The private game reserves and safari lodges of northern KwaZulu Natal are not as well-known as those in the Kruger Park. But they are definitely worth considering, especially if you want to combine safari and beach as its an easy drive to sub-tropical golden beaches…

As well as Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, vast tracts of land have been restored to wildlife conservation. This began with Phinda Game Reserve but Phinda has been joined by Thanda, Zululand Rhino Reserve and Amakhosi amongst others. These wonderful parks are renowned for their dramatic hilly countryside, diversity of flora and fauna and their invaluable contribution in saving the white rhino from extinction. Northern KwaZulu Natal is also one of the better areas for spotting the elusive cheetah. Catch a glimpse of the shy suni antelope, track rhino in the bushveld, observe breeding herds of elephant in fever tree forests or hold your breath as a cheetah teaches her cubs to hunt,