Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Ithala Game Reserve is severely underrated. It has all the assets of a private wildlife reserve but much lower prices. It also doesn’t get the crowds that flock into Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, as it’s slightly off the main routes, but it's captivating in its own way. Some of the world’s oldest rock formations are found here, as are Stone Age spear and axe heads.
Most of the 30,000 hectares are taken up by the steep valleys of six rivers (tributaries of the Phongolo), with some open grassland on the heights, rugged outcrops and bushveld. Animals include black and white rhinos, elephants, tsessebes, buffalos and giraffes (the park’s emblem as they are believed to be indigenous to Ithala Game Reserve) and rare bird species.
Guided walks (R200 per person) and wildlife and night drives (R200 per person) are available.
