Ithala Game Reserve in South Africa is a mountainous area with thornveld and big game such as rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants. It is also home to numerous bird species and some of the oldest rock formations in the world. Accommodation is available at Ntshondwe Camp and luxurious hunting lodges. Visitors can participate in activities such as day and night trips, hiking, and picnicking. The reserve is accessible by private car and is a malaria-free area.
Ithala Game Reserve is located in eastern South Africa, approximately 248 miles (400 kilometers) north of Durban. The reserve is located in a mountainous area of thornveld, which is rugged grassland with acacia and other thorny plants. Elevation in the Ithala Game Reserve ranges from 1312 meters (400 feet) along the Phongolo River, a tributary of the Maputo River which flows towards Mozambique, to 4757 meters (1450 feet) in the Ngotshe Mountains.
In 1973, the Natal Parks Board of South Africa began the land acquisition process, with the ultimate goal of creating the Ithala Game Reserve. Since the creation of the park, all big game populations have re-established in the reserve, with the exception of the lion. Examples of the big game that can be found in the park are rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants. The absence of the lion is said to help give the reserve a relaxed feel. Instead of the lion, some predators featured include the leopard and hyena.
Rivers such as the Phongolo, in addition to the presence of large cliffs, make the conditions within the Ithala Game Reserve ideal for numerous bird species. Birds that have been sighted include black eagles, ostriches and secretary birds. The geological features of Ithala Game Reserve also distinguish it from other localities. The rock formations found within the reserve date back more than three million years, meaning they are some of the oldest known rock formations in the world.
Accommodation within the park can be found at Ntshondwe Camp, which offers self-catering chalets. The structure is built to fit naturally into a plateau at the foot of the homonymous cliff. Also, the most luxurious hunting lodges are found in the Louwsburg area near the preserve. Ithala Game Reserve is a malaria free area open all year round.
Ithala Game Reserve is accessible by private car from all directions. Once in the reserve, visitors can participate in a wide variety of activities. Day and night trips in open vehicles are also a popular way for visitors to see the reserve and the big game it hosts. Day or night drive option allows you to see different types of game.
There are extensive trails available for hiking at Ithala Game Reserve, many of which offer markers marking points of interest along the way. In addition, several picnic areas with barbecues are located throughout the park. These areas are particularly suitable for play and bird watching.
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