the heart of Zululand has a thatched game lodge and 12 luxury ensuite tents available for accommodation. Visitors may enjoy the game drives, guided walks and horse safaris, scuba diving at Sodwana and visits to St Lucia. Catering for conferences provided. Boat cruises.

False Bay

False Bay is situated on the western shores of Lake St Lucia and includes sand, forest , thornveld and open savannah. Popular activities include boating and fishing.

Hlatikulu Forest Reserve back to top

Telephone (033)8451000

Maputaland, Lebombo Mountains. A variety of forest trees and shrubs of Interest occur in this small reserve. It is a worthwhile destination for the botanist. The Forest has not been well explored and knowledge of its fauna and flora is scanty.

Hluhluwe Umfolosi Game Park back to top

The Hluhluwe and Umfolozi reserves are the oldest sanctuaries in Africa and were founded in 1895. Operation RhinoIt was introduced here during the 1960swhere they successfully capturedand relocated white rhino to havens within South Africa and abroad. As a result, this country's white rhino population is now 12 times the 1960 count of 500. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is now a single park, focusing its efforts on saving the endangered black rhino, whose number in Africa has dwindled from 14 000 to a pitiful 2 550 in the past decade. At least a fifth of the world's black and white rhino population is found here.
This park is located in central Zululand. Besides the big five - Rhino,Elephant, Leopard, Lion And Buffalo, there is an astonishing variety of wildlife to ensure a fascinating encounter for the visitor.

Intibane Game Lodge & Ranch back to top

Lodge Accommodation Telephone (034) 4351123

Three Star Game Lodge on private game reserve of 2100ha. Zulu Cultural Village. Environmental Education Centre. Telephone (035) 562 0920/1/2

Northern Zululand, bordering on the Pongolo river and Jozini (Pongolapoort) dam. Situated in the Northern Zululand Bushveld on the Pongolo river and Jozini dam, this reserve contains riverine trees, thicket and scrub and acacia-dominated grassveld with open woodland and bush clumps. The topography and vegetation types are similar to the low-ling flats in Mkuzi Game Reserve and adjoining Pongola Public Resort Nature Reserve and Pongolwane Private Nature Reserve.

Ithala Game Reserve back to top

.Reservations: (033) 845 1000

Ithala Game Reserve ranges from the heights of the Ngotshe Mountains, down into the valley carevd out by the Pongola River, revealing the world's oldest rock formations - dating back 3 000 million years.. Game abounds in this beautiful, diverse game park.This reserve is found in Northern Natal. From Vryheid travel north- east on the R69 to Louwsburg. The reserve is located immediately to the north-west of this village and stretches to the Pongolo River. Visitors may also fly in to a landing strip in the reserve, where they will be collected by prior arrangement with the camp office.Accommodation is available Ntshondwe,Thalu,Mbizo and Mhlangeni camps. Itala also has a small rustic campground. No caravan facilities are available

Kosi Bay

Kosi Bay comprises of 4 lakes linked by a network of channels.Kosi Bay offers extraordinary snokeling opportunities and is one of the top fly-fishing destinations.

Lake Sibaya

Lake Sibaya is South Africa's largest natural fresh-water lake. Tucked against the forested coastal dunes its crystal clear waters are home to Kwa-ZuluNatal's second largest population of hippos and crocodiles. Arrangements can be made to kyak on the lake.

Mfuli Game Ranch back to top

Telephone: (035) 460 0620

Mfuli Game Ranch is situated in Central Zululand, in the Nkwalini Valley. The steeply sloped Mfuli, catchment valley of the Nkwalini Valley, stretches from the Mhlatuzi River Southwards to the top of the property, with views fom Nkwenkwe Hill. The South-Eastern slopes are rich with Natal wild banana clumps among the sandstone rocks and dense woodland. The ranch provides six log cabins with elevated balconies. The cabins are fully equipped and are serviced. Log Cabin Accommodation.

Mkuzi Game Reserve, Zululand back to top

Mkuzi Game Reserve has an amazing variety of birds and animals, a rare forest of giant fig trees, with unique walking experiences through a patch of umbrella thorns and ilala palms, over a swing bridge and into the 25-metre high fig forest. Mkuzi Game Reserve is situated in Northern Zululand, approximately 335km from Durban along the main North Coast road.

Mkuze Game Reserve forms part of the north west point of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. It boasts more than 420 recorded bird species. Many animal species can be found within the reserve including sightings of cheetah, hyena and the tiny suni antelope.

The reserve was established on 15 February 1912, and covers approximately 40 0000ha. More than 380 bird species have been recorded at Mkuzi, including fish eagles, kingfishers and a host of ducks and waders.The Bird- Watching hide at Nsumo Pan is a highlight of the reserve.There is a wide variety of habitats where you can find rhino, giraffe, zebra, kudu and impala. The Mkuzi Game Reserve is the process of being incorporated into the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Accommodation is available in Mantuma, Umkumbi, Nhlonhlela and Mkhayen camps. This accommodation ranges from lodge to tented bush camps.

Ndumo Game Reserve

Ndumo Game Reserve is known for its birding with 420 recorded bird species. Hundreds of majestic fever trees grow along the edges of the pans where hundreds of crocodiles bask in the sun.

Gate times during summer 1 Oct – 31 Mar are 0500 to 1900. During winter 1 Apr – 30 Sept, 0600 – 1800.

Contact no: 035 591 1042

Ngwenya Nature Reserve back to top

Contact: (031) 201 3126

The reserve runs alongside the Tugela river and the vegetation consists of coastal thorn, scrub, palms, indigeous figs and acacia. zebra, wildebeest and nyala have been introduced. Bushbuck, duiker and bushpig occur naturally in this area. There Is abundant bird population and a bird and tree list is also available. Tables, benches, braai facilities and a toilet block.

Nkandla Forest Reserves back to top

Contact: (035) 4745020

Central Zululand, Nkandla District. From Eshowe about 50 km along the Nkandla road. This Is a large indigenous mountain forest. There is a waterfall in the Mome gorge where Bambatha took refuge in 1906 from the British. The grave of Cetshwayo who died In 1884 is in a grove of trees nearby. Many mammals and birds inhabit the dense forest, which in some parts is inaccessible. No Accommodation Available.

Nyala Game Ranch back to top

Telephone: (035) 792 8185

Southern Zululand. Turn off the N2 to Empangeni. Just past the Jabulani Rehabilitation This is an attractive reserve with many acacias and plentiful wildlife including impala, nyala, kudu and unlimited birdlife. Conducted walks are arranged through the reserve and nocturnal walks by foot and Vehicle are arranged when aardwolf, caracal and bush baby may be seen. gates open from sunrise to sunset. night safaris, either by vehicle or on foot, can be arranged.

Ocean View Game Park back to top

Telephone: (035) 4741141

Central Zululand, Eshowe. At the entrance to Eshowe take the sign 'Businesses' to the left. The ocean view park sign is on the right just before entering the town.
Blue wildebeest, zebra, blesbuck, impala, blue duiker and bushbuck have been introduced. The area comprises 10 ha of indigenous riverine forest and 15 ha of grassland. Within the park are two memorials to warrior-King Shaka. Picnic and braai sites and toilets are provided.

Ongoye Forest Reserve back to top

Telephone: (035) 4745020

Near Mtunzini. This reserve contains endemic bird and plant species. Interesting birds include woodward's barbet , crowned eagle, yellow streaked bulbul, spotted thrush, Etc. beautiful trees of the forest include natal olinia, Natal wing-nut which is endemic and Zulu bead-string. Ideal for bird-watching and forest walks. Several picnic spots are available.

Opathe Game Reserve back to top

Central Zululand, near Ulundi on the Ulundi-Melmoth road.KZN Wildlife has 1x8-bed rustic cottage which can be hired.

Phinda Private Game Reserve back to top

.Tel: (+27 11) 809 4300 Fax: (+27 11) 809 4400

Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. a World Heritage Site, Phinda comprises 18 500 hectares (45 711 acres). Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Guests can look forward to exciting game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles led by experienced rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as thrilling optional activities on the water, in the air and on the beach

Pumalanga Nature Reserve back to top

Telephone: (035) 562 0049

Pumalanga Nature Reserve is in Northern Zululand, in the southern foothills of the Lebombo mountain range, bordering Mkuzi game reserve in the north and the Phinda resource reserve in the south. This is an attractive area combining typical game country of high open grasslands, lower bushveld on the plains and riverine forest along the banks of the Munywana River. Game viewing drives and walks, bird watching, freshwater fishing and night drives with spotlights are available. Hunting can be arranged for local and overseas clients. The reserve is also situated within easy driving distance for a day trip to either Ndumu, Mkuzi, Hluhluwe or Umfolozi Game Reserves.

Qudeni Nature Reserve back to top

Telephone: (035)8700552

Central Zululand, Nkandla district. from Eshowe take the Nkandla road through the village. take the first left turn and continue for 29 km. Turn right at a junction and after 5 km the road enters Qudeni forest. There are magnificent forest trees, including some uncommon species, and a number of rare forest birds. The forest and its fauna is poorly known and this makes a visit more exciting.

Rhino Routeback to top

The Rhino Route is an envigorating and unforgettable region of unspoilt territory. At the heart of this route lies HluHluwe. The road to hluhluwe passes through fields of sisal and pineapple and is studded with acacia trees. One of these, the "fever Tree" was believed to be responsible for malaria outbreaks amongst early pioneers who contracted malaria after camping underneath one of these trees. Traditional beehive huts are settled amongst the rolling hills and roadside stalls and offer vividly coloured hand-woven baskets, clay pots and wooden carvings for sale. The Hluhluwe game sanctuary was declared in April 1897. Trails through the Reserve afford a series of unforgettable sighting of rhino in abundance in their natural habitat. The Rhino Route is home to many ohter species of games, including the big 5, giraffe, warthog, zebra, kudu, hippo and crocodiles to name but a few.

Richards Bay Game Reserve back to top

Telephone: (035) 7880040

Southern Zululand, coastal. The turn-off to Richards Bay is well signposted from the N2, about 18 km east of Empangeni. Proceed through Richards Bay towards the harbour mouth. Follow The Kwazulu -Natal Nature Conservation Services Bai House Signs. At this office, ask for Directions To The Three Areas That Can Be Visited.
The Reserve has remnant stands of swamp forest, the Thulazihleka Bird viewing hide in small swamp and the Tidal Mudflats and shallows south of the Mhlatuzi river. 300 species of birds have been recorded in these habitats including several rare migrant species new to the list of natal birds.

Sileza Forest Nature Reserve

Telephone: (035) 8700552

Northern Maputaland. Access is off the N2 to Jozini, Mbazwana, and then Northwards to the turn-off to Manzengwenya forest station. Alternatively, off the N2 via the lower Mkuzi road to Mbazwana, then Northwards to the Manzengwenya forest station. Enquiries should be made to the Kwazulu department of nature conservation, Ulundi. A large untouched and uninhabited area, mainly coastal grassland and palmveld. There are deep, as well as shallow, permanent pans with a variety of aquatic and marshland vegetation, and forest patches. The soils are sandy, and the area is generally quite flat.

St Lucia Wetlands back to top

A visit to one of the finest wetlands Africa has to offer leaves one with a great sense of peace, harmony and tranquility. Unpolluted beaches, walking trails through the forest, five species of turtles that return each year to lay their eggs, wonderous coral reefs and 367 different bird species are just a few of the incredible experiences St Lucia has to offer. Lake St lucia is the largest estaurine system in South Africa and is a vital nursery area for many of the 1200 species of fish which occur in the adjacent sea. Herds of hippo can be seen during the day languishing in the water and crocodiles and their hatchling can be seen at the crocodile centre.

Sungulwane Game Lodge back to top

Game Lodge Accommodation. Contact - (035) 5620498

Northern Zululand, at the foot of the Lebombo Mountain Range. From the N2 South, the distance to the Bayala off-ramp is 30 km from Hluhluwe, and from the north 20 km south of Mkuze. Take the Bayala turn-off, cross the railway line and take the road signposted Sodwana. Follow this road for 1 km, then turn off at the Sungulwane turn-off. A further 3 km will bring you to the lodge. Guests may go on early morning guided walks, or an early morning game drive in an open vehicle to watch the sun rise over the Lebombo Mountains. After breakfast they may go swimming or visit the hide overlooking the waterhole and watch or photograph animals and birds coming to drink.

Thembe Elephant Park

Thembe Elephant Park has a population of more than 200 elephants. The park boasts unspoilt bush and the Big 5. A sight to look forward to is the tree climbing lions. embe’s elephants are acknowledged giants. Dr Johan Marais, writer of two books on Africa’s elephants (Great Tuskers of Africa and In Search of Africa’s Great Tuskers), believes that the largest elephants in the world can be found in the Tembe National Elephant Park

Tembe definitely features as one of the top reserves in Africa when it comes to conservation of elephants with large ivory. The park has been managed really well and the fact that no hunting or poaching has been permitted has allowed the elephant population to develop a fair number of great tuskers – more than Kruger currently!”

email: info@tembe.co.za

Tel : +27 (0) 31 2670144

Tel: +27 826 512 868

Umlalazi Nature Reserve back to top

Reservations for Camping and Caravan Sites must be must be made directly with the Officer-in-Charge (035) 3401836

Southern Zululand, Coastal. Turn off from the N2 or the toll road to Mtunzini Village. Take the left turn where the road forks, to the signpost about 600 m on the right along this road. The Reserve encompasses dense coastal dune forest, mangrove swamp, beach and the lagoon at the river mouth. bushpig, reedbuck, blue, red and grey duiker, and bushbuck occur. Some crocodiles are to be found. birdlife is abundant, including the rare palmnut vulture which breeds here.Accommodation is available in 13x5-bed log cabins and 45 campsites.

Zulu Nyala Safaris back to top

Contact:( 035) 5620169

There are game viewing drives in an open landrover, night drives, game viewing hides for photographers, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, excellent freshwater fishing in the dam and walks with an experienced guide. Excursions for big game fishing and scuba diving at Sodwana Bay, launch cruises on lake St Lucia or game viewing trips to neighbouring game reserves can be organised. Zulu Nyala Game Lodge.

Zululand Tree Lodge back to top

Contact:(035) 5621020

Situated within the Ubizane Game Reserve adjoining Hluhluwe. The elevated tree houses are set in the magnificent fever forest on the banks of the Mzinene river. Enjoy safari drives, game walks and a visit to the turtle nesting ground. Conference Facilities.

Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is Situated only 4 kilometres from the centre of Kloof. This reserve offers both coastal forest and grasslands, Molweni River runs right through Krantzkloof Reserve. It has been said that Krantzkloof Reserve was proclaimed in the year 1950 and covers 600 hectares.

The wildlife here consists of zebra, bushbuck, vervet monkey, rock hyrax, blue, red and grey duiker, slender mongoose, white-tailed mongoose, egyptian mongoose, banded mongoose, water monitor and genet. As well as abundant birdlife currently over 200 species. The reserve has an interesting variety of indigenous plantation.

Offering 20 km of nature walks and two picnic sites are available for our guests enjoyment and entertainment. These atttractive picnic areas are located at Kloof Falls and 5 kms from the falls where the Nkutu stream crosses Valley Drive and both are equiped with braai facilities and ablution blocks. An Activities Centre, equiped with basic conference facilities, is available for use by school groups or education programmes and other parties.

Cell : 084 854 9609

The source of the uMngeni River lies in the uMngeni Vlei area, an wetland surrounded by hills. From here it continues towards the eastern diraction through the countryside until it reaches just infront of the Midmar Dam, where it adjoins with the Lions River.

Below Midmar Dam the river plunges 111 metres down in the Howick Falls and into the uMngeni Valley where it is joined by the Karkloof tributary before flowing into Albert Falls Dam, rated as one of the best bass fishing dams in the world.

The area around Albert Falls Dam is where nature trails and picnic spots are plentiful, which form part of the Albert Falls Nature Reserve. It is an area only a half-houraway from both Durban and Pietermaritzburg that offers wonderful game viewing, boating, fishing and rock climbing.

This area consists of mixed woodland, open grassland and small marsh areas, and in the wet seasons birdlife is abundant and includes widows, weavers, waxbills and cisticolas. Wildlife in this reserve includes zebra, numerous buck such as the springbok, the red hartebeest, rhino and giraffe.

Sho MdluliTel : 033) 569 1202, Fax: 033) 569 1371 albert.falls@msinsi.co.za www.msinsi.co.za

In the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands lies a valley created by the Umgeni River, after cascading over the majestic Howick Falls. The biggest section of the Umgeni Valley nature reserve lies in the spectacular gorge below the Howick Falls.

The valley sides below 860m altitude slope away gently towards the Umgeni River. The lowest point is 737m above sea level. The Umgeni Valley reserve offers giraffe, zebra and a wide variety of antelope. There is an indigenous tree trail surrounding the Education Centre and self-guided walks mingling with the wildlife in the beautiful Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve.

And fro the bird watching fanatics we also offer over 200 bird species to view throughout the year with the challenge of trying to spot the Nerina Trogon or the crowned eagle.

Educational, school tours and adventure activities

Vivo Venter, Senior Education Officer Tel 033 330 3941 education@wessa.co.za

Accommodation reservations : Tel 033 330 3941 Fax 086 505 0430 reservations@wessa.co.za

Durban Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is around about 76 hectare large with the biggest population of mangrove trees in Durban.

This area is used as a Nature Conservation Education Centre. The black mangrove, the red mangrove, and the white mangrove may be seen in Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve. On the shoreline, there are sand dunes where creeping plants and pioneer scrub are to be found.

There is also some great birdlife here, including the Mangrove Kingfisher, Curlew and Water Dikkop. With the help of Lions International, a boardwalk has been built over the channels to for access to it. You can also expect to encounter the strange mudskippers - fish that use their pectoral fins to either skim over the water or to propel themselves across the mud. There are also thousands of fiddler crabs with their single large claw and an assortment of molluscs. There are three trails in the reserve, taking the visitors to the bird hide and to the swamp, where waders come to feed.

The Beachwood Mangroves Reserve is only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 08h00 until sunset. The Reserve is just off Riverside Road in Durban North.

Tel: 082 559 2839

NO COMMISSION PAYABLE ON BOOKINGS!!

WANT TO ADVERTISE WITH US?  Contact judy: judy@haps.co.za  Tel : 083 662 1273

FreeCurrencyRates.com

Happenings Websites and its associates disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense however caused, arising from the use of or reliance upon, in any manner, the information provided through this service and does not warrant the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information provided

WEB DESIGN. WEB OPTIMISATION, AND HOSTING BY UQH - www.ultraquickhost.com ©Ultra Quick Host ®UQH It is illegal to copy or reproduce any information or images contained in this website without written application and subsequent permission from Ultra Quick Host