Ithala has become a favourite with tour guides who are familiar with all the reserves in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s location makes the journey from Durban longer, but the rewards are astonishing to the national and international traveler alike. Overlooked by the Ngotshe Mountains, the deep valley is a game viewers paradise, with a spectacular array of wildlife species. Some of the oldest rock formations in the world are found at Ithala, dating 3,000 million years. There are also many sites with evidence of stone age man, dating 20,000 years. The altitude varies from 450m to 1450m, so there is a great variation in terrain, including lowveld, highveld, grassland plateaus, ridges and cliff faces.

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. Ithala is home to numerous exciting activities for young and old during a KwaZulu-Natal holiday. Ithala is the ideal destination for guests in search of some adventure in the bush, or simply to relax and enjoy all the many wonders of Mother Nature.

Activities

Self Guided Walking Trails: Guests can enjoy the independence of self guided walking trails as there are a number of trails traversing through the wooded mountainside above Ntshondwe Camp. Stretch your legs and get some exercise while experiencing the magnificent flora, fauna and avi fauna of the reserve. This is your chance to get up close and personal with the bush, so don't miss the opportunity.
Day and Night Drives: No safari is ever complete without partaking in an exciting day of night game drive, the perfect way to discover the wildlife of the bush during a holiday in KwaZulu-Natal. Game drives are conducted in state of the art safari vehicles in the presence of an expertly trained ranger and tracker. These can be booked at Ntshondwe camp office.
Self Guided Auto Trails: There are quite a few well laid out auto trails in Ithala, complete with markers at points of interest. This allows guests the opportunity to experience the wildlife and plantlife of the reserve from the comfort of their own vehicle during a KwaZulu-Natal holiday.
Picnic Sites: There are several lovely picnic sites and scenic spots dotted throughout the reserve, each offering a tranquil place to relax and spectacular views. These picnic spots also have barbecue facilities and ablutions.
Conferences: Imagine an inspiring and mesmerizing conference in the bush, with nothing but the peace and tranquility of Mother Nature surrounding you. This is possible at Ithala Game Reserve. The conference centre is situated in the Ntshondwe Camp and offers sophisticated conference facilities for the new age businessman, but still keeping with the authentic African traditions and atmosphere. Boasting modern conveniences, facilities and services,

Facilities

Ithala Game Reserve offers conference accommodation in a large foyer, a large verandah, the main auditorium and two smaller conference halls of breakaway room. The main auditorium is extremely versatile and offers cinema style seating for up to 90 delegates, a lecture style seating for 60 delegates, or a single U-shape for 30 delegates. The two breakaway rooms are full air conditioned and offer cinema style seating for 22 delegates, lecture style for 18 delegates, and single U-shape for 16 delegates. The complex boasts state of the art conference equipment, with a fully equipped projection room housing an integrated sound system, lapel mike, digital projector and big screen, DVD, video and slide projector, all controlled through a LCD panel. The complex also features fixed and moveable white boards, flip charts and overhead projectors, an efficient photocopy service and access to the internet is also provided. Conference chalets are also equipped with DSTV.

Weddings:Set in 30 000 hectares of spectacular African landscape, Ithala creates the perfect ambience for an unforgettable wedding in the bush. With awe inspiring vistas and breathtaking sunsets and star studded night skies, enjoy a romantic and intimate experience while pledging your love for one another in front of friends, family, and the many gifts of Mother Nature.

Ithala offers a wonderfully rare but essential combination of the wild romance of the African bush, with modern conveniences and comforts geared to suit the most discerning guests. For the wedding of your dreams, the team at Ithala Game Reserve will tailor make your wedding package to fulfill your requirements. Packages could include anything, from a romantic and private wedding for just a few close friends, a casual yet intimate ceremony followed by a bush braai, to a fabulous extravaganza, including game drives, champagne breakfasts and sunset receptions. Additionally, as a special treat, Ithala Game Reserve offers the couple a choice between a secret, romantic hideaway in the bush, or a five star accommodation in the lodge as a honeymoon venue.

How to get there:

From Durban it is best reached via Eshowe and Melmoth to Vryheid. From the Gauteng area the best approach is via Standerton, Volksrust and Utrecht to Vryheid. From the north coast, travel via Pongola and Magudu. From Pietermaritzburg, travel via Ladysmith, Dundee and Vryheid.