"From watching turtle hatchlings scuttle down to the Indian Ocean, to tracking an elephant on foot in a pristine wilderness area, waking to a lion’s roar or gliding quietly on a river beside hippos ¬– at the game reserves of KwaZulu-Natal, you’re certain to tick off bucket-list experiences.”
- Narina Exelby
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PLAN MY JOURNEYKwaZulu-Natal Game Reserves
Wedged between Swaziland, Mozambique and the warm Indian Ocean, the north-eastern region of KwaZulu-Natal is an enclave of astoundingly diverse wilderness areas. The vast wetlands and bays of iSimangaliso, the fertile flood plains of the White Imfolozi River, the rare sandforest of Phinda, and the rugged hills of Thanda, provide opportunities to see a startling array of wildlife.
The roots of conservation run deep at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, one of the province’s Big Five reserves. Once one of Africa’s flagship game reserves, the park played a vital role in bringing the white rhino back from the brink of extinction in the 1950s. These days, visitors are just as delighted by sightings of rhino crashing through the thornveld, as they are by watching packs of endangered wild dogs tear into a kill, seeing quirky warthogs graze near the pans or taking in the extraordinary views from Hilltop Camp.
Phinda and Thanda are two outstanding private reserves in this region, and they both offer a range of accommodation that makes for a truly special bush experience. Think intimate forest lodges, gorgeous tented camps and outstanding hospitality. Phinda has has a prolific cheetah population and sightings of this big cat are common here. Game-viewing is done in the park’s vehicles, and the experience of being guided by Phinda’s superb rangers makes for an unforgettable trip.
- Narina Exelby
Narina Exelby is a roaming writer whose roots grow deep in African soil; she writes extensively about the continent for international publications.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
Explore KwaZulu-Natal Game Reserves Properties
Phinda Forest Lodge
Phinda Forest Lodge
Designed in a ‘Zulu Zen’ style, Phinda Forest Lodge is a calm and tranquil forest retreat within a wildlife-rich private reserve. Built by the local Zulu people with as little environmental impact as possible, wake up at the ..
Phinda Mountain Lodge
Phinda Mountain Lodge
The five-star Phinda Mountain Lodge sits on a hillside offering impressive views of the Ubombo Mountains. With plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the scenic views and luxurious suites to retreat to after a day exploring the Phinda ..
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers four-star, private luxury within Africa’s oldest proclaimed reserve. Part owned by the local Mpembeni community, the lodge is a contemporary and stylish space in the heart of the action with ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
