Kwazulu Natal, home of the legend of Shaka Zulu, celebrated the king of the Zulus from 1787 to 1828, is replete with a myriad of natural wildlife attractions. Kwazulu Natal is the land of the Zulus. Whether you want to explore, study or relax, Kwazulu is a wildlife lover utopia. The wildlife parks of Hluhluwe, Ithala, Ndumo and uMkhuze have consistently been voted as the best brands in Kwazulu Natal wildlife by visitors.
Kwazulu Natal has a lot to offer for the explorer, researcher or holiday maker. You can enjoy yourself by doing Durban city walking tours. A great way to take in the bustling street scenes. A Zulu dance or two is never far away. You will see a fascinating colonial, eastern and South African architecture and experience a ride in a minibus taxi and head for the township for chis-yama.
No trip to the city is complete without the traditional Durban bunny chow. Just remember is comes with strong curry. You will undoubtedly come across traditional medicines as you trail through town. There are plenty of places to enjoy a sundowner after a hard days walk.
The legendary Hluhluwe wildlife park was established in 1895, it is the oldest park in South Africa. Hluhluwe is not far from the Ulundi airport. King Shaka is celebrated to have protected wildlife in this area. By far one of the most fulfilling ways to soak in this wilderness gift is to go on a wilderness trail.
A short 3 days trail can be booked from http://www.kznwildlife.com/. Hluhluwe is home to the big five game species of lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo.The best season for experiencing safari is to come during the dry season between September and November. Water shortages cause the game to congregate around waterholes and vegetation is thin, enabling easy spotting of a variety of game.
Apart from the game, there is a rich source of fauna and flora and over 300 bird species. Moreover, the park is celebrated for its conservation efforts toward the critically endangered rhino.
Nestled in the Ngotshe Mountains is the Ithala wildlife park. It is just about 400km north of Durban. It is a focal point for the archeologically inclined. It is here that the axe head and spears used many years ago were found, including the world’s oldest rock formations. The historical Voortrekkers arrived in Italy and it here that the well-known anglo Zulu and Boer war waged in the nineteen century.
Apart from its rich historicity and archeology Ithala is mountainous and a boon for the mountain climber. Game is available, together with an interesting species of insects, mammals, and reptiles. The premier place to stay undoubtedly is Ntshondwe lodge. This an establishment situated under the hill with a panoramic view of the Ntshondwe valleys.
At Ndumo wildlife park, Kwazulu Natal brings a utopia for bird lovers. This area alone boasts over 300 bird species. This ornithology paradise is also equipped with amazing fever tree forests. The game drives are offered in the form in open vehicles, here you can see white and black rhino, buffalo and hippo among others.
The chief focal feature of the park undoubtedly is the Nyamithi and Banzi pans. There are nature walks available for close encounter with a variety of ecosystems available in this park.
No trip is complete in Kwazulu Natal without visiting uMkhuse wildlife park. Also known as Sodwana Bay. It is part of the celebrated iSimangaliso wetland park. UMkhuse is about 350 kilometers from Durban while iSimangaliso is roughly 3.6 hours from Durban. Here you will find hyena, impala, kudu, elephant, giraffe and hippo. Your place of rest is Mantuma camp.
There are a variety of own catering units. At uMkhuse wildfire park, you can also indulge in guided fig tree forest walk in.
The Kwazulu Natal wildlife parks have everything for everyone. Whatever season you chose to visit, whether in the cool and dry season from May to August or hot and dry season from September to November; you are sure to experience a time of breathtaking natural splendor, mountain beauty, valley bushveld, riverine gorges, cascading waterfalls, forested pathways, forested dunes, brilliant coral reefs, scenic natural surroundings and majestic game.