It’s a wild, wild world: Game reserves to visit in KZN

KZN game reserves have it all. Photo: canva

KwaZulu-Natal has got GAME – literally! The province is home to some of the oldest and most incredible game reserves in South Africa. Here are a few you MUST check out.

Visit wild KZN. Photo: canva

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Park

Why you should visit: Established in 1895 and said to be the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game reserve is 96 000 hectares of rolling hills, bushveld, Big Five animals and a wide variety of other wildlife and plantlife. Explore the park in your own private vehicle, or book a 3-hour day, half day, or full day Big Five safari. Enquire at https://www.hluhluwegamereserve.com/ for options and pricing.

How to get there: The park is a 230km drive from central Durban via the N2.

Zebra at the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. Photo: Roy Lowry /flickr

iSimangaliso Wetland Park / Game Reserves

Why you should visit: iSimangaliso Wetland Park is an eco-tourists dream. Take your pick of activities – from game drives, hippo and croc cruises, turtle tours or whale watching. The beaches at Cape Vidal make for ideal swimming and scuba-diving spots. There are also adventure activities like kayaking, horse riding, and hiking. The reserves offer exploration of both the Eastern and Western shores – and even night game drives (when possible) to spot a few elusive species that only come out when it’s dark. See elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, a range of antelope, and buffalo.

How to get there: The park is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, about 235 kilometres north of Durban.

One of South Africa’s famous UNESCO world heritage sites: iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Photo: Fyre Mael / flickr

ALSO READ: KZN North Coast: Beautiful beaches you HAVE to visit

Ithala Game Reserve

Why you should visit: Located within the rugged, mountainous thornveld of northern KwaZulu-Natal, Itala Game Reserve features an abundance of wildlife and some of the oldest rock formations in the entire world, dating back to around 3 000 million years. There are many activities for visitors, including self-guided walking trails, day and night safari drives, as well as self-drive auto trails. Check out more activities and how to book here.

How to get there: The reserve is situated in Louwsberg in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Giraffe at Ithala Game Reserve. Photo: South Africa Nature and Stuff / flickr

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Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.