KZN Safari Lodges

The many KwaZulu Natal game lodges and reserves are not as well known as those in the Kruger Park. But you should definitely consider them, especially if you want to combine a safari with some beach time. As you can easily combine them with the Indian Ocean beach lodges on the coast.

The original game reserve, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, is the most famous of several parks in Northern KZN. Hluhluwe has good concentrations of white rhino, as well as elephant, black rhino, buffalo and many predators.

But it has been joined by several private game reserves which offer a huge diversity of habitats and therefore wildlife. Examples include Phinda Game Reserve, Manyoni Game Reserve and Amakhosi Private Game Reserves  amongst others. These all offer the Big Five with probably a greater chance of seeing rhinos than anywhere else in the country.

North of Hluhluwe lies Mkuze Game Reserve. Mkuze is known for its excellent birding, especially in the summer months.

KwaZulu Natal is also one of the better areas for spotting the elusive cheetah. Though not guaranteed, you are more likely to spot Cheetah on a KwaZulu natal safari than in, say, the Kruger. As its open grasslands suit the cheetah far more.

The prices for KZN game lodges range from the uber-deluxe (Phinda & the like) to more affordable options. We have visited most of them.

We arrange private road transfers from either Richards Bay or Durban airport. Alternatively all these KwaZulu Natal game lodges are easily accessible by rental car.

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