A mornings drive from Durban
(400km) or from Johannesburg (500 km), this prime tourist destination also has
its own 1,2km all-weather airstrip. The Itala Game Reserve combines excellent
tourist facilities with superb game viewing and bird watching in a beautiful
setting.
This is scenically an extremely beautiful area, with six rivers (tributaries of the Pongola river) running through the reserve as well as open grasslands, rugged outcrops, valleys and bushveld. Itala has 75 different mammal species, among them black and white rhino, elephant, leopard and cheetah. There are also 320 different kinds of birds, making it a hot spot for birders.
Itala Game Reserve 's most characteristic feature is perhaps the geographical diversity. Some of the oldest rock formations in the world are found here, dating back three million years. The reserve is also situated on historic land. It was the setting for many historic events and frontier wars of the 19th and 20th centuries. Early gold mining enterprises blossomed here and great battles from the Anglo-Boer wars were fought close by. The topography varies from 400 metres above sea level to 1 450 metres above sea level, giving rise to a great diversity of habitats, flora and fauna.
Self-guided
Walking Trails
A number of self-guided trails traverse the wooded mountainside
above Ntshondwe camp, inviting guests to enjoy glimpses of the
indigenous wildlife while stretching their limbs. The sight of
black rhino and elephant droppings along a path adds a rush of
adrenaline to the experience. Rhino occasionally enter the camp at
night, therefore visitors are advised to exercise caution.
Self-guided
Auto Trails
Itala Game Reserve has a number of well laid out auto trails. These
enable visitors to appreciate aspects of the reserve's
fascinating wildlife while enjoying the comfort and
privacy of their own vehicles. Driving along these routes
one is constantly struck by the wide range of habitats
which support a large biodiversity of plant, bird
and animal life in the reserve.
Day
and Night Drives
Day and night drives are conducted in open viewing
vehicles and are a popular tourist attraction in the
reserve. Itala is well known for its qualified guides.
Picnic
Sites
Picnic sites are situated in several scenic spots which
offer spectacular views and are ideal for game watching.
These all have barbecue facilities and toilets.
Accomodation in Itala Game Reserve is geared to suit all, from the sophisticated international ecotourist or business executive, to large tour groups and family parties. Itala Game Reserve also offers limited facilities for camping in tents. The reserve's small rustic camp ground has basic facilities for up to 20 people. There is cold water shower, a flush toilet and a kitchen area. A thatched shelter serves as a communal lounge / dining facility. You also have the option of staying in one of the many B&B's, Guest HOuses and small hotels near the park
Mhlangeni Bush Lodge
Set on
a rocky outcrop overlooking a stream in the Itala Game Reserve, the Mhlangeni bush lodge
accommodates up to ten guests in five two-bed units. A central
open-plan lounge and sun-deck offer excellent views - as do the
showers!
The services of an attendant are provided and a game guard is
available to take guests on game walks. Enquire
Itala Game Reserve Conference
Centre
Ntshondwe's spacious, thatched conference centre has a main
auditorium seating 120 delegate and two smaller halls, each
seating 18 people. State-of-the-art facilities include a
fully-equipped projection room, an integrated sound system with
convenient patch points, versatile automatic lighting, excellent
accoustics and air-conditioning. Enquire
Tamboti Ridge Ranch
Tamboti is a sugar and game farm near Itala Game Reserve. Tamboti is
set in a peacefull sub-tropical garden with spectacular views of the
Pongola River. Traditional South African breakfasts. Enquire