The Best Destinations For Safari Trips In KZN

Thanda Game Reserve

Thanda Game Reserve is one of the best places for a romantic getaway in KZN, and in South Africa. With a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and Zulu culture, this reserve is one of the best game reserves to visit if you’re looking for a big 5 safari experience in KwaZulu Natal that combines luxury, cultural immersion, and delicious cuisine. Situated some 260 kilometers north of Durban and not far way from Saint Lucia Wetlands, this luxury game lodge is accessible by car from Durban, or you can fly directly to the reserve or to Phina Airstrip

Prices start from R 2 995 per person sharing

visit www.thanda.com for more information

Manyoni Game Reserve

Manyoni is one of the largest privately-owned game reserves in KZN and is renowned for its incredible game viewing, culturally rich traditions, and astounding conservation history. Manyoni Game Reserve is also a prime spot to see rhinos in their natural habitat, as the reserve was confirmed as a release site for the WWF Black Rhino Expansion Project, which contributes to a very memorable Safari experience. Manyoni is located in the heart of Zululand only 3 hours from Durban and 6 hours from Johannesburg.

Prices start from R 1 400 per person sharing

Visit www.manyoni.co.za for more information

Phinda Private Game Reserve

This reserve has 29 thousand hectares of protected wildlife land and also another amazing Big Five Game reserve in KZN with close proximity to the unspoiled coast of Zululand. Phinda is home to all the big five, but its especially loved by visitors for its iconic close encounters with cheetahs and black rhinos. While here, you’ll get to experience game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles as well as choose from a wide range of optional excursions in the bush and on the beach. This private game reserve is located in between Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands.

Prices start from R 4 660 per person per night sharing

Visit Phinda Private Game Reserve – Best Rates and Last Minute Special Offers (bushbreaks.co.za) for more information.

Nambiti Game Reserve

Located near the famous Drakensberg Mountains, Nambiti is the only game reserve in this particular area where you can find the Big Five. Offering a thrilling diversity of wildlife encounters and beautiful landscapes, Nambiti is one of the best game reserves in KZN to visit for those who live closer to Johannesburg or Pretoria. Aside from the Big 5, Nambiti is also home to over 40 other species of game including cheetah, hippo, giraffe, hyena, zebra and offers some of the most beautiful and romantic game lodges in KZN. Nambiti Private Game Reserve is located near the town of Ladysmith, a three and a half-hour drive from Johannesburg or a two and a half-hour drive from Durban. Nambiti is also home to nine luxurious game lodges, including six 5-star lodges and two tented camps to suit any budget and travel style.

Prices start from R 4 300 per person sharing

Visit Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa for more information

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve

Known for its unique décor, incredible wildlife sightings, Thula Thula Private Game Reserve offers safari-goers the unique opportunity to spot leopards, elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, and hyenas. Thula Thula private game reserve also offers two accommodation options: Elephant Safari Lodge known for its amazing cuisines and Luxury Tented Camp known for authentic bush experiences.

Prices start from R 1 995 (Luxury tents)

and R 2995 per person sharing (Elephant Safari Lodge)

Visit www.thulathula.com for more information

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve

Amakhosi is one of the not so popular game reserves in KZN. but a visit to this hidden gem welcomes you with some of the most spectacular landscapes KwaZulu Natal has to offer. While Amakhosi is known for its big game, there are many smaller creatures to be found here that are just as fascinating with over four hundred species of birds call this game reserve their home, making it one of the best destinations in KZN for birth watchers. The Amakhosi Private Game Reserve game lodge is located 2.5 hours away from St. Lucia Wetlands and Sodwana Bay.

Prices start from R 3 420 per person sharing

Visit www.amakhosi.com for more infomation

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve

Pakamisa game reserve is known for being the home to smaller animals in a tranquil setting. Another quirk that makes Pakamisa special is their unique collection of Arabian Horses, all trained to take guests on a thrilling horseback safari. Resident game that can be seen in the reserve include giraffe, zebra, blue Wildebeest, kudu and many other varieties of antelope, also smaller mammals, predators and reptiles as well as prolific birdlife. Pakamisa is located in a remote and lofty position in northern part of Zululand which is about four hours from Durban.

Prices start from R 2 200 per person sharing (valid from 01 June – 30 September 2021)

Visit www.pakamisa.co.za for more information

Tembe Elephant Park

It’s said that the largest elephants in the world can be found at Tembe National Elephant Park, so if an intimate and memorable encounter with them you’re bound to find it at this game reserve. Tembe is also the third biggest game reserve in KZN with diverse landscapes: from sand forest to swamp, and savannah. Aside from its incredible elephant population with some of which are indeed the biggest living tuskers, this game reserve is also home to. the Big Five as well as other animals and plants. Tempe offers overnight guests safari-style luxury tents with private outdoor showers.

Prices start from R 1 700 per person sharing (low season)

and R 2 ooo per person sharing (high season)

Visit tembe.co.za for more information

iSimangaliso Wetlands and Marine Reserve

St Lucia is a World Heritage site which is also home to a complex network of natural habitats and boasts some of the most incredible coral reefs, coastal forests, and open estuaries South Africa has to offer. St Lucia has got a lot of wildlife to explore too, from hippos to crocodiles and tons of other animals call this marine reserve their home, so travelers are guaranteed a few sightings while cruising around the area.

• Prices start from:
• Snorkeling adventure – R 410
• Boat Cruise – R 300
• Day Trip – R 815

Visit Home – iSimangaliso Wetland Park for more information

Ithala Game Reserve

Ithala is one of the newest game reserves in KZN and its fastly gaining popularity thanks to its wildlife sightings supported by the beauty of the Ngotshe Mountains, which create some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Home to four of the Big Five (except for lions), Ithala offers visitors a wonderful geological and historical experience as a bonus. The area where the reserve now sits has been occupied by humans for thousands of years contributing to large history behind that is still told about it. Moreover, Ithala is home to rock formations that date back three thousand millions years ago, and is considered the best destination for people with geological interests as well and not only safari seekers.

Prices start from R 1 050 per person sharing

Visit www.ithala.info for more information

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi,

is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in South Africa, and is also KwaZulu-Natal’s most popular wildlife destination. It was established in the 1890s to protect Africa’s last remaining white rhinos from extinction. This has been an overwhelming success and today you’re bound to see these bulky animals here in good numbers. Searching for the Big Five and other safari heavyweights against a scenic backdrop of lush hills and deep valleys makes for an unforgettable experience.

Prices start from R 1 050 half day

and R 1250 per person full day Big Five Safari

Visit www.hluhluwegamereserve.com for more information

Pongola Game Reserve

This game reserve lies on the shore of Pongolapoort Dam. The focus here isn’t on standard game drives, a very exciting morning activity is tracking rhinos on foot. Trudging through the bush, picking up on footprints and exploring other wildlife as well.. Afternoons in thus reserve are best spent on a leisurely boat cruise where there are crocs and hippos spotted everywhere, this area also has amazing birdlife.

Prices start from R 1 425 per person sharing

Visit pongolagamereserve.co.za for more information

Zimanga Private Game Reserve

Offers a unique experience especially suitable to keen wildlife and safari travelers. The main attraction in this Big Five reserve is a collection of sunken hides. Each hide focuses on something different. The scavenger hide attracts vultures and the odd black-backed jackal, the lagoon hide gets you eye-level with the water for in-your-face shots of waterbirds. You get a chance to view birds such as waxbills and canaries in the bird-bath reflection hide. Most exciting perhaps is the overnight hide where you might come face to face with any of the Big Five as they drink just a few meters away from your lens.

Prices start from R 1 555 per person full day excursion

Visit Zimanga | Private Game Reserve for more information

Sodwana Bay National Park

Sodwana Bay National Park consists of a narrow coastal strip of forest covered sand dunes. Sodwana is a fairly remote area (about four hours drive from Durban) but people travel a long way to drive along the endless beaches in their four-wheel drive vehicles and to dive the coral reefs teaming with colourful fish and some giants of the sea such as whale sharks and manta rays. There are excellent snorkeling spots at Sodwana Bay, Kingfisher Bay, Adlams, Algae Reef and Mabibi, all accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle along the beach. These reefs are abundant in lionfish, zebras, crayfish, feather stars, rays and moray eels.

• Entry fees R35 per person
• Prices start from R 850 per per sharing Dune View Cottage

Visit Sodwana Bay National Park – South Africa Nature Reserves (nature-reserve.co.za) for more information