Location Big 5 Zululand

Location Big 5 Zululand

Location Big 5 Zululand – The Big 5 consists of the leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino. Although the leopard is the most elusive on the list, the black and white rhino remain highly endangered.

Location Big 5 Zululand – Private or Public Game Reserves

For Big 5 viewing private game reserves boasting this feature are the best for bagging the Big 5 quickly. However, there is a hefty price tag for this privilege as these reserves have upmarket and expensive lodges. Private reserves are found in a narrow corridor off the N2 highway between the town of Hluhluwe and up north to Pongola.

For the general public the iconic iMfolozi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve will always be Zululand’s Big 5 heartland. Day trips are popular and if you consider a stay over, Hilltop Camp comes highly recommended. Imfolozi Hluhluwe accommodation booking.

Mkuze Game Reserve do not have all the Big 5 but offers visitors a birders paradise. Itala and Pongola Game Reserves, as well as Isimaganliso Wetland Park, a South African World Heritage Site, also do not feature all the Big 5 but remain popular.

Location Big 5 Zululand – Good Bases for Longer Stays

There is a lot of varied accommodation in the Hluhluwe and St Lucia town areas, and both places serve as a good base for Big 5 game watching as they are in easy driving distance from the iMfolozi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Invariably the best time to view game is early morning and late afternoon and St Lucia has other interesting options. Whale and turtle watching are seasonal favourites and a cruise on the St Lucia Estuary always produces hippo sightings.

Leopard will always be the most difficult of the Big 5 to find. They are occasionally spotted just north of the town in the Eastern Shore Section.

Location Big 5 Zululand – Buffalo

Buffalo are common at most game reserves, both public and private. Although they appear rather docile, these beasts are known to be extremely dangerous.

Location Big 5 Zululand – Lion

Seeing lion in the wild is a thrill for many but once spotted there can often be a traffic jam forming around the pride. This jamming is not unique to Zululand but also prevalent in the Kruger National Park. Large game viewing vehicles from touring companies often block the sighting.  Private reserves do not have this problem.

Africa Live is a very popular wildlife spotting mobile APP for all South African National Parks. For any serious local or international traveller KZN Travel App is also recommended.

Location Big 5 Zululand – Elephant

There is something wonderfully moving and special about viewing elephant and if you are interested in the big tuskers Tembe Elephant Park is a must. Situated to the north of Zululand, it is also one of the few Big 5 reserves.

Zululand News wishes you all the best in the viewing of all our beautiful and unique wildlife.