The Best Game Reserves in KZN for an Unforgettable Safari Experience
Struggling to choose between game reserves in KZN?
Welcome to the club.
The province is like a breeding pair of rabbits but with safaris.
Throw a rock in any direction, and you’re almost guaranteed to hit a zebra or a boundary line of a private reserve.
And while having choices is a good thing, it can feel overwhelming when you need to finalise your KZN itinerary.
You need to make a decision. One that ticks all your boxes. Preferably before your lunch break is up.
And that’s where I come in.
I’ve spent over 6-years travelling South Africa, exploring some of the top safari destinations.
Below, you’ll find my ultimate guide for game reserves in KZN that’ll help you figure out who deserves a spot on your itinerary and who is getting the chop.
Get ready to scream, “Goodbye, indecisiveness! Hello, Big 5 game drives of my dreams!”
Psst…Want more KwaZulu Natal travel tips? Check out these other posts:
- 24+ Incredibly EPIC Things to Do in KZN, South Africa
- Top Romantic Getaways in South Africa to Spice Up Your Bucket List
- The Ultimate Isimangaliso Wetland Park Travel Guide
- 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!
- Babanango Game Reserve: Where Conservation & Community Meet
- The Perfect Itinerary for an Epic South Africa Road Trip
Table of Contents
The Best Game Reserves in KZN
Heading to the bush for a romantic getaway in KZN? Planning a solo safari adventure or some getaway time with your friends?
Whatever your reason or budget, there’s a game reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal with your name on it.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve: A Haven for Endangered Species
Coming in hot is my favourite Big 5 game reserve in KZN, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve.
It’s the oldest game reserve in Africa, established in 1895.
But that’s not its biggest claim to fame.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve is home to the largest population of white rhinos in the world. Its environmental conservation efforts have played a major role in preventing the extinction of these incredible creatures and growing the worldwide population from 600 in the 1960s to an estimated 18,000 in 2021.
Set against the vibrant rolling green hills, seeing rhinos in such a lush environment is something special.
The best way to experience Hluhluwe-iMfolozi’s 96,000 hectares?
A full-day guided safari tour.
While a self-drive is possible, it’s a massive park. Going with a guide helps you save time and explore both parts of the park.
Aaaaand if you sign up for one of the safari packages, you can experience night drives through the bush!
Where to Stay
You have two options inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve:
- Hilltop Camp in Hluhluwe: Perfect for couples and small groups who want self-catering and non-self-catering chalet options with a nearby bar, restaurant, and pool.
- Mpila Camp in Imfolozi: Stay here for something more rustic and wild. There are self-catering chalets and tents and more space for larger groups.
If you don’t like any of those options, you can always stay elsewhere in the Hluluwe-iMfolozi region or grab a hotel in St Lucia. It’s only 1hr 20minutes away and puts you in the prime spot to explore another incredible game reserve in KZN, iSimangaliso.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi FAQ
- Average price per person per day: R980.00
- Gate fee levy: R120.00 (for South Africans) and R240.00 (for internationals).
- Best time to go: May to September for cooler temperatures, dry weather, and less dense bush.
- Vehicle: 2×4 is possible for most areas of the park.
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Dreaming of an ultra-luxurious safari getaway in KZN? You can’t go wrong with a stay at Big 5 Phinda Private Game Reserve.
It’s part of the incredible &Beyond collection, and its sprawling 29,866 hectares is home to six gorgeous game lodges with dramatic views over Zululand.
When you’re not lounging by the pool, you can explore the bush with morning or night game drives, explore on foot with guided walking safaris and assist the conversation team with elephant and pangolin research.
As it is a private reserve, self-drive vehicles are not allowed. You’ll need to book a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a guide.
Where to Stay
Spend a romantic getaway in the bush at one of the six lodges inside the game reserve that are the pinnacle of luxury accommodation:
- Phinda Mountain Lodge: Ideal for families or couples.
- Phinda Homestead: An exclusive private villa.
- Phinda Rock Lodge: Stone cottages with views of the Zululand Valley.
- Phinda Vlei Lodge: A hideaway on the edge of a sand forest.
- Phinda Forest Lodge: A unique glass hut in the middle of the sand forest.
- Phina Zuka Lodge: A secluded retreat overlooking a private watering hole.
Phinda Game Reserve FAQ
- Average price per person per day: It depends on the game lodge.
- Best time to go: May to September for cooler temperatures and less dense bush.
- Vehicle: You can’t self-drive inside the reserve.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans over 280 km of the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
The park boasts a unique ecosystem that features wetlands, dunes, and forests, creating a diversity of habitats for over 500 bird species and various mammals, reptiles, and fish species.
It’s a one-stop show for what South Africa does best – diversity.
I’ve been here a few times over the years, and each visit is unique because there is so much to do inside the park.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Pack your snorkelling gear and explore the coral reefs.
- Go on a boat safari and get up close with the local hippo population.
- Time your trip right and book a whale-watching tour.
- Grab a bottle of wine or a G&T and sign up for a sunset game drive.
- Catch a glimpse of nesting sea turtles and hatchlings dashing for the ocean.
- Learn how to scuba dive at Sodwana Bay.
…And so much more!
Where to Stay
iSimangalisio accommodation: The park offers budget to luxury options for travellers. Stay in a wooden cabin on the shores of Cape Vidal, bring your own camping gear or opt for the secluded Bhangazi Bush. Check out the iSimangaliso website to see what accommodation options are available for the different areas of the park.
If you don’t want to stay inside the park, here are some nearby options:
- Monzi Safari Lodge: A budget, no-frills option on the main street of St Lucia. At affordable rates, you’ll find various accommodation options, from shared dorms to glamping tents.
- Coral Divers: If you’re heading to iSimangaliso and plan to spend most of your time near Sodwana, stay at Coral Divers. Choose from cheap-as-chips tents or book a private chalet.
iSimangaliso Wetlands Park FAQ
- Gate fee levy: Entry fees vary depending on the gate. The average price is R60.00 for South Africans and R118.00 for internationals.
- Best time to go: November to May to catch the sea turtles, April to May for the best weather, and June to October for whale season and safaris.
- Vehicle: 2×4 is possible for the park’s main areas, but you’ll need a 4×4 to access parts like Kosi Bay.
Read More: The Ultimate isimangaliso Wetland Park Travel Guide
Tembe Elephant Park: A Sanctuary for Africa’s Largest Elephants
Want to get up close and personal with elephants? Plan a trip to Thebe Elephant Park. It’s one of the top Big 5 game reserves in KZN. It has over 200 elephants, including some of the largest in Africa.
Located in Maputaland, the area is the ancestral home of the Tembe tribe, who own and co-manage the park.
The area is rich in biodiversity and is an incredible safari destination. If the safari gods are on your side, you might catch a glimpse of lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalo, and more!
Tembe offers guided game drives and an outdoor spa treatment area in the middle of the African bush. Book an Elephant Coast safari and stay on a Shayamanzi House Boat if you want to extend your trip!
Where to Stay
Tembe Elephant Park offers guests incredible safari packages. For R2200.00 per night, you can stay in one of the tented suites, score two game drives per day, and all your meals are included.
The prices drop to R1800.00 if you’d prefer the self-drive option.
Suppose you don’t want to stay inside Tembe Elephant Park. In that case, there are other nearby lodges like Royal Thonga Safari Lodge and Shemula Lodge.
Tembe Elephant Park FAQ
- Gate fee levy: There is an R110.00 gate fee plus an R70.00 conservation fee for South Africans and R140.00 for international visitors.
- Best time to go: June to August are the cool winter months. With less vegetation, you’ll have an easier time spotting the wildlife.
- Vehicle: You’ll need a 4×4 for self-driving in the park. If you arrive in a 2×4, you’ll park your car at the conference centre and grab a shuttle to the lodge.
Mkuze Falls Game Reserve
Love birdwatching and luxury eco travel?
Mkuze Falls is the KZN game reserve for you!
Situated in the heart of historic Zululand is one of two private game reserves where you can see the Big 5.
That’s not all.
Over 420 bird species, including several rare and endangered species such as the Pel’s fishing owl and the African broadbill call this region of South Africa home.
Your stay here includes two game drives every day (morning and late afternoon). The latter includes sundowners at one of the nearby watering holes where you can listen to the sounds of the bush come alive as the day comes to an end.
Where to Stay
Inside Mkuze Falls Game Reserve, stay at one of the 8 thatched suites or the safari suite.
As it’s a luxury lodge, expect to find all your favourite creature comforts including air conditioning, mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms with toiletries and panormaic vistas over the river and neaby waterfall.
Mkuze Game Reserve FAQ
- Gate fee levy: All fees are included in your daily rate.
- Best time to go: If you’re coming here for the birds, plan your trips around the rainy seasons.
- Vehicle: Self-drives are not allowed, but you can access the reserve with a normal vehicle.
Even More Game Reserves in KZN to Vist
- Thula Thula Private Game Reserve
- Amakhosi Private Game Reserve
- Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
- Manyoni Game Reserve
- Ithala Game Reserve
Read More: Babanango Game Reserve: Where Conservation & Community Meet
Visiting Game Reserves in KZN FAQs
The closest game reserve to Durban is Tala Private Game Reserve. It’s 45 minutes to an hour’s drive away from the city.
The best time to visit game reserves in Kwa-Zulu Natal depends on what you want to see. The drier months (May to September) are excellent for big game viewings. But if you’re interested in birding, October to March are the best months to see a large variety of bird life.
KZN boasts a variety of wildlife. The most common animal species you can expect to see are lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, hippos, and monkeys.
It depends on the reserve you’re visiting. Some are easily navigated with a sedan or SUV, whereas others will require a 4×4 vehicle.
Did I miss any top game reserves in KZN? Which one is your favourite? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below!
