Ntshondwe Resort is located near the hamlet of Louwsburg in northern KwaZulu-Natal. It is a five-hour drive from both Durban and Johannesburg. Ithala is home to some of Africa’s premier game species such as elephant, buffalo and leopard, as well as both black and white rhino. The abundant giraffe is the icon for the game reserve.
Providing great seasonal variety, the landscape of Ithala is alive with warthog in spring, while year round, stately giraffe sway their way through the acacia thickets. In summer masses of red “Pride of De Kaap” flowers add a wonderful splash of colour. Several rivers rise in or near Ithala, winding their way to the Pongola River. These rivers are most attractive, with pools, cataracts and gorges flanked by dense thickets of riverine forest.
Most routes to Ithala pass through the historically rich Anglo-Zulu War and Anglo-Boer War battlefield areas of the province.
A feature of Ithala Game Reserve, and strikingly visible from Ntshondwe, is its geological and ecological diversity. This diversity has created a place of great, but rugged beauty, with 300 million year old rock formations. Ntshondwe’s thatched buildings nestle on a plateau at the foot of the towering Ngotshe Mountain with its richly coloured sandstone bands and towering spires of jagged dolerite. The grounds of Ntshondwe are rich in acacia trees, wild figs and cabbage trees interspersed with massive boulders that peeled off the Ngotshe Mountain high above the resort. The area abounds in the rabbit-sized rock hyrax or “dassie” and their barking call is a common feature of the resort. The swimming pool at Ntshondwe is built around a massive boulder that plummeted off the Ngotshe Mountain hundreds of years ago.
Accommodation options in Ithala Game Reserve:
Ntsondwe Camp has 67 thatched chalets and one luxury lodge blend into a lush setting of acacias, wild figs, cabbage trees and other indigenous flora.
25 x Two Bed self-catering chalets
12 x Four Bed self-catering chalets (these units have two bedrooms)
2 x Six Bed self-catering chalets (these units have three bedrooms)
28 x Two Bed NON self-catering chalets (these chalets does not have their own kitchen facilities)
Most self-catering units are equipped with microwave, 4 plate stove, bar fridge, DSTV compact, fireplace, ceiling fans. There are also additional plug points in all the units.
All units are serviced daily. Please bring own swimming towels.
Ntshondwe Lodge boasts luxury accommodation also located in the Ntshondwe Camp. This Luxury Lodge has its own plunge pool and sleep 6 people. The Lodge cannot be booked on per room, only per unit and is exclusively yours.
The lodge is situated in close proximity to Ntshondwe Camp, which boasts a fully licensed restaurant and bar, a fully equipped conference centre and an imaginatively stocked curio shop and convenience store.
The lodge is very beautiful, situated below the cliffs overlooking Ntshondwe valley.
Enjoy late afternoon sundowners in safari style on the atmospheric sun deck, surrounded by wildlife and bushveld scenery to add to a memorable experience of Africa. The viewing deck has a small plunge pool to cool down in on hot summer days and a barbecue area overlooking the valley below.
The 3 Bedrooms (en-suite) lodge, one room with a double bed includes kitchen with a gas stove, freezer, fridge, lounge and dining room.
Lodge Facilities include DSTV Compact, ceiling fans, oil heater in all rooms, fireplace in lounge, swimming pool, braai area, washing machine, microwave.
Mbizo Bush Camp is ideally situated beside a series of rapids and pools near the spot where the Ngubhu and Mbizo rivers meet inside Ithala Game Reserve. Stretching along the west bank of the Mbizo river, this atmospheric camp lends itself to relaxation in the african bush or walking into the surrounding hills with the field ranger to experience animals in their natural habitat or see the rare Protea comptonii high above the camp.
Swim in the rapids and pools as the rivers in Ithala are belhazia free and sit around the fire pit in the evening and listen to the night sounds as the cares of your work a day life fade away. Mbizo Bush Camp is situated at a point where the Thalu forms a series of rapids and wide pools on its descent to the Thalu River, the Mbizo bush camp has been built to give its occupants the best advantage of the surrounding area.
This camp accommodates eight people in two separate four bed units, each having two rooms, one with a double bed and the other two single beds. Each unit has separate hot and cold shower and toilet facilities. A communal braai and campfire area is situated between the two units.
Ithala is a malaria free area which makes it an ideal place to see Africa`s wildlife.
What to bring when booking the Mbizo Bush Camp:
- own food, beverages and drinks
- a torch
- good walking shoes and neutral color clothing
- insect repellent for body and clothing
- firelighters and matches
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Vryheid which is 69 kms away.
Other amenities at the Ntshondwe Resort:
- Curio shop
- Restaurant
- Ladies bar
- Coffee shop
- Secluded boma ideal for braais and outdoor gatherings
- Swimming pool
- Sun deck overlooking a waterhole
- Jungle gym for the kids
- Picnic sites
- Conference centre
The conference centre accommodates 120 delegates in cinema style and 80 delegates in lecture style; state of the art facilities including a fully equipped projection room, an integrated sound system, versatile automatic lighting, air-conditioning an two breakaway rooms accommodating 18 delegates each.
The team at Ithala Game Reserve can tailor facilities to suit your needs; bush braais, champagne breakfasts, zulu dancing, team building, sundowner by the pool the possibilities are endless.
The airstrip at Ithala is suitable for light aircraft, medium to heavy twin-engine aircraft up to a DC3; suitable for 3 medium twin engine aircraft or 5 single aircraft; 1200m tarred airstrip from threshold to threshold; prior permission to land must be booked. Coordinates for the airstrip will be given on request. Altitude 2854FT (890M).
Gate opening and closing times:
Summer (November to February) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (March to October) 06h00 to 18h00
GATE TIMES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Vryheid which is 69km away.
- 4 x 4 Trails
- Guided mountain bike safaris
- Game drives day and night viewing (kids 3yrs old and younger are not permitted)
- Guided and Self-guided walks (kids 12yrs old and younger are not permitted)
- Birding
These are all wheelchair accessible. No kitchen facilities. Bathroom with shower, TV, bar fridge, tea/coffee making facilities.
These are all wheelchair accessible. No kitchen facilities. Bathroom with shower, TV, bar fridge, tea/coffee making facilities.
These are all wheelchair accessible. No kitchen facilities. Bathroom with shower, TV, bar fridge, tea/coffee making facilities.
These are all wheelchair accessible. No kitchen facilities. Bathroom with shower, TV, bar fridge, tea/coffee making facilities.
2 Single beds, bathroom, kitchen, lounge area with TV and fireplace. Outside braai stand.
2 Single beds, bathroom, kitchen, lounge area with TV and fireplace. Outside braai stand.
2 Single beds, bathroom, kitchen, lounge area with TV and fireplace. Outside braai stand.
Two bedrooms (2 single beds in each room), lounge with fireplace and TV, kitchen, bathroom and outside braai stand.
Two bedrooms (2 single beds in each room), lounge with fireplace and TV, kitchen, bathroom and outside braai stand.
Two bedrooms (2 single beds in each room), lounge with fireplace and TV, kitchen, bathroom and outside braai stand.
Two bedrooms (2 single beds in each room), lounge with fireplace and TV, kitchen, bathroom and outside braai stand.
3 Bedrooms (2 single beds in each room), lounge and dining area with TV and fireplace, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and braai stand outside.
3 Bedrooms (2 single beds in each room), lounge and dining area with TV and fireplace, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and braai stand outside.
3 Bedrooms (2 single beds in each room), lounge and dining area with TV and fireplace, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and braai stand outside.
3 Bedrooms (2 single beds in each room), lounge and dining area with TV and fireplace, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and braai stand outside.
Accommodates 8 people in 2X separate 4-Sleeper units, each having two rooms, one with a double bed and the other two single beds.
Overlooking ntshondwe valleys. 3 Bedrooms (2 single beds in each room, one of them with a double bed), kitchen, lounge, dining room, verandah with braai and swimming pool. TV. Ntshondwe lodge is wheelchair accessible.
All bookings are confirmed once payment or partial payment is received.
Cancellations greater than 45 days prior to arrival = 10% of amount (min R100)
Cancellation within 45 to 30 days of arrival = 25% of the amount.
Cancellation within 29 to 15 days of arrival = 50% of the amount.
Cancellation within 14 days & arrival date = 100% of the amount.
Amending booked dates is as good as cancelling a booking if it falls within the cancellation period. Same policy applies to amending a booking.
Cancellation policy are voided when booking dates are amended to be cancelled to avoid cancellation policy. So once dates are amended, cancellation policy are not applicable.
High season is applicable over public holidays, school holidays, long weekends, events and high occupancy periods. Tariffs may differ to those advertised.
FROM DURBAN:
It is best reached via Eshowe and Melmoth to Vryheid. Then take the tarred road to Louwsburg approx. 4 1/5 hrs
FROM GAUTENG:
The best approach is via Standerton, Volksrust and Utrecht to Vryheid approx. 5 hrs
FROM THE NORTH COAST:
Take the main road to Pongola. Turn left to Ulundi/Nongoma (R66) and then right onto the (R69) Louwsburg/Vryheid road approx. 3 1/5 hrs
FROM PIETERMARITZBURG:
Travel via Colenso, Ladysmith, Dundee and Vryheid approx. 4 hrs
