KwaZulu-Natal, also known as the Zulu Kingdom, is the most varied province in South Africa. Wildlife lovers are also drawn to the region, which is well-known for its gorgeous coastline and opulent beach resorts.

The interior is dotted with a network of over 50 private and provincial reserves. The community-run Tembe Elephant Park, Phinda Private Game Reserve with its award-winning lodges, and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, known for its rhinos, are among KZN’s Big 5. Here are a few of KwaZulu Natal’s top wildlife reserves for safari travel.

1. Imfolozi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve

The oldest officially recognized nature reserve in South Africa, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, is the most visited wildlife destination in KwaZulu-Natal. It was founded in the 1890s to prevent the extinction of Africa’s only surviving white rhinos.

This has been a huge success, and you will undoubtedly see a lot of these large animals here today. Finding the Big Five and other safari mainstays amidst verdant hills and profound valleys is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2. Wetland Park in iSimangaliso

One of Africa’s most varied protected zones is iSimangaliso, which means wondrous in isiZulu. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that it was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa. It includes South Africa’s largest freshwater lake, acacia savannah, sand forest, Africa’s longest estuary, and 220 kilometers of pristine coastline.

This place has a lot to offer. You can safely exit your car to swim or snorkel at Cape Vidal after taking a game drive around the Eastern Shores. Take a boat ride to Lake St. Lucia to search for crocodiles and hippos, or stroll along a deserted beach surrounded by wooded dunes. Sitting in a hide at the uMkhuze Game Reserve, where rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and many other species frequently drink, is an experience not to be missed.

3. The Private Game Reserve of Phinda

The province’s most esteemed private wildlife reserve is Phinda. All-inclusive packages and first-rate guiding are offered. Although it provides excellent up-close views of all five of the Big Five in open cars, the cheetah is its main attraction. Whether it’s grooming, hunting, or nursing pups, this is one of the best spots to witness this elegant feline in action.

4. Elephant Park in Tembe

In order to preserve the nation’s last remaining free-ranging elephant population, Tembe Elephant Park was created in 1983. There were perhaps 150 animals in the herd, many of which had enormous tusks. Even though these elephants have passed away over time, their DNA have survived. Tembe is still renowned for its large tuskers.

In addition to Zululand specialties like the elegant nyala and the small red duiker, you may see all five of the Big Five here. Although only a small number of day visitors are permitted entry, staying overnight at the community-owned tented camp is strongly advised for a well-rounded experience.

5. Game Reserve at Pongola

On the coast of Pongolapoort Dam is the little-known Pongola Game Reserve. Standard game drives are not the main focus here. Tracking rhinos on foot is a really thrilling morning pastime. It can be difficult to trudge through the jungle and look for tracks and other clues, but when you catch a glimpse of your objective, it will all have been worthwhile.

Your heart will race if you sneak up on a blissfully oblivious rhino downwind. A leisurely boat sail is the ideal way to spend a day. Even so, you’re going to have a great day because, while enjoying your sundowner beverages, you’ll see a couple more rhinos and other heavyweights, and there are crocs and hippos around.

6. Private Game Reserve at Zimanga

Zimanga provides a distinctive experience that is ideal for passionate wildlife photographers. A group of submerged hides is the primary draw of this Big Five reserve. To get the ideal shot, the photographic shelters are meticulously set up.

Every hide has a distinct focal point. The lagoon hide puts you eye-level with the water for up-close views of waterbirds, while the scavenger hide draws vultures and the occasional black-backed jackal. In the bird-bath reflection hide, you can take pictures of little seed-eating birds like canaries and waxbills. Perhaps the most thrilling is the nighttime hiding, where you could see any of the Big Five up close as they sip drinks a few meters from your camera.