Virtually invisible until the moment of arrival, Ntshondwe, Ithala's main camp, is ingeniously camouflaged against 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, their calls echoing from rock face to crevice as they soar into the sky in territorial display.
Ntshondwe's 67 thatched chalets blend into a lush setting of acacias, wild figs, cabbage trees and other indigenous flora.
Other amenities include a swimming pool built around a giant rock; a fully-equipped conference centre, and an imaginatively stocked curio shop which also carries a range of basic provisions.
There is easy access on foot to a waterhole in front of the camp. Self-guided walks and a hide within the camp grounds provide convenient bird watching and game viewing.
Rooms
Selfcatering chalets with 2, 4 or 6 beds - some of which have been designed for use by the handicapped.
The selfcatering units are fully equipped with linen, crockery, cutlery, stove, refrigerator and cooking utensils. Visitors can either bring their own provisions or make use of the restaurant, coffee shop and bar.
There are also 2-bed non-selfcatering chalets (without kitchen). Each chalet has two single beds, toilet and shower en suite.
All units are serviced daily.
The Visitors' Centre has a fully licensed restaurant, a bar and an open game viewing deck which overlooks a small pan as well as a curio shop which stock basic foodstuffs.
Bookings can either be made for selfcatering or catered accommodation (breakfast and/or dinner included).
Please bring own swimming towels.
Activities
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 legs. The sight of black rhino and elephant droppings along a path adds a rush of adrenaline to the experience.Rhino occasionally enter the camp at night,therefore visitors are advised to exercise caution when walking around the camp at night.
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:
Ithala has a number of well laid out auto trails with markers at points of interest.These enable visitors to discover and appreciate aspects of the reserve’s fascinating wildlife and geology in the comfort of their own vehicles. Driving along these routes one is constantly struck by the wide range of habitats which support a large biodiversity of plant, bird and animal life in the reserve.
Picnic sites:
Picnic sites are situated in several scenic spots which offer spectacular views and are ideal for game watching. These all have barbecue facilities and toilets.
Guided walks:
Visitors to Ntshondwe and to the Bushcamps may hire a field ranger for half a day or a full day and go walking in various parts of the reserve to view wildlife, rock formations or just to swim in one of the crystal clear river pools.
How to get there See Map
Ithala Game Reserve is situated near Louwsburg in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
From Durban it is best reached via Eshowe and Melmoth to Vryheid.
From the Gauteng area the best approach is via Standerton, Volksrust and Utrecht to Vryheid.
From the north coast go via Pongola and Magudu.
From Pietermaritzburg travel via Ladysmith, Dundee and Vryheid.
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
Summer (1 November to 28/29 February ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (1 March to 31 October ) 06h00 to 18h00
Office Hours: The office is open from 07h00 to 19h30
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