Ithala Game Reserve general information
Ithala Game Reserve is one of the less known National Parks in KwaZulu Natal. However the features of the park make Ithala to one the places you have to visit. This fantastic game reserve is located in the rugged Ngothse Mountains in northern Kwa Zulu Natal, overlooking the Pongola River valley. The altitude in the park differs from 400 meters to 1450 meters which gives a great variety of animals and beautiful sceneries. Ithala offers magnificent views and the best of Africa’s wildlife. This is a paradise for game viewers.
Find it on the map
Historically this is an interesting place with findings of Stone Age spears and axes dating back 20 000 years. These findings tell us that this area has been occupied by man for thousand years. The park harbour a treasure in some of the oldest rock formations in the world, dating back 3 000 million years.
Animals and birds
The wildlife goes with the change of scenery from bushveld to the barren rock formations. Ithala game reserve is the habitat of a great number of antelope species such as blue wildebeest, impala, oribi, red hartebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck, tsessebe, common and mountain reedbuck, steenbok and grey duiker. The absence of lion makes for a relaxed air among these animals. Ithala’s big game species include white- and black rhino, elephant, buffalo and notably giraffe. Zebras are of course represented in the park as well. Leopard, spotted hyena, brown hyena and jackal are predators of the Ithala game reserve. They are not often seen but if you are at the right place at the right time you might see a jackal go for an ostrich chicken.
With its many streams and rivers, and the frequent occurrence of cliffs and rock faces, Ithala is also the ideal haven for a large variety of birds. Sightings of large birds at Ithala may include black eagles, lappet faced and white back vultures, ostriches and secretary birds stalking across the veld.
Roads and infrastructure
The roads in Ithala game reserve are gravel roads in good conditions and fine to drive on with a normal sedan. Because of the topography and the lay out Ithala game reserve is excellent for self-driving. Bring your books and binoculars and you will enjoy your day in the park. A guide booklet is available in the shop at Ntshondwe, Ithala's camp.
Accommodation
Inside the park you can find accommodation in different standards and prices. Ntshondwe Lodge offers chalets for more comfort or you can choose one of the more rustic bush camps or camp site. For more information check out Kznwildlife own homepage.
Bookings are essential as they are often fully booked in high season. KwaZulu Natal Nature Conservation PO Box 13069, Cascades 3202, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Tel (033) 845-1000, Fax: (033) 845-1001
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Game drives and activities
You can easily spend a whole day in Ithala game reserve. Picnic sites with barbecue facilities are located in several scenic spots with spectacular views, ideal for game watching. You can enjoy your self prepared breakfast, lunch, snack or just have a coffee breake. Ithala game reserve is ideal for you who want to feel the freedom of a self-guided walk and the possibility to take your own time in the bush. The absence of lions in the park gives you this unusual opportunity. Imagine the feeling of walking in the footprints of your ancestors, the awareness of being surrounded by Africa’s wildlife. This is the closest you can come to be in the present and the past at the same time.
Ithala game reserve offers a lot of interesting and exiting activities you really should look into. Wildlife adventures such as guided walks, guided day and night drives and talks about the history and geology of the park are a collection of Ithala game reserves activities. More information is available at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s homepage.
Seasons and gate times
Gate Hours: Summer (1 November to 28/29 February ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (1 March to 31 October ) 06h00 to 18h00
Rainy season is September-March. It is hot and humid with 800-1200 mm of rain.
Dry season is April-August. Pleasant days but nights can be cold.
This is a low risk area for Malaria.
How to get there
Ithala Game Reserve is situated near Louwsburg in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
From Durban it is best reached via Eshowe and Melmoth to Vryheid.
From the Gauteng area the best approach is via Standerton, Volksrust and Utrecht to Vryheid.
From the north coast go via Pongola and Magudu.
From Pietermaritzburg travel via Ladysmith, Dundee and Vryheid.
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Vryheid which is 69 km away
