Ithala Game Reserve - Accommodation Overview
Ntshondwe Camp
'Winner of three consecutive AA Travel Guides & SAA Resort of the Year awards'
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 a 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 been 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. Ntshondwe Lodge is serviced daily.
Mhlangeni Bushcamp
Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stream, the Mhlangeni bush camp 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! Mhlangeni Bushcamp serviced daily and has gas lighting.
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.
Mbizo Bushcamp serviced daily and has gas lighting.
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. Thalu Bushcamp serviced daily and has gas lighting.