The Battlefields - Legends of the Zulu Kingdom

Nature Reserves

Itala Game Reserve:
Some 29 653 ha in extent. The reserve holds about 910 species of plant life. The vegetation types range between wetland or marsh, steambank and riverine thicket, open savanna etc. It is thus not surprising that itala has such a varied fauna, with 80 mammal, 314 bird, 18 amphibian and 15 reptile species recorded. Because of its size, this reserve can carry a large mammal population. It is hoped that other species including more predators will be reintroduced in the future.

Bush camps : three rustic bush camps available for hire. Thalu bush camp accommodates four people in a two bedroomed reed and thatch unit, Mbizo bush camp accommodates eight people in two separate four bedded units. Mhlangeni bush camp houses ten people in five two bedded units. Camps are fully equipped but visitors nedd to bring their own food and torches. Ntshondwe camp : accommodation for 172 visitors in 39 self catering, fully equipped chalets. Conference centre with accommodation for 56 delegates. Campsites : has a small rustic campground. No caravan facilities.

Located in Northern Natal. From Vryheid travel north-east on the R69 to Louwsburg. The reserve is located immediately to the north-west of this village and stretches to the Pongolo River. Visitors may also fly in to a landing strip in the reserve, where they will be collected by prior arrangement with the camp office.

For more information make use of the KZN Wildlife website or contact them at:
General Enquiries: (033) 845 1002
Reservations Office for hutted accommodation and wilderness trails
P.O. Box 13069
CASCADES,3202
Telephone: (033) 845 1000
Fax: (033) 845 1001

Leopard Rock:


Ntendeke Wilderness Area:
Ngome State Forest, near Vryheid. Free movement is allowed throughout the area and footpaths are minimal. THe forest contains a rare combination of coastal and inland tropical forest species. Permission must be obtined, in order to enter the area.

Mpofini Lodge


Umdoni


Vryheid Nature Reserve
Within the boundaries of the Vryheid TLC. Take East Street and drive towards Hill street. Turn right into Klips street and follow dirt road to thatched gate.

There is a great of variety of wildflowers in springtime. The reserve has been stocked with impala, mountain reedbuck, springbuck, eland, zebra, oribi, bushbuck and blesbok. Open daily from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Magdalene Game Farm


Madaka Game Ranch


Nolangeni Wild

zoom Ntshondwe Camp - Itala Game Reserve.

Walking & Hilking Trails

Nchanga Trail:
Between Vryheid and Piet Retief. 27 kms - 2 days. The trail passes through indigenous forests, with overnight in mountain huts. There are Samango monkeys and orchids during October and November.
Tel: (038) 995 0034.

Lancaster Hiking Trail:
Vryheid Parks & Recreation. A two-day trail (22 kms) through the Vryheid Nature Reserve. There are historical sites on the route, and antelope , zebra and a huge variety of birds. Overnight in rustic log cabins.
P.O. Box 57, Vryheid 3100. Tel: (038)981 2133 X260/255.

Ntendeka Wilderness Trails:
Ngome State Forest, near Vryheid. Free movement is allowed throughout the area and footpaths are minimal. THe forest contains a rare combination of coastal and inland tropical forest species. Permission must be obtined in order to enter the area.
Private Bag X 9306, Vryheid 3100. Tel/Fax: (0386)71883.


Mkhaya Trail
Situated close to the road between Vryheid and Pongola Paradise Guest Farm (2 days). This trail runs through typical bushveld country. It includes numerous interesting historical sites and a variety of birds and animals.
P.O. Box 734, Pongola 3170. Tel: (0341)41078

Vryheid Information Bureau can be contacted for more details on the above attractions.

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