Hunting South Africa - the insiders guide

Kwazulu-Natal and more specifically Zululand was once the hunting grounds of Africa's most famous and revered warrior, Shaka - King of the Zulu nation. The province has one of the most unique and varying terrains in South Africa, from the staggering snow tipped peaks of the Drakensberg to the humid lowlands of Zululand. Hunting occurs throughout the province but tends to be concentrated in the north-eastern parts where the temperatures are more humid.

Natal also holds some of the most sought after species in the country; nyala, red duiker, suni and common reedbuck abound in most parts of the province except the very highest peaks. The Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Reserves are today known for their single handed re-establishment of Africa's dwindling white and black rhino populations. For many years the Natal Parks Board was seen as the most innovative and forward thinking in the country and are today, reaping the long-term rewards. Their annual game auction is the biggest of its kind in Africa, if not the world.

Elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino are numerous but expensive and the usual collection of common plainsgame occur on most ranches. Decent kudu, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala and other trophies are common but the main quarry tends to be nyala. For the best nyala in South Africa it is necessary to visit Natal as they do not fare well in other parts of the country where they have been translocated.

Natal is a humid region and it is best to hunt here towards the end of winter (July, August, September) when temperatures are cooler and the brush is less abundant.

Major towns and cities are Durban and Richards Bay with regular air service. The towns of Pongola, Mkuze, Hluhluwe and Vryheid tend to have the highest concentrations of game ranches in close proximity.

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KwaZulu Natal is the home ground of the Zulus, a nation once revered for thier excellent fighting prowess. They were the only nation to hand a defeat to the British army at Isandlwana armed with only spears and shields.

Still today you will see the pride and physical power of this nation reflected in its many people.

Zululand, the north eastern reaches of the province, stands proud as the single handed saviour of todays white and black rhino populations. You can visit the original reserve from where most of todays Rhino came from, Hluhluwe and Umfolozi parks.

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