KwaZulu Natal Nature & Game Reserves
Some of the best game reserves on the continent can be found in KwaZulu Natal, a scenic coastal province of South Africa. What sets this province apart is that it has effectively combined a world-class stay in a game lodge, some of the countries best game viewing with excellent SCUBA diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing in the Indian Ocean. The range of habitats – from dense bushveld to idyllic coastal dune forests – supports a wide array of wildlife, which only adds to the irresistible allure of South Africa.
The magnificent national parks in KwaZulu-Natal, which are teeming with incredible species that like the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino), include the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. Both of these parks are acclaimed the world around for their beautiful landscapes and abundant fauna.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is incredibly diverse when it comes to the species it supports. In fact, there are more animal species here than in the Kruger National Park. This is no mean feat, considering that iSimangaliso (previously St Lucia Wetland Park) is only the third-largest park in South Africa. The gorgeous iSimangaliso is perched on the north-eastern border of KwaZulu-Natal, in the sublimely beautiful area of the Elephant Coast.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is the oldest national park in Africa and is famous for being home to the largest population of white rhinoceros in the world. In fact, it was established to save the southern white rhino from extinction. What’s more, it is only 2.5 hours' drive outside Durban and its international airport, making it easily accessible and the most popular game park in KwaZulu-Natal.
Game drives through the national parks and game reserves of KwaZulu Natal invite visitors to see some of Africa's wildest predators and most beautiful antelope, birds, and others in their natural habitat. Experienced guides share their insights on morning, evening and night drives; while visitors get to enjoy the best of South African animals in the wild.
Click on the game reserve, national park or nature reserve you wish to visit on the KwaZulu Natal map or select from the full list below, to view additional information about the reserves and for listings of all lodges listed in the relevant area.
Game & Nature Reserves in KwaZulu Natal
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isiGodlo Villa
Amakhosi Private House, also known as "IsiGodlo" meaning a Chief residence, is our private house which overlooks the meandering Mkuze River and i...
mFulaWozi Biyela Lodge
mFulaWozi Biyela Lodge offers accommodation in Hluhluwe and is an oasis of privacy and eco-luxury in the mFulaWozi Wilderness Reserve. The lodge ...
Madwaleni River Lodge
Madwaleni River Lodge is located on the Babanango Game Reserve offering an ultra-luxury lodge situated in the heart of Zululand. The lodge is nes...
Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Rhino Sands Safari Camp offers five-star accommodation in a tented, luxury safari destination, that is designed to bring an authentic safari expe...
mFulaWozi Mthembu
mFulaWozi has an earthy character with panoramic view of the water and the Wilderness. The cylindrical flat stone roofs and clay-coloured façade ...
The Farmhouse @ Cheetah Ridge
Situated in the southern section of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, The Farmhouse offers self catering accommodation for ten g...
Rhino River Cottage
Rhino River Cottage offers Hluhluwe accommodation in a private safari home, reminiscent of a British cottage with a nod towards African-inspired ...
Rhino River Homestead
Rhino River Homestead offers Hluhluwe accommodation on a privately-owned game reserve with some of the best game viewing Zululand has to offer. W...
Thonga Beach Lodge
This intimate, luxury 24 bed lodge is nestled on the pristine coast of Maputaland, within the Isimangaliso Park. It's the ideal place to explore ...
Related Pages
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KwaZulu Natal Attractions
Known as the Kingdom of the Zulu, KwaZulu Natal is a melting pot of African, European and Indian cultures. This province boasts two World Heritage Sites - the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the majestic Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park - superb beaches, sunny weather, game reserves and rolling hills.