Itala
Game Reserve
Itala Game Reserve overlooks the
Pongola River Valley in the mountainous thornveld of northern KwaZulu-(Natal).
Scenic beauty aside, Itala’s most noteworthy feature is its geographical diversity.
Some of the oldest rock formations in the world are found here, dating back over three
million years.
The land where Itala is located was the setting for many historic events and frontier wars
of the l19th and early 20th centuries.
Itala was part of Zulu King Shaka’s domain and remained such under the rule of
successive Zulu leaders. It also saw the arrival of the Dutch Voortrekkers. Early gold
mining was frequent here and great battles from the Anglo-Boer wars were fought in this
area.
The landscape varies from 1,300 ft (400 meters) above sea level to 5,000 ft (1,450 meters)
above sea level. This causes a great variety of habitats, flora and fauna.
