Location
Driving
Directions to Zimanga Private Game Reserve:
The Zimanga Private Game Reserve Main Entrance is well-marked on Google Maps on the N2 National Highway, around 8km north of Mkuze town. One of our staff members will meet you at the main entrance. Please contact the lodge manager should you experience delays or expect to arrive early. Please plan your travelling to arrive at 1pm.
GPS Co-ordinates:
Main Gate: 27 deg, 34’ 27.11” S 32 deg 00’ 10.89” E
Doornhoek Homestead: 27 deg 34’ 29.05” S 31 deg 55’ 41.48” E
Main Lodge: 27 deg 34′ 15.97″ S 31 deg 56’05.76″ E
Travelling from Gauteng/Mpumalanga:
The route from Johannesburg is via Ermelo, Piet Retief, Pongola. The road is prone to delays and travel time realistically takes 6-9 hours. An early departure around 6am is recommended to be in time for the first afternoon activity.
Travelling from Kwazulu Natal / Durban:
This route from Durban has a 3 hour travelling time along a busy but predictable, well-maintained national highway. Delays along the route are infrequent. Travel north on the N2.
Location
Flying
Zimanga Travel and Flight Planning Information:
Zimanga Private Game Reserve is situated in the north eastern region of
the Kwazulu Natal Province in South Africa.
GPS Co-ordinates:
Main Gate: 27 deg, 34’ 27.11” S 32 deg 00’ 10.89” E
Doornhoek Homestead: 27 deg 34’ 29.05” S 31 deg 55’ 41.48” E
Main Lodge: 27 deg 34′ 15.97″ S 31 deg 56’05.76″ E
Recommended Routes
- The recommended route to travel is from KSIA in Durban to Zimanga. This route has a 3.5 hour travelling time along a busy but predictable, well-maintained national highway. Road transfers can be easily arranged.
- Richards Bay airport is is currently closed due to Covid restrictions. Road transfers can easily be arranged from Richards Bay should commercial flights resume.
- Charter flights are available from Virginia Airport (Durban North) or King Shaka International. Charter to Zimanga is between 50 and 70 minutes depending flying a direct or slightly longer scenic route.
Pre- and post-visit overnight recommendation (could be inaccurate due to Covid closures):
As most international flights land in Johannesburg or Cape Town, it is recommended to spend a night near the airport on the day of arrival and then take an early morning domestic flight to KSIA or Richards Bay. It is recommended to book flights landing between 9am and 10am in Durban to be at Zimanga around 1pm. The exception is a direct London to Durban BA flight. This flight is great for arrivals and guests arrive mid-morning on Zimanga. (Our standard check-in time is 1pm as indicated, but we are being flexible on this especially for guests on the BA flight)
However, for departures, the Durban to London flight leaves too early to spend the last night on Zimanga. The suggestion is therefore to either stay overnight in Durban on the night before departure if booked on the Durban to London flight. Most guests reserve an afternoon Durban to Johannesburg flight to fly out in the evening from Johannesburg to their destination. (Dbn – Jhb flights after 3pm work well)
Private Charter Flights:
Private charter flights are available to Mkuze airfield (5 mins from a new Zimanga entrance gate). Please enquire about charter flights with your booking. Bear in mind weather, weight and baggage size limitations are in place for charter flights
Travelling from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport:
The road from Johannesburg is prone to delays and travel time realistically takes 6-9 hours depending on stops. It is not possible to be at Zimanga in time for the first afternoon activity if taking a road transfer directly after landing from an international flight in Johannesburg.
Departure for a Johannesburg road transfer needs to be at 6am in order to be in time for the first afternoon activity. Late check-ins can be accommodated if travelling from Johannesburg but the first afternoon activity will be missed.