Pongola Game Reserve, South Africa

KwaZulu Natal Game Reserves

Pongola Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal

The Pongola Game Reserve was first proclaimed in 1894 and is the second oldest reserve in the world and the oldest in South Africa. Pongola Game Reserve is a sanctuary to a large variety of wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, impala, hyena, buffalo, rhino and leopard. Exactly 100 years ago after the last sighting of elephant in the Pongola area, two breeding herds were reintroduced.

Pongola Game Reserve is a co-operative conservation project between private landowners, tribal communities and government conservation services, and forms the heart of a large ecological and socio-economically viable "Big Five" reserve. Allied to this quest, the "Space for Elephant" Foundation has been formed to realise the goal of a biosphere large enough to viably sustain an elephant population of a thousand elephants and allow the re-establishment of the ancient elephant migration routes.

In 1817, the white rhino had been hunted so excessively that only 30 rhino remained. But, through committed conservation projects, the white rhinoceros is back from the brink. Since the 1960's, the population has increased significantly and to date over 3000 rhino have been successfully translocated to numerous game reserves in South Africa. The Pongola Game Reserve's 'Golela' section, under control of Kwazulu Natal Wildlife has over 40 white rhino. The Rhino Walk takes place here, in the Golela bushveld (Zulu for 'gathering place of animals').

The Pongola Game Reserve has hippo, crocodile, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, impala and hyena, amongst others. There are also more than 350 bird species. Of particular interest among plant species are the abundant cycads in the mountains. There are at least 25 indigenous fish species, 60 species of mammals and close to 100 species of reptiles and amphibia. Rare or endangered animals include the honey badger and wild dog.

Pongola Game Reserve

Game Lodges in Pongola Game Reserve

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve

Majestically positioned in the spectacular mountainous region of northern Zululand the hotel is some 30 km south-west of the small town Pongola and is situated in own private Pondoro Game Reserve ...

Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge

Absorb the stunning view, as you sit on the wide wooden deck at Shayamoya’s central lodge, the Heart of the property, in Northern KwaZulu Natal. Panoramic images embrace the purple hued Lebombo ...

Pongola Game Reserve

Accommodation nearby

For accommodation outside of the reserve, see these towns:
• Pongola Accommodation
• Pongolapoort Accommodation
• Mkuze Accommodation
• Richards Bay Accommodation
• Rorkes Drift Accommodation

Or to see all towns bordering the reserve at once, visit Zululand Accommodation.

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game and nature reserves in kwazulu natal

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