©warthog.co.zaThe area of Ithala Game Reserve was occupied by man for thousands of years, and there are many sites reminiscent of these times, with stone age spears and axe heads dating back 20 000 years. More recently, iron smelting took place in the region and evidence can be found of this at the numerous smelting sites situated adjacent to deposits of banded ironstone. This KwaZulu-Natal game reserve was the setting for many of South Africa's historic events, including the reign of Shaka and his successive Zulu kings and the gold mining enterprises in the early years of the 20th Century.
Ithala’s big game species include white rhino, black rhino, elephant, buffalo and giraffe so numerous that they have been selected as Ithala's logo. The absence of lion makes for a relaxed air among these animals and other game such as zebra, blue wildebeest and a wide variety of antelope. These include impala, oribi, red hartebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck, tsessebe, common and mountain reedbuck, steenbok and grey duiker. Predators include spotted hyaena, brown hyaena, the elusive leopard and serval. Sightings of large birds at Ithala may include black eagles, lappet faced and whitebacked vultures, ostriches and secretary birds stalking across the veld.
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©benhallphoto.comNtshondwe is Ithala's award winning main camp and the winner of 3 consecutive AA Travel Guides and SAA Resort of the Year Awards. Gently tucked away at the foot of the Ngotshe Mountains, this camp is set amongst acacias, wild figs, cabbage trees and other indigenous flora a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily living. 39 thatched chalets blend into the lush setting. The self-catering chalets have 2 - 6 beds each and some are wheelchair friendly, while 28 other chalets without catering facilities are geared for tour groups and conference delegates. Conference chalets are also equipped with satellite TV.
The main camp has a fully licensed restaurant and bar, coffee shop, open game viewing deck overlooking a small pan, swimming pool, kid’s jungle gym, a fully equipped conference centre and a well stocked curio shop also with basic provisions. A secluded outdoor enclosure (boma) is ideal for barbeques and get-togethers.
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©tripadvisor.comNtshondwe Lodge is a 6-bed lodge with 3 spacious en-suite bedrooms, a tiered lounge and dining room leading to a covered deck housing a barbecue area and plunge pool, as well as a luxurious Jacuzzi. Ntshondwe Lodge offers self-catering KwaZulu-Natal accommodation, but there is an attendant available to cook food bought by guests.
©nature-reserve.co.zaThalu Bush Camp is situated on the edge of the Thalu River, under large trees and accommodates four people in 2 bedrooms separated by a lounge, kitchen and viewing deck. An attendant services the camp regularly and an expert field ranger is available by prior arrangement for walks to the Thalu River where a variety of birds and animals congregate, including Half Collared Kingfishers, Crowned Eagles and majestic Waterbuck.
©proteatours.deMhlangeni Bush Camp is set high on a granite boulder koppie with views across the Ncence valley to the bush lined river. The surrounding valley is a sanctuary for Black and White Rhino, Giraffe and a wide variety of large antelope. There are 5 bed units which have a central open plan lounge, dining room and sun deck. The services of a cook, and a field ranger for walks to the Mtunzini Waterfall and river pools are available.
©africatravelresource.comMbizo Bush Camp is set along the west bank of the Mbizo. The camp sleeps just 8 guests in 2 separate en-suite chalets constructed of wood, thatch and reed, each with their own lounge, kitchen and viewing deck. A cook is available to prepare food brought by guests and there is also a field guide.
©countryroads.co.zaFor accommodation enquiries go to: http://www.kznwildlife.com
