Ithala Game Reserve

Description

Ithala’s big game species include white rhino, black rhino, elephant, buffalo and notably giraffe so numerous that they have been selected as Ithala's logo. The absence of lion makes for a relaxed air among these animals and other game such as zebra , blue wildebeest and a wide variety of antelope. These include impala, oribi, red hartebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck, tsessebe, common and mountain reedbuck, steenbok and grey duiker. Predators include spotted hyaena, brown hyaena, the elusive leopard and serval. Sightings of large birds at Ithala may include black eagles, lappet faced and whitebacked vultures, ostriches and secretary birds stalking across the veld.

Ntshondwe Camp

'Winner of three consecutive AA Travel Guides & SAA Resort of the Year awards'
Virtually invisible until the moment of arrival, Ntshondwe, Ithala's main camp, is ingeniously camouflaged against a plateau at the foot of the cliffs of the Ngotshe mountain. Towering above the camp, horizontal contours of pink and russet sandstone offset vertically jagged spires of dolerite rock. These provide the ideal haven for raptors,their calls echoing from rock face to crevice as they soar into the sky in territorial display. Ntshondwe's 39 thatched chalets blend into a lush setting of acacias, wild figs, cabbage trees and other indigenous flora. A variety of self-catering chalets, with two to six beds each, some of which have being designed for use by the handicapped, are available, while 28 other chalets without catering facilities are geared for tour groups and conference delegates. 

Ntshodwe Lodge

Ntshondwe Lodge is one of the most spectacularly situated lodges in Africa, suspended on the edge of a cliff, boasting soaring mountains and sweeping vistas across the African plains. Set in the spectacular Ithala Game Reserve, which tumbles a thousand meters over 20 kilometers, from the heights of the Ngotshe Mountain into a deep valley carved by the Phongolo River.

This six-bedded lodge has three spacious en-suite bedrooms, and a tiered lounge and dining room leading onto a covered deck with barbeque and plunge pool facilities, as well as a Jacuzzi, tucked away in a shady atrium. The lodge is centrally placed to explore the wildlife, history and cultural diversity of the reserve set in the spectacular vistas of rugged mountains, open plains and wild rivers. Ntshondwe Lodge is a self-catering facility that offers the services of a cook and an attendant to prepare the food you bring, so you can enjoy the natural splendour and tranquility of Ithala Game Reserve .

Mhlangeni Bushcamp

Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stream, the Mhlangeni bushcamp 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 tour guide is available by prior arrangement to take guests on game walks.

Mbizo Bushcamp

Mbizo is ideally situated beside a series of rapids and pools near the spot where the Ngubhu and Mbizo rivers meet. A total of eight guests can be accommodated here, in two separate bush chalets constructed of wood , reed and thatch. Each has two bedrooms, it's own lounge, kitchen and viewing deck. The camp has two separate ablution facilities. The tariff includes the services of an attendant and tour guide to take guests on walks by prior arrangement. 

Thalu Bushcamp

Thalu Bush Camp is tucked away at the foot of a steep slope on the banks of the Thalu river. A picturesque barbecue area overlooks a large pool in the river where swimming is permitted. Thalu accommodates four people in two bedrooms linked by a kitchen, lounge and viewing deck. An attendant is provided and a tour guide is available by prior arrangement to take visitors on game walks.

Ithala Game Reserve

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Attractions

ITHALA GAME RESERVE - ACTIVITIES

Ithala has an astonishing range of landscapes and habitats from the highland sourveld grasslands at the top of the Ngotshe Mountains to the Bushveld and Forest along the Phongola River a thousand metres below. Characterized by deep bush filled valleys and gorges with clear streams cascading over numerous waterfalls into deep pools, and expansive grassy plateaus with large herds of plains game such as blue wildebeest tssessebe and red hartebeest, Ithala offers a wealth of activities for visitors.

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 legs. 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 when walking around the camp at night.

DAY AND NIGHT DRIVES:

Day and night drives are conducted in open viewing vehicles and are a popular tourist attraction in the reserve. These can be booked at Ntshondwe camp office.

SELF-GUIDED AUTO TRAILS:

Ithala has a number of well laid out auto trails with markers at points of interest.These enable visitors to discover and appreciate aspects of the reserve’s fascinating wildlife and geology in the comfort 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.

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 ablutions.

GUIDED WALKS:

Facilities

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Coffee shop
• Information centre
• Petrol and diesel
• Conferences
• Day and night game drives
• Walking trails