Ithala Game Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours &

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Ithala Game Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 6 hours

Ithala Game Reserve, established in 1973, spans 29,653 hectares of rugged terrain in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The reserve's diverse landscapes range from the low-lying Phongolo River at 400 meters to the towering Ngotshe Mountain escarpment at 1,450 meters, revealing some of the world's oldest rock formations, dating back over 3 billion years. This geological diversity supports a rich tapestry of ecosystems, including riverine forests, grasslands, and thornveld, which in turn sustain over 80 mammal species, 314 bird species, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Beyond its natural beauty, Ithala holds significant historical and cultural value. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of Middle and Later Stone Age settlements and Iron Age smelting sites. During the reign of Zulu King Shaka, the reserve's caves served as refuges during times of conflict. In the early 20th century, gold mining activities took place, leaving behind remnants of the Wonder and Eureka mines . Today, Ithala offers visitors a chance to explore its rich heritage through archaeological sites and cultural experiences, making it a destination that seamlessly blends natural wonders with a deep historical narrative.

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Reviews of Ithala Game Reserve

Gerhard Theron

3
Reviewed: 2025-04-03

Very clean chalets. Very friendly staff. Breakfast is above average. Had a lot of rain and overcast for the time we were here Some roads closed and restricted our mobility. Lush green bush. Millions of butterflies. Game sightings limited to plains game.
Colin Shepherd

5
Reviewed: 2025-03-17

We made a visit 5 weeks ago and still have fond memories of such a great place ! The setting is the best with its dramatic scenery, charming layout and facilities - the camp more a resort really. The staff are so friendly, the food is good and the renovation of the splendid chalets is nearly complete. If you want a bit of luxury in your camp then this is the place !
Loren Goslin (Schutte)

4
Reviewed: 2025-02-21

Our first time at Ithala Game Reserve...what a beautiful Reserve and the Game viewing totally amazing...rather bring a 4x4 vehicle if you wanna do roads less traveled. The Lodge was good the food in the restaurant is really delicious especially dinners. It's a bit run down and in great need of funding but Ezemvelo have been allocated some budget for this lodge and it's clearly long overdue. Most of the chalets are under some sort of renovation but there are chalets avaliable. The pool was great Staff were all friendly and helpful. We only stayed 2 nights 3 would have been nicer.
Christopher Zaayman

4
Reviewed: 2024-08-26

Ithala is an unexplored gem in northern KZN. We were 3 friends who visited (myself and a couple). We stayed at Thalu Bush Lodge and stayed from Friday until Sunday. We entered from Vryheid via Louwsburg. The road about 20km from Louwsburg is in a terrible state leading up to the park, but there is enough tar for you to dodge the potholes and make it safely to friendly staff at Ithala GR. We did the Ntshamanzi 4x4 Track with a Suzuki Jimny - highly recommended! We also did the Bush Buck Trail (about 5km there and back) is also highly recommended. The views and flora were breathtaking. Thalu Bush Campe was special - it does have electricity depsite what the websites all say. It is remote, and we battled to get signal if any at all. The unit is completely livable and you get a real sense of being in the bush. The unit does however need some TLC like the rest of Ithala GR and other Ezemvelo Parks. All in all, a very special stay and highly recommended. The curio shop, restaurant, facilities, general maintenance needs some help but it was encouraging to see that some units are being refurbished, in addition to the roads.
Samantha Garner

5
Reviewed: 2023-05-02

Absolutely stunning park ! Such amazing scenery! If you are a bush lover who loves peace and quiet then this is the place for you . 4 x4 is essential for full value of the self drives , the route to the Ponghola picnic site is a MUST ! We stayed at the main camp, make sure you do the self guided walks - follow the elephant footprints up the mountain and enjoy the sunsets ! Camp and chalets were clean and staff lovely but thatch roofs in a lot of the chalets are in desperate need of repair . The upside was that those chalets aren’t in use so it’s even more peaceful and quiet !