Lake Eland in KZN

Just 35 minutes drive from Port Shepstone lies the Lake Eland Game Reserve, stretching out over 5000 acres. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including eland, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra, as well as offering spectacular views of the Oribi Gorge with a suspension bridge providing the ability to get a panoramic view of the gorge.

Explore the reserve from the comfort of your car on its well-maintained roads, or go on a relaxing game drive. A drive through the reserve, including a stop at the suspension bridge takes around 3 hours and the entrance to the reserve costs R40pp (Children under 8 yrs: R30; Children under 2 yrs free.). You do not need a 4x4 to explore the reserve, but if you do have one you can take it on the 4x4 track and put your skills to the test.

Visitors can stop off at the restaurant for some good food at lunchtime and enjoy relaxing on the outdoor deck overlooking the dam. Alternatively head to the picnic spot right alongside a stream where lush old trees provide ample shade. There are also braai facilities available.

One of the highlights of the reserve is an 80 metre suspension bridge that spans across the Oribi Gorge. The bridge is not for the faint-hearted, but for those brave enough it offers breath-taking views of the gorge and allows you to experience the beauty of the area in a new and exhilarating way.

Another way to experience the reserve is to go on a zip line across the gorge. At 4.5 kilometres, the zip line is the longest in Africa and is made up of 14 zip lines, the most exhilarating of which travels some 300 metres over the Oribi Gorge and offers amazing views of the surrounds. This adventure of a lifetime costs R500 which includes the entrance to the reserve, the guided zip line tour, return trip, and a food/shop voucher. The tour takes between 1 and 3 hours and runs between 8h00 and 15h00.

For another encounter in the bush, head out into the reserve on horse back. A horse ride is a great way to get up close with the wildlife and is a unique way of enjoying the area. The reserve offers a 1.5 hour trail ride. There is a minimum of 2 people per trail, and a maximum of 6. Bookings are essential and a 1.5 hour ride costs R200 per person.

If you’re heading to the South Coast these holidays make a stop at the Lake Eland Game Reserve. With its breath-taking views and so many extra thrilling activities on offer, it is well worth a visit.