South Africa's Lowveld region in the Limpopo Province & Kruger National Park
The Lowveld region in South Africa's Limpopo Province is covered with Bushwillow, acacia and mopane woodlands. It is home to the great Baobab Trees - ancient giants which thrust their large branches heavenwards and the world-famous Kruger National Park. The park's 1 948 500 ha make it the same size as Israel. At the northern end of the escarpment, the Lowveld meets the Soutpansberg and sweeps north to the wild Limpopo River in South Africa's Limpopo Province. Further south, the Lowveld rolls into the little African kingdom of Swaziland.
The Kruger National Park Rest Camps:
- Balule Rest Camp
- Berg-en-dal Rest Camp
- Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp
- Letaba Rest Camp
- Lower Sabie Rest Camp
- Malelane Rest Camp
- Mopani Rest Camps
- Olifants Rest Camp
- Orpen Rest Camp
- Pretoriuskop Rest Camp
- Punda Maria Rest Camp
- Roodewal Private Rest Camp
- Satara Rest Camp
- Shingwedzi Rest Camp
- Skukuza Rest Camp
The world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa offers one of the best wildlife experiences and encounters in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, the Kruger National Park South Africa which covers almost 2 million hectares is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, the Kruger National Park is home to an impressive number of animal species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Main Restcamps:
- Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
- Malelane Restcamp
- Crocodile Bridge Restcamp
- Letaba Restcamp
- Lower Sabie Restcamp
- Mopani Restcamp
- Olifants Restcamp
- Orpen Restcamp
- Maroela Restcamp
- Tamboti Restcamp
- Pretoriuskop Restcamp
- Punda Maria Restcamp
- Satara Restcamp
- Balule Restcamp
- Shingwedzi Restcamp
- Skukuza Restcamp
- Tsendze Restcamp
Bushveld Camps at the Kruger National Park
- Bateleur Bushveld Camp
- Biyamiti Bushveld Camp
- Shimuwini Bushveld Camp
- Sirheni Bushveld Camp
- Talamati Bushveld Camp
Overnight hides at the Kruger National Park
Bush Lodges of the Kruger National Park
- Boulders Bush Lodge
- Roodewal Bush Lodge
Luxury Lodges of the Kruger National Park
- Imbali Safari Lodges: Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge, Hamilton's Tented Camp, Imbali Lodge
- Jock Safari Lodge
- Lukimbi Safari Lodge
- Rhino Walking Safaris
- Shishangeni Lodge
- Singita Lebombo Lodge
- Singita Boulders Lodge
- Singita Ebony Lodge
- Tinga Lodge
- Pafuri Camp
The Far North of the Kruger National Park in South Africa's Lowveld
- Mopane Trees dominate the northern region of the Kruger National Park and the rest of the Limpopo Province of South Africa which sweeps northwards to the Limpopo River and South Africa's boundary to Zimbabwe.
- Brackenridgea Nature Reserve: Situated in the sour mountain veld of the remote northeastern corner of South Africa's Limpopo Province, the Nature Reserve has been established to protect the rare Brackenridgea, a small tree which is endemic to this part of South Africa.
- Greater Kuduland: The Greater Kuduland privately owned reserves are in the Limpopo Province near Tshipise and Alldays.
- Hans Merensky Nature Reserve: The Hans Merensky Nature Reserve is situated approximately 70 kilometres east of the Tzaneen Dam and 52 km west of the Kruger National Park.
Nature Reserves in the northern part of the Limpopo Province:
- Hopefontein Nature Reserve
- Kate's Hope Lodge and Reserve
- Langjan Nature Reserve
- Lillie Flora Nature Reserve
- Makuya Park
- Man'ombe Nature Reserve
- Messina Nature Reserve
- Modjadji Nature Reserve
- Mphaphuli Cycad Reserve
- Ndzalama Wildlife Reserve
- Nwanedi Nature Reserve
- Nzhelele Nature Reserve
- Sheldrake Ranch
- Tshakuma Catchment Area
- Tzaneen Dam Nature Reserve
- Vhembe Nature Reserve
Shango Hiking Trail
This beautiful hiking trail begins and ends at the office of the Thathe Vondo plantation, in the indigenous forests of the northeast of Louis Trichardt.
The West of the Kruger National Park in Lowveld
West of the Kruger National Park is three private reserves which are the largest sanctuaries in the world of this type: Klaserie Reserve, Sabi Sand Reserve and Timbavati Reserve. Each of these reserves consists of some independent lodges and safari camps whose owners elect a joint policy committee. There are no fences between the individual lodges and safari camps in Klaserie, Sabi Sand and Timbavati which allows the wildlife to roam freely in their natural habitat allowing for excellent viewing experiences.
Reserves, Lodges and Safari Camps and sightseeing places in the West region of the Kruger National Park of South Africa:
- Andover Reserve
- Gazebo Lodge
- Hoedspruit Research and Breeding Centre
- Kapama Reserve
- Klaserie Private Reserve
- Low Hills Private Reserve
- Lowveld National Botanical Garden
- Shongwe Reserve
- Manyeleti Reserve: Manyeleti Lodge
- Matumi Lodge
- Mawewe Cattle Project
- Mthethomusha Reserve
- Ndugulu Farm
- Sabi Sand: Inyati Lodge
- Sabi Sand: Londolozi Private Reserve
- Sabi Sand: Mala Mala Reserve
- Sabi Sand: Sabi Sabi Reserve
- Sabi Sand: Singita Private Reserve
- Sabi Sand: Ulusaba Reserve
- Sandringham Private Nature Reserve
- Thornybush Reserve
- Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
- Timbavati: Kambaku Lodge
- Timbavati: Kings Camp
- Timbavati: Motswari-M'bali
- Timbavati: Ngala Private Reserve
- Timbavati: Tanda Tula Lodge
- Timbavati: Umlani Bush Camp
- Umbabat Private Nature Reserve
SABI SANDS Lodge accommodation and reserves within Sabi Sands:
- Arathusa Safari Lodge
- Chitwa Chitwa Lodge
- Djuma Lodge (Bush Lodge, Galago Camp, Vuyatela Lodge )
- Elephant Plains Lodge
- Exter Lodges, Exter Reserve ( Leadwood Lodge, Dulini Lodge, River Lodge, Kirkman's Camp)
- Galago Lodge
- Inyati Lodge, Inyati Reserve
- Leopard Hills Lodge, Leopard Hills Reserve
- Lion Sands Lodges, Lion Sands Reserve ( River Lodge, Ivory Lodge )
- Londolozi Lodges, Londolozi Reserve ( Pioneer Camp, Founders Camp, Varty Camp, Tree Camp, Private Granite Suites)
- MalaMala Lodges, Mala Mala Reserve ( Main Camp, Sable Camp, Rattray's on Mala Mala)
- Nkorho Bush Lodge
- Notten's Lodge
- Sabi-Sabi Lodges, Sabi Sabi Reserve ( Selati Lodge, Earth Lodge, Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp)
- Savanna Luxury Tented Camp, Savanna Private Reserve
- Simbambili Lodge
- Singita Lodge, Singita Reserve ( Ebony Lodge, Lebombo Lodge, Sweni Lodge, Boulders Lodge)
- Ulusaba Lodge, Ulusaba Reserve ( Rock Lodge, Safari Lodge, Treehouse Suite)
The 'Big Five' Sabi Sands Reserve shares 50 km unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. Two perennial rivers, the Sabi and the Sand flow through the Sabi Sands Reserve sustaining the diverse fauna and flora of this particular region of South Africa which enjoys one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations of the African continent. The Sabi Sands Reserve dates back to the 1950s when the landowners initiated the elimination of the internal fences and the sharing of a common environmental management programme. Due to considerate viewing practices where clients are taken on guided open vehicles, and the animals have priority, the trackers and rangers of the various Lodges in the Sabi Sands can offer exceptional viewing of all the general species. The success of viewing leopard within this particular area is legendary as well as elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species. This greater area is home to 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibia, 114 reptiles, 507 bird and 147 mammal species.
TIMBAVATI: lodge accommodation within the Timbavati Reserve, Kruger National Park:
The Timbavati Reserve is to the north of the Sabi Sand Reserve on the western edge of the Kruger National Park. The Timbavati Reserve is one of South Africa's prime wildlife viewing areas.
Established in 1956 by farmers, the Timbavati Reserve covers 680 square kilometres. No fences are separating the Timbavati from the Kruger National Park. Lion, elephant, cheetah and other species roam freely between the two reserves in their natural habitat. Rainfall in the area is around 500mm per annum. The Timbavati lies at an altitude of 140m to 600m above sea level.
Accommodation: lodges in the Timbavati Reserve
- Akeru Lodge
- Bateleur Camp
- Bush Camp
- Gomo Gomo Lodge
- Java Lodge
- Jaydee Lodge
- Kings Camp
- Leopards Lair
- Motswari Lodge
- Ngala Main Lodge and Ngala Tented Camp
- Royal Legend Safari Lodge
- Tanda Tula Safari Camp
- Transfrontier Walking Trails
- Umlani Bush Camp
- Kambaku Safari Lodge
The Timbavati is approximately 5 or 6 hours by car from Johannesburg. Regular passenger vehicles can reach all lodges within the Timbavati reserve. Regularly scheduled, daily flights are available from Johannesburg and Cape Town to local airports. The famous White Lions in the Timbavati. Lions with a recessive gene causing the coats to be snow white, not albino, reappeared in the Timbavati region of South Africa in 2008 after an absence of many years. When the White Lions of the Timbavati were discovered in the mid-1970s, they became the subject of much interest and debate. The story of the "White Lions of the Timbavati" has been told by several people, most notable of whom was Mr Chris McBride, who published two books about the phenomenon: The White Lions of the Timbavati and Operation White Lion. Chris was the son of Timbavati member Cyril McBride who at the time, together with his brother Robert - owned the farm Vlakgezicht.
The famous white lions of the Timbavati were first sighted by Cyril McBride's daughter Janice van den Heever in October of 1975. McBride relied heavily on the expertise and knowledge of two local trackers, Jack Mathebula and Mandaban Hlongo, in his efforts to track the white cubs. These men had grown up in the bush and had intimate knowledge of the behaviour of lions.
The Timbavati in South Africa is home to:
- Over 40 mammals, including the Big Five: Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhinoceros
- Over 360 bird species
- 79 species of reptile
- 49 species of fish
- 85 listed species of tree
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve comprises 53,392 hectares of private land and adjoins the Kruger National Park. Since 1962, the Timbavati Association, a non-profit organisation, has been dedicated to conservation by maintaining the biodiversity of species which would have continued to exist had man never encountered the land. Currently, there are over 40 mammal species in the Timbavati including the Big Five of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant as well as 360 species of bird life. The Timbavati boasts 40 species of mammal including the Big Five; Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino. 360 species of bird making the Timbavati a bird lover's paradise. It is possible to see more species of bird in one day at the Timbavati than you have ever witnessed in your life. On night drives, the smaller nocturnal mammals such as porcupine, serval, genet and civet can be seen among others.
Access to the Timbavati, South Africa:
By Car, the Timbavati is approximately 5 or 6 hours by car from Johannesburg. The roads are modern, hard-surfaced, and well maintained to within a few kilometres of the reserve, after which point one must travel on gravel roads that can be rough and corrugated. Standard passenger vehicles can reach all lodges within the reserve, but since some roads are occasionally rendered difficult or impassable in the rainy season, 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
By Small Plane: Regularly scheduled, daily flights are available from Johannesburg and Cape Town to three regional airports. Approximate driving times from centres served by these airports are as follows: 30 minutes from Hoedspruit; 90 minutes from Phalaborwa; and 3 hours from Nelspruit. The lodge at which one is usually staying arranges transportation from regional airports, but car rentals and shuttle buses are also available. Individual lodges have private airstrips. By Private Charter: Private air charters are also available; these fly directly to private airstrips situated near the lodges.
The Kingdom of the Wild, Swaziland, is home to several Nature Reserves:
- Hlane Royal National Park
- Malolotja Nature Reserve
- Mkhaya Reserve
- Mlawula Nature Reserve
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
- Phophonyane Nature Reserve
2. South Africa's Highveld region
HIGHVELD Northeastern Escarpment Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest, Mpumalanga Province:
- Ben Lavin Nature Reserve
- Bewaarkloof Nature Reserve
- Blouberg Nature Reserve
- Blyde River Canyon Hiking Trail
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
- Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, 10 km west of Pilgrims Rest
- Dullstroom Dam Nature Reserve
- Echo Caves
- Fanie Botha Hiking Trail
- Flora Nature Reserve
- Forest Falls Nature Walk
- Goro east of Vivo and west of Louis Trichardt
- Grootbosch Nature Reserve
- Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve
- Happy Rest Nature Reserve, southern slopes of the Soutpansberg
- Kaapschehoop Hiking Trail
- Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
- Lesheba Wilderness
- Loerie Trail
- Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail
- Makalali Private Reserve, near Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa
- Malebocho Nature Reserve
- Mapulaneng Nature Reserve
- Moholoholo Forest Camp and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- Mount Anderson Ranch located high in the Mpumalanga Drakensberg
- Mount Sheba Nature Reserve
- Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve
- Pilgrim's Rest Nature Reserve
- Potlake Nature Reserve
- Prospector's Hiking Trail
- Soutpansberg Hiking Trail
- Starvation Creek Nature Reserve
- Sterkspruit Nature Reserve
- Sudwala Caves, Mpumalanga
- Verloren Valley Nature Reserve
- Wolkberg Caves situated in the mountains south of Magoebaskloof
- Wolkberg Wilderness Area
- Wonder loaf Nature Reserve
HIGHVELD Bushveld Basin Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest, Mpumalanga Province:
- Atherstone Nature Reserve
- Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
- Ben Alberts Nature Reserve
- Bonwa Phala Lodge
- Borakalalo National Park
- Botshabelo Nature Reserve and Museum, 12 km north of Middleburg
- Chamberlain Bird Sanctuary
- De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre
- D'Nyala Nature Reserve: sprawling across more than 8 000 ha of baobab-studded bushveld to the south of Ellisras, the D'Nyala Nature Reserve is home to blue wildebeest, hartebeest, kudu, waterbuck, tsessebe, impala, mountain reedbuck, nyala, white rhino, giraffe and Burchell's zebra.
- Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve
- Emaweni Lodge, 100 km from Nylstroom
- Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
- Gold River Resort
- Groenkloof Nature Reserve
- Kwalata Ranch
- Kwena Gardens Crocodile Paradise, Sun City Kwena Gardens
- Lapalala Wilderness, Waterberg Mountains north-west of Nylstroom
- Leswena Nature Reserve
- Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
- Mabula Lodge, Mabula Reserve in the Limpopo Province:
More than 12 000 ha in size, the Mabula Lodge stretches from the R516 outside Warmbaths to the foothills of the Waterberg. The Big Five, malaria-free Mabula is home to 50 mammal species and 280 species of birds. Accommodation is at the Mabula Lodge and the Kwafubesi Tented Camp.
- Mabusa Nature Reserve
- Madikwe Reserve, North West Province South Africa:
Covering an immense 75 000 ha Kalahari sand veld reaching to the Botswana border, the Madikwe Reserve is Malaria free and home to Africa's Big Five. The Madikwe is also home to the wild dog, cheetah and brown hyena, as well as over 230 bird species.
- Malati Park Nature Reserve
- Mantrombi Nature Reserve
- Marakele National Park
- Masebe Nature Reserve
- Mdala Nature Reserve
- Melani Wildlife Reserve
- Mkhombo Nature Reserve
- Mokolo Dam Nature Reserve
- Mokolo River Private Nature Reserve
- Moletsi Nature Reserve
- Moreleta Spruit Nature Trail
- Motsetse
- National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, covers 80 ha in Pretoria's northern suburb
- Nylsvley Nature Reserve
- Percy Fyfe Nature Reserve
- Pietersburg Nature Reserve / Polokwane Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province
- Pilanesberg National Park, North-West Province:
The eroded crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of the largest sanctuary on the Middleveld in South Africa, malaria-free 'Big Five' Pilanesberg National Park. It is a 55 000 ha national park created in 1979 by the then Republic of Bophuthatswana which is now the North West Province of South Africa. The centre of the crater is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of koppies. Pilanesberg is the highest peak in the Pilanesberg National Park and gives its name to the whole formation.
Hotel accommodation and Lodge accommodation in the Pilanesberg National Park:
- Sun City Resort: Palace Hotel of the Lost City, Cascades Hotel, Sun City Hotel, Cabanas Hotel
- Ivory Tree Lodge, five star
- Bakubung Bush Lodge, four-star
- Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, four-star
- Tshukudu Bush Lodge, five star
- Potgietersrus Nature Reserve and Breeding Centre
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden, Gauteng
- Rhino Bushveld Eco Park
- Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve
- Rust de Winter Nature Reserve
- Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve
- SS Skosana Nature Reserve
- Touchstone Ranch
- Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve
- Warm baths Nature Reserve
- Wilton Valley Reserve
- Windy Brow Farm
- Witvinger Nature Reserve
- Wonderboom Nature Reserve
HIGHVELD Northwestern Highveld Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: Sandy Plains and the magnificent Magaliesberg
- Abe Bailey Nature Reserve
- Aloe Ridge Reserve
- Barberspan Nature Reserve
- Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve
- Boskop Dam Nature Reserve
- Botsalano Reserve
- Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve
- Hartebeespoort Dam Nature Reserve
- Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal Park
- Heia Safari Ranch
- Johannesburg Botanical Garden, Gauteng Province South Africa
- Johannesburg Lion Park, Gauteng Province South Africa
- Kloofendal Nature Reserve
- Kromdraai Conservancy
- Krugersdorp Reserve
- Lichtenberg Breeding Centre
- Lotlamoreng Nature Reserve
- Magaliesberg Protected Natural Environment
- Makwassierante Conservation Area
- O P M Prozesky Bird Sanctuary
- Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Kromdraai Conservancy 30 minutes drive north-west of Johannesburg
- Rustenburg Nature Reserve
- SA Lombard Nature Reserve
- Sterkfontein Caves, north of Krugersdorp
- Vaal Spa Reserve
- Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden
- Wolwespruit Nature Reserve
HIGHVELD Northeastern Highveld
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: Where the bird is king
- Bronkhorstspruit Dam Nature Reserve
- Elandskrans Hiking Trail
- Flora Reserves, Barberton region
- Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary
- Fortuna Mine Hiking Trail
- Harvey Nature Reserve
- Jericho Dam Nature Reserve
- Johannesburg and Sandton's urban trails
- Johannesburg Zoological Gardens, Gauteng
- Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
- Korsman Bird Sanctuary
- Marievale Bird Sanctuary
- Melrose Wild Bird Sanctuary
- Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
- Nelhoogte Nature Reserve
- Nigel Nature Reserve
- Nooitgdacht Dam Nature Reserve
- Peacehaven Nature Reserve
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve
- Rondebult Bird Sanctuary
- Songimvelo Nature Reserve
- Suikerboschfontein Hiking Trail
- Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
- Transvaal Snake Park
- Vaal Dam
HIGHVELD Free State
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: Grassy plains
Some of the most exciting reserves in the Free State of South Africa are Willem Pretorius, Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve on the Orange River in the south and Sandveld Nature Reserve in the vicinity of the Bloemhof Dam in the north-west of the Free State.
- Bergdeel Private Nature Reserve
- Bloemfontein Zoological Gardens
- Caldeon Nature Reserve
- Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve
- Franklin Nature Reserve
- Free State National Botanical Gardens
- Gariep Dam Nature Reserve
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
- Koppies Dam Nature Reserve
- Maria Moroka Park
- Meiringszkloof Nature Park
- Mount Everest Reserve
- Mynhardt Reserve
- Platberg Nature Reserve
- Platberg Wildflower Gardens
- Qwa-Qwa Park
- Rustfontein Dam Nature Reserve
- Sandvlei Nature Reserve
- Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve
- Skip Norgarb and Porcupine Hiking Trails
- Soetdoring Nature Reserve
- Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
- Theronia Pan Nature Reserve
- Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve
- Willem Pretorius Reserve
- Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve
HIGHVELD Lesotho
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: Where the sky is the limit
Lesotho is South Africa's kingdom, a geologist's paradise of towering peaks, tabletop plateaus and verdant kloofs. The lowest point in Lesotho is more than 1 250 m above sea level. Lesotho is home to the highest peak in Southern Africa: Thabana-Ntlenyana 3 482 m.
- Fossil footprints, western Lesotho
- Ha Baroana Cave
- Maletsunyane Falls
- New Oxbow Lodge
- Outward Bound Centre
- Sani Top: the most exciting route into Lesotho climbs from KwaZulu-Natal by way of the Sani Pass, 2 860 m above sea level.
- Sehlabathebe National Park
3. KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa which borders the east coast of southern Africa from Port Edward northwards to the Mozambique boundary is known as South Africa's garden province. KwaZulu-Natal's subtropical coastline, its sweeping savannah grasslands in the east and the mighty Drakensberg mountain range in the west, provide a magnificent backdrop for its rich wildlife heritage.
KwaZulu-Natal DRAKENSBERG
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: The Dragon's Fangs
- Coleford Nature Reserve
- Himeville Nature Reserve
- Mount Currie Nature Reserve
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Bushman's Nek
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Cathedral Peak is some 32 000 ha in extent. Cathedral Peak is a paradise for hikers offering a selection of trails which wind through beautiful mountain scenery, stands of indigenous trees, gurgling streams and trout pools. The Cathedral Peak Hotel provides the traveller with comfortable accommodation in a magnificent setting. From the Cathedral Peak Hotel, some trails reach into the mountains, many of them penetrating the Mlambonya Wilderness Area.
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Cobham
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Garden Castle
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Giant's Castle
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Highmoor
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Kamberg
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Loteni
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Monk's Cowl
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Royal Natal National Park
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Rugged Glen
- Natal Drakensberg Park: Vergelegen Nature Reserve
- Ngele Nature Reserve
- The Swamp Nature Reserve
KwaZulu-Natal MIDLANDS
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest:
The Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal is a fascinating mixture of undulating farmlands studded with charming towns which nestle between the snow topped the Drakensberg and the holiday beaches of the coast.
- Albert Falls Resources Reserve
- Baynesfield Estate
- Biggarsberg Conservancy
- Bisley Nature Reserve
- Blinkwater Nature Reserve
- Chelmsford Nature Reserve
- Darvill Bird Sanctuary
- Doreen Clark Nature Reserve
- Valley Estates
- Valley Lodge
- Geelhout Trail
- Green Belt Trails
- Holkrans Hiking Trail
- Howick Falls:
This famous waterfall lies 22 km from Pietermaritzburg; from the viewing platform the Mgeni River can be seen as it hurtles a dizzy 95 m into a deep pool
- Isibindi Eco-Reserve
- Itala Reserve
- Karkloof Nature Reserve:
20 kilometres from Howick are the Karkloof Falls falling an impressive 115 m into a deep, wooded gorge; the 936 ha Karkloof Nature Reserve provides sanctuary for duiker, bushbuck, leopard, bush pig, and a large variety of birds
- Mhlopeni Private Nature Reserve
- Midmar Public Resort Nature Reserve
- Montello Safari Lodge
- Moor Park Nature Reserve
- Nagle Resources Reserve
- Natal Lion and Park: 18 km east of Pietermaritzburg
- Natal National Botanical Garden
- New Formosa Nature Reserve
- Pietermaritzburg Bird Sanctuary
- Pongola Bush Nature Reserve
- Queen Elizabeth Park Nature Reserve
- Soada Forest Nature Reserve
- Spionkop Public Resort Nature Reserve
- Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
- Umvoti Vlei Conservancy
- Valley of a Thousand Hills:
The most spectacular view of this 50 km panorama known as the Valley of a Thousand Hills is from emKhambathini - KwaZulu-Natal Table Mountain. Most of the view sites overlooking this rumble-tumble of misty hills lie between Botha's Hill and the old main road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
- Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve
- Wagendrift Nature Reserve
- Weenen Nature Reserve
- World's View:
taking in the vista from the 305 m mountain above Pietermaritzburg is a grand experience.
KwaZulu-Natal THE LAKES
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: Palms, pelicans and dunes of gold
Lakes and the sunshine, golden dunes and mysterious swamps, characterise the Lakes region of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Maputaland, the northern area of KwaZulu-Natal named after the lower reaches of the Usutu or Maputo River. Bounded by the rugged gorges and ravines of the Lubombo Mountains in the west, Mozambique to the north and the Indian Ocean, this 900 000 ha wilderness had many names in the past. This fragile land of contrasts of palms, pelicans and hippos, is one huge nature reserve. It is the transition zone between the tropics and subtropical KwaZulu-Natal and has 21 ecosystems including three large lakes of which the St Lucia Lake is the best known.
Bonamanzi Park
- Bushlands Lodge
- Greater St Lucia Wetland Park:
this scenic stretch of country in South Africa on the northern KwaZulu-Natal coast includes a wilderness of reed-fringed lake, swamps, palm, grasslands, savannah, dunes bordering the breakers of the Indian Ocean, and a long strip of the Indian Ocean itself with coral reefs and a rainbow assortment of marine life.
- Greater St Lucia Wetland Park: Cape Vidal
- Great St Lucia Wetland Park: Crocodile Centre
- Greater St Lucia Wetland Park: False Bay Park
- Greater St Lucia Wetland Park
- Greater St Lucia Wetland Park: Sodwana Bay National Park
- Greater St Lucia Wetland Park: St Lucia Estuary
- Greater St Lucia Wetland Park: St Lucia
- Greater St Lucia Wetland Park: St Lucia Marine Reserve
- Greater St Lucia Wetland Park: St Lucia Park
- Kosi Bay Coastal Forest Reserve
- Lake Sibayi:
Lake Sibayi with an area of 7 700 ha is the largest freshwater lake in South Africa. Its average depth is 13 m with depths of as much as 40m. It is a clear, blue and beautiful lake.
- Mkuzi Reserve:
sheltered by the formerly volcanic Lubombo Mountains, whose foothills from the western part of the reserve, Mkuzi differs from other reserves in the northern KwaZulu-Natal region in that its terrain is mainly flat, consisting of ancient coastal plains with savannah grasslands, fossil pans, wetlands, riverine fig forests and dunes.
- Ndumo Reserve
- Phinda Reserve:
The Phinda Private Reserve in South Africa is a 17 000 ha privately owned sanctuary wedged between the Mkuzi Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Seven distinct ecosystems ranging from sand forest, open savannah, montane bushveld and palm belt to wetlands and river valleys are found here.
- Pongolapoort Biosphere Reserve
- Rocktail Bay Lodge
- Sungulwane Lodge
- Tembe Elephant Park
KwaZulu-Natal MFOLOZI VALLEY
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest:
The pride of KwaZulu-Natal is the beautiful wilderness of the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in South Africa. 270 km north of Durban, where careful conservation rescued the white rhino from the brink of extinction.
- Amatikulu Nature Reserve
- Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve
- Dukuduku Forest Nature Reserve
- Enseleni Nature Reserve
- Entumeni Nature Reserve
- Hlomo Hlomo Reserve
- Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park: Hluhluwe has been a sanctuary since 1895. In 1989, with the incorporation of a 21 000 ha corridor between the two reserves, Hluhluwe and Umfolozi, a single magnificent conservation unit of 96 453 hectares were created as the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park.
- Magdalena Ranch
- Mkhaya Trail
- Ngome Forest and Ntendeka Wilderness Area
- Ngoye Forest Reserve
- Nkandla Forest Reserve
- Ocean View Park
- Richards Bay Reserve
- Ubizane Reserve
- Umlalazi Nature Reserve
- Windy Ridge Park
KwaZulu-Natal SOUTH COAST
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: Forest, gorge and a bountiful sea.
The South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa is home to great nature reserves the finest being Vernon Crookes, Krantzkloof, Oribi Gorge, and not far from the centre of Durban itself, the popular Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve. Throughout this coastal region of South Africa, the birdlife is prolific and fascinating. There is a luxurious tropical ambience about the countryside around Durban: forests and flowers, ilala palms, monkeys and wild bananas are abundant.
- Alfred Park
- Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary
- Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
- Bluff Nature Reserve
- Burman Bush Nature Reserve
- Crocworld
- Durban Botanical Gardens
- Empisini Nature Reserve
- Fitzsimons Snake Park
- Harold Johnson Nature Reserve
- Hawaan Forest Reserve
- Hazelmere Resources Reserve
- Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve
- Inanda Resources Reserve
- Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
- Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
- Mariannwood Nature Reserve
- Mitchell Park Aviary
- Mpenjati Nature Reserve
- Natal Sharks Board
- New Germany Nature Reserve
- North Park Nature Reserve
- Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
- Palmiet Nature Reserve
- Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
- Pigeon Valley Park
- Durban Shaka Marine World Aquarium
- Shongweni Resources Reserve
- Silverglen Nature Reserve
- Skyline Nature Reserve
- Springside Nature Reserve
- T C Robertson Nature Reserve
- Trafalgar Marine Reserve
- Treasure Beach Project
- Umbogavango Nature Reserve
- Umgeni River Bird Park
- Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
- Umtamvuna Nature Reserve
- Uvongo Bird Park
- Uvongo River Nature Reserve
- Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve
- Virginia Bush Nature Reserve
4. Eastern Cape, South Africa
A region characterised by rolling hills, summer thunderstorms in the mountains, far-reaching sweeps of grassland, rocky coves and bleached sea sand, this is the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The Eastern Cape is home to many parks, reserves, nature reserves, lodges and sanctuaries.
Eastern Cape ACROSS THE KEI
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: Dramatic cliffs and thunder of surf
- Dwesa-Cwebe Reserve: Cwebe sector
- Dwesa-Cwebe Reserve: Dwesa sector
- Hluleka Nature Reserve
- Malekgonyane Nature Reserve
- Mkambati Nature Reserve
- Nduli Nature Reserve
- Silaka Nature Reserve
- Umtamvuna Nature Reserve
- Wild Coast:
From the mouth of the Kei River to the Mtamvuna a distance of some 250 km stretches the rugged and unspoilt grandeur of the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast. The Wild Coast is a green belt of thick indigenous forest, hilly grassland, many mangroves and sheer cliffs which fall to unspoilt white beaches.
- Wild Coast Hiking Trail
Eastern Cape NORTHEASTERN CAPE
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: An ever-changing landscape
The northeastern region of the Eastern Cape in South Africa is a land of contrast, providing varying habitats for a large variety of birds and animals. One can find a remote area of cliffs, a sanctuary for Cape vulture, the stretch of acacia and savannah veld near Queenstown and the isolated Black Eagle Nature Reserve.
- Berg Nature Reserve
- Black Eagle Nature Reserve
- Bosberg Nature Reserve and Hiking Trail
- Buffelspruit Nature Reserve
- Commando Drift Nature Reserve
- Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve
- Karnmelkspruit Vulture Reserve
- Koos Ras Nature Reserve
- Lammergeier Nature Reserve
- Lawrence de Lange and Longhill Nature Reserves
- Mountain Zebra National Park
- Mpofu Reserve
- Oviston Nature Reserve
- Van Riebeeck Karoo Gardens
- Woodcliffe Cave Trails
Eastern Cape AMATOLA
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest: Eastern Cape wonderland
- Amalinda Fisheries Station and Nature Reserve
- Amatola Hiking Trail
- Auckland Nature Reserve
- Blaauwkrantz Nature Reserve
- Blanco Guest Farm
- Bosbokstrand Private Nature Reserve
- Bridle Drift Dam Nature Reserve
- Cape Henderson Nature Reserve
- Cycad Nature Reserve
- Double Drift Reserve
- East London Aquarium
- Ecca Nature Reserve
- 1820 Settlers Wild Flower Garden
- Fort Pato Nature Reserve
- Ghio Wetland Reserve in the Eastern Cape
- Gonubie Nature Reserve
- Gulu Nature Reserve
- Hogsback
- Joan Muirhead Nature Reserve
- Kap River Nature Reserve
- Kariega Park Reserve
- Katberg
- Kologha Forest
- Kowie Nature Reserve
- Kwelegha Nature Reserve
- Ntabaththemba Tribal Reserve
- Pirie Forest
- Pirie Trout Hatchery
- Potter's Pass Wildflower Reserve
- Queen's Park and Zoo in East London, South Africa
- Roundhill Oribi Reserve
- Sam Knott Nature Reserve
- Shamwari Reserve
- Shipwreck Trail and Strandloper Trail
- Thomas Baines Nature Reserve
- Tsolwana Park
- Umtiza Nature Reserve
- Waters Meeting Nature Reserve
- Woody Cape Nature Reserve
Eastern Cape PORT ELIZABETH
Nature reserves, hiking trails, lodges and places of interest:
Port Elizabeth in South Africa is the vibrant Eastern Cape port and the fifth largest city in South Africa. Port Elizabeth is an ideal base for exploring the region's many and varied wildlife and nature reserves as well as the beautiful stretches of shimmering coastline.
- Addo Elephant National Park:
The Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa's Eastern Cape lies some 75 km north of Port Elizabeth and attracts visitors throughout the year.
- Addo Elephant National Park: Zuurberg section
- Bushbuck Walk
- Cape Recife Nature Reserve
- Gamtoos Coastal Nature Reserve
- Groendal Wilderness Area
- Loerie Dam Nature Reserve
- Maitland Nature Reserve
- Port Elizabeth Oceanarium
- Port Elizabeth Snake Park
- St Croix Island Nature Reserve
- Sardinia Bay nature reserves
- Sea View Park
- Settler's Park Nature Reserve
- Tyler's Park Nature Reserve
- Uitenhage Nature Reserve
- University of Port Elizabeth Nature Reserve
- The Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve and Bird Sanctuary
- Yellowwoods Nature Reserve
- Zwartkops Valley Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape