Itala Game Reserve

Overlooking the Pongola river valley in the rugged, mountainous thornveld of northern Kwazulu Natal, Itala Game Reserve offers a wildlife experience second to none. Here the sun rises over the Ntshondwe Peak to reveal the secrets of the wild – and a magnificent diversity of bushveld life. A morning’s drive from Durban (400 km) or from Johannesburg (500 km), this prime tourist destination also has it’s own 1,2 km all weather airstrip. The Itala experience combines first rate tourism facilities with superb game viewing and bird watching in a breathtaking setting. The reserve was originally proclaimed a protected area in 1972 and currently covers 29 653 ha, bordering on the south bank of the Pongola River some 70 km east of Vryheid.

Diversity

Scenic beauty, Itala’s most characteristic feature is perhaps it’s astonishing geological diversity. Some of the oldest rock formations in the world are found here, dating back 3000 million years. The fascinating variety of terrain ranges from 400 m above sea level in the north to 1450 m above sea level in the south near Louwsburg. This gives rist to a great diversity of habitats, fauna and flora.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Itala is geared to suit all, from the sophisticated international eco tourist or business executive, to large tour groups and family parties.

Ntshondwe Camp

Virtually invisible until the moment of arrival, Ntshondwe, Itala’s main camp, is ingeniously camouflaged on a plateau at the foot of the cliffs after which it is named. Towering above the camp, horizontal contours of pink and russet sandstone offset vertically jagged spires of dolerite rock. These provide the ideal haven for raptors whose calls echo from rock to crevice as they soar into the sky in territorial display. Ntshondwe’s 39 thatched chalets blend into a lush setting of acacias, wild figs, cabbage trees and other indigenous flora. A variety of two to six bed self catering chalets, some of which have been designed for use by the handicapped, are available; while other non catering chalets are geared for tour groups and conference delegates. These are situated around the camp’s visitor’s centre which has a fully licensed restaurant, a bar and an open viewing deck which overlooks a small pan at which game may be seen. Other amenities include a swimming pool built around a giant rock; a fully equipped conference centre, and a well stocked curio shop that also carries a select range of basic provisions.

Ntshondwe Lodge

This exclusive luxury lodge offers complete privacy in spectacular surroundings. It accommodates six guests in three bedroom, en suite, and has a small swimming pool, a sun deck and barbeque area overlooking the valley below. The services of a cook are included.

Mhlangeni Bush Lodge

Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stream, the reed wood and thatch Mhlangeni bush lodge accommodates up to ten guests in five two bed units. A central open plan lounge and sun deck offer excellent views – as do the showers. The services of an attendant are provided and a game guard is available to take guests on game walks.

Mbizo Bush Camp

Mbizo is ideally situated beside a series of rapids and pools near the spot where the Ngubhu River joins the Mbizo. A total of eight guests can be accommodated here in two separate bush chalets of wood, reed and thatch design. Each has two bedrooms (one with a double bed ), it’s own lounge, kitchen and viewing deck. The camp has two separate ablution facilities. The tariff includes the services of an attendant and game guard to take guests on walks.

Thalu Bush Camp

This intimate bush camp is tucked away at the foot of a steep slope on the banks of the Thalu River. A picturesque barbeque area overlooks a large pool in the river where swimming is permitted. Thalu accommodates four people in two bedrooms, (one with a double bed), linked by a kitchen, lounge and viewing deck. An attendant is provided and a game guard is available to take visitors on game walks.

Facilities

Conference Centre

Ntshondwe’s spacious, thatched conference centre has a main auditorium seating 120 delegates, and two smaller halls, each seating 18 people. State of the art facilities include a fully equipped projection room, an integrated sound system with convenient patch points, versatile automatic lighting, excellent acoustics and air conditioning.

Self guided Walking Trails

A number of self guided trails traverse the wooded mountainside above Ntshondwe camp, inviting guests to enjoy glimpses of the indigenous wildlife while stretching their limbs. The sight of black rhino and elephant droppings along the path adds a rush of adrenaline to the experience. Rhino occasionally enter the camp at night, so caution is advised.

Day and Night Drives

Day and night drives are conducted in open viewing vehicles and are a popular tourist attraction in the reserve. These can be booked at Ntshondwe camp office.

Self guided Auto Trails

Itala has a number of well laid out auto trails. These enable visitors to appreciate aspects of the reserve’s fascinating wildlife while enjoying the comfort and privacy of their vehicles. Driving along these routes one is constantly struck by the wide range of habitats which support an immense bio-diversity of plant, bird and animal life in the reserve.

Picnic sites

Picnic sites are situated in several scenic spots which command spectacular views or are ideal for game watching. These all have barbeque facilities and toilets.

Camping

Itala offers limited facilities for camping in tents. The reserve’s small rustic camp ground has basic facilities for up to 20 people. There is a cold water shower, a flush toilet and kitchen area. A thatched shelter serves as a communal lounge / dining area.

Fauna & Flora

Itala is a place of great seasonal contrast. In spring the grasslands are alive with warthogs. Masses of red ‘Pride of De Kaap’ offset the wild dates along the slopes and stream banks in summer. Hundreds of aloes transform the drab winter veld with splashes of crimson. With it’s many streams and rivers, and the frequent occurrence of cliffs and rock faces, Itala is also the ideal haven for an enormous variety of birds. Itala’s big game species include white and black rhino, elephant, buffalo and notably (being Itala’s emblem), giraffe. The absence of lion makes for a relaxed air among these and other plains game such as zebra, blue wildebeest and a wide variety of antelope. These include impala, oribi, red hartebeest, blue duiker, eland, kudu, waterbuck, tsessebe, common and mountain reedbuck, steenbok and common duiker among others. Seldom seen predators include leopard, cheetah and brown hyaena. Sightings of large birds at Itala are likely to include Black Eagle, Lappetfaced Vulture, Whitebacked Vultures, Ostriches and Secretary birds, Stalking across the veld.