Kwazulu-Natal Game Reserves, or Zululand (Ithala, Ndumo, Tembe, Mkhuze, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and Isimangaliso), are smaller than the Kruger Park but the wildlife and scenery is equally spectacular. Ndumo is often referred to as South Africa’s “little Okavango” – it may well be South Africa’s most beautiful game park and birders and dendrologists will be find the place fascinating. This also the home of, inter alia, black as well as white rhino, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and an impressive range of antelopes.

The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is the most popular park with wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to the “big five” and the usual wide range of antelopes. This reserve is the stronghold of Africa’s last rhinos – expect to see lots of them.

Isimangaliso (formerly St. Lucia Wetland Park) lies along the KwaZulu-Natal coast and is a World Heritage Site. The scenery and wildlife is simply spectacular. Here the Reedbuck population has probably reached the highest density in all of Africa.

A visit to the Zululand game reserves can easily be combined with a tour of some of the famous battlefields of Natal, i.e. the Battles of Majuba (1881), Blood River (1838), Spioenkop (1899), Isandhlwana (1879), Rorke’s Drift (1879) and Colenso (1900). This is an ideal opportunity to learn more about the historic battles that changed the course of history in this part of the world.