KwaZulu-Natal: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has reopened several Game Reserves! [update]

update (22 July 2020): Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has announced that all of its reserves in KwaZulu-Natal are open to the public for self-drive excursions execpt for Hlathikhulu, Lubombo Mountains, Bluff and Skyline.



Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the governmental organisation responsible for maintaining wildlife conservation areas and biodiversity in KwaZulu-Natal, has has been gradually opening some of its Game Reserves and Game Resorts in line with South Africa's alert level three regulations.

The following Game Reserves and Game Resorts have been reopened on 08 June 2020:

• Didima Resort (Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site)
• Giant’s Castle (Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site)
• Royal Natal (Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site)
• Midmar Resort
• Wagendrift Dam and Moor Park Nature Reserve
• Weenen Game Reserve
• Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
• Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
• Umlalazi Nature Reserve
• Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
• Chelmsford Resort
• Ithala Game Reserve
• iSimangaliso Wetlands Par
• Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park:

• Visitors are advised that staff at both of Park's gates will take only cash and Rhino Loyalty Cards.
• Hides are closed but ablution facilities are open

Only self-drive excursions are permitted in Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's game reserves with a maximum of three people per car. This is in line with coronavirus regulations social distancing. Other protocols to be followed include hand-sanitizing and wearing of masks.
Communities living adjacent to reserves that do not have dangerous animals like Royal Natal, Didima and Giant’s Castle will also be able to hike throughout their preferred hiking spots, provided they are not in groups and they keep physical distance as per the exercising guidelines. Accommodation facilities will remain closed to the public except to those who may be on business trips.