'Winner of three consecutive AA Travel Guides & SAA Resort of the Year awards'
Accommodation
Virtually invisible until the moment of arrival, Ntshondwe, Ithala's main camp, is ingeniously camouflaged against a plateau at the foot of the cliffs of the Ngotshe mountain. 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 39 thatched chalets blend into a lush setting of acacias, wild figs, cabbage trees and other indigenous flora. A variety of self-catering chalets, with two to six beds each, some of which have being designed for use by the handicapped, are available, while 28 other chalets without catering facilities are geared for tour groups and conference delegates.
These are situated around the visitors' centre which has a fully licensed restaurant, a bar and an open game viewing deck which overlooks a small pan. 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.
Ntshondwe Lodge
This exclusive luxury lodge offers complete privacy in spectacular surroundings. It accommodates six guests in three bedrooms with bathrooms en-suite, and has a small swimming pool, a sun deck and barbecue area overlooking the valley below.
Mhlangeni Bushcamp
Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stream, the Mhlangeni bushcamp accommodates up to ten guests in five two-bed units. A central open-plan lounge and sun-deck offer excellent views, as do the showers! The services of an attendant are provided and a tour guide is available by prior arrangement to take guests on game walks.
Mbizo Bushcamp
Mbizo is ideally situated beside a series of rapids and pools near the spot where the Ngubhu and Mbizo rivers meet. A total of eight guests can be accommodated here, in two separate bush chalets constructed of wood , reed and thatch. Each has two bedrooms, it's own lounge, kitchen and viewing deck. The camp has two separate ablution facilities. The tariff includes the services of an attendant and tour guide to take guests on walks by prior arrangement.
Thalu Bushcamp
Thalu Bush Camp is tucked away at the foot of a steep slope on the banks of the Thalu river. A picturesque barbecue area overlooks a large pool in the river where swimming is permitted. Thalu accommodates four people in two bedrooms linked by a kitchen, lounge and viewing deck. An attendant is provided and a tour guide is available by prior arrangement to take visitors on game walks.
Activities
Ithala has an astonishing range of landscapes and habitats from the highland sourveld grasslands at the top of the Ngotshe Mountains to the Bushveld and Forest along the Phongola River a thousand metres below. Characterized by deep bush filled valleys and gorges with clear streams cascading over numerous
waterfalls into deep pools, and expansive grassy plateaus with large herds of plains game such as blue wildebeest tssessebe and red hartebeest, Ithala offers a wealth of activities for visitors.
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 ablutions.
GUIDED WALKS:
Visitors to Ntshondwe may book a guided walk at Reception.
Summer Times:
06h00-08h00
15h00-18h00
Winter Times:
07h00-09h00
14h00-15h00
Visitors to the busccamps may book their first walk with Reception on arrival, thereafter they book directly with the guide.
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