{"id":10636,"date":"2020-01-02T10:39:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-02T10:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/?p=10636"},"modified":"2023-10-18T23:41:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T23:41:12","slug":"game-reserves-kzn-getaways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/game-reserves-kzn-getaways\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Game Reserves in KZN: The Most Romantic Getaways in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Plotting a romantic getaway in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal? If a romantic bush break is on the bucket list, these are just a few of my favorite game reserves in KZN to check out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KwaZulu Natal is easily one of the most alluring regions of South Africa. With mountainscapes that last for days, dry savannah, untouched beaches, and unparalleled cultural heritage, it’s hard to beat the beauty this area of the country has to offer already, but when you throw in the wildlife, the hiking opportunities, and the nearby coastal resorts, it’s easy to forget there are other destinations in the country at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that said, I rounded up a list of the best safari lodges and game reserves in KZN that need to be on your bucket list for a romantic getaway. From Big Five reserves to underwater worlds, these are just a few of the luxury natural wonders in KwaZulu Natal that need to be on your bucket list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best game reserves in KZN for a romantic getaway:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thanda Game Reserve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thanda means love in isiZulu language, and this game reserve is one of the best places for a romantic getaway in KZN, if not entire South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and Zulu culture, this 14000-hectare private reserve is one of the best game reserves near Durban to visit if you’re looking for a big 5 safari experience in KwaZulu Natal that combines unequaled luxury, cultural immersion, and unparalleled cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where?<\/strong> Situated some 260 kilometers north of Durban and a stone’s throw away from Saint Lucia Wetlands, this luxury game lodge is accessible by car from Durban, or you can fly directly to the reserve or to Phina Airstrip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay?<\/strong> Thanda is privately owned by Thanda, so there are only three different accommodation options: Thanda’s private villa for families or large groups, Thanda Lodge, and Thanda Tented Camp. You can read all about my stay in Thanda Safari here<\/a> or book your stay + safari here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manyoni Game Reserve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being one of the largest privately-owned game reserves in KZN, Manyoni’s wildlife sightings are unparalleled. This game reserve is renowned for its incredible game viewing, culturally rich traditions, and astounding conservation history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manyoni Game Reserve is also a prime spot to see rhinos in their natural habitat, as the reserve was confirmed as a release site for the WWF Black Rhino Expansion Project. In 2005, tons of black rhinos were brought into their new homes, so if seeing real-life unicorns during your safari getaway in South Africa is on the list, Manyoni Game Reserve is probably the best place to do that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where?<\/strong> Manyoni is in the heart of Zululand only 3 hours from Durban and 6 hours from Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay?<\/strong> Manyoni is home to a range of luxury safari lodges. I recommend staying at Rhino River Lodge<\/a>, a cozy game lodge set right in the heart of the reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phinda Private Game Reserve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Encompassing almost 29 thousand hectares of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, &Beyond Phinda is another amazing Big Five Game<\/a> reserve in KZN that you must visit! Thanks to its close proximity to the unspoiled coast of Zululand, a getaway to Phinda means you’ll get to combine the best of both worlds in one trip.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo credit: andBeyond.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phinda is home to all the big five, but its especially loved by visitors for its iconic close encounters with cheetahs and black rhinos. While here, you’ll get to experience game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles as well as choose from a wide range of optional excursions in the bush and on the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo credit: andBeyond.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where?<\/strong> This private game reserve is located in KwaZulu Natal between the Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay? <\/strong>Phinda boasts six game lodges – Mountain Lodge, Rock Lodge, Forest Lodge, Vlei Lodge, Zuka Lodge and Phinda Homestead.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo credit: andBeyond.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nambiti Private Game Reserve<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Set just a short drive away from the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, Nambiti is the only game reserve in the area the elusive Big Five call their home. Offering a thrilling diversity of wildlife encounters and unparalleled landscapes, Nambiti is one of the best game reserves in KZN to visit for those who live closer to Johannesburg or Pretoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the Big 5, Nambiti is also home to over 40 other species of game including cheetah, hippo, giraffe, hyena, zebra and offers some of the most beautiful and romantic game lodges in KZN.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Where? <\/strong>Nambiti Private Game Reserve is located in a malaria-free area near the town of Ladysmith, a three and a half-hour drive from Johannesburg or a two and a half-hour drive from Durban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay? <\/strong>Nambiti is home to nine luxurious game lodges, including six 5-star lodges and two tented camps to suit any budget and travel style. Our favorite for a romantic getaway from Johannesburg is the Nambiti Plains Game Lodge, and you can book your stay here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thula Thula means “peace and tranquility” in Zulu, and that’s exactly what you can expect when planning a getaway to this game reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Renowned for its unique d\u00e9cor, incredible foodie scene, and unparalleled wildlife sightings, Thula Thula Private Game Reserve offers safari-goers the unique opportunity to spot leopards, elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, and hyenas in the setting of the ancestral land the reserve stands on.<\/div>\n
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Where? <\/strong>Set in the heart of Zululand, Thula Thula Game Reserve is set just a two and a half-hour drive from Durban.<\/p>\n