Itala Game Reserve

Itala is one of South Africa's oldest game reserves and also one of it's best. The landscape varies greatly from the thornveld of the Ngotshe Mountains, through lowveld grasslands down to the dense vegetation of the gorges and river valleys found nearly 1,000m below.

This variety of habitat provides a natural home to a wide selection of both plant and animal that make this reserve so popular. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded, including white-backed vultures, black eagles , fish eagles and other raptors, and the endangered bald ibis.

The park has several large species of game, including elephant, black rhino, white rhino, tsessebe, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, and klipspringer. Hyena and leopard are the major predators to be found.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES AT ITALA GAME RESERVE:
- game drives
- guided walks and hiking trails
- bird watching
- picnic / braai areas

SUMMARY OF WILDLIFE & FLORA:
Herbivores: elephant, white and black rhino, wildebeest, red hartebeest, giraffe, tsessebe
Carnivores: cheetah and leopard
Birdlife: over 300 species of birds

DIRECTIONS TO ITALA GAME RESERVE:
- take the N2 to Pongola
- turn south onto the R66
- after 22 km turn right onto R69
- follow the R69 west for 70 km toward Vryheid
- the reserve is located next to the village of Louwsburg

HOURS:
Gate Times:
Summer (November - February ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (March - October ) 06h00 to 18h00