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Write a User ReviewA pleasant bush drive in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands
The small Weenen Game Reserve covers an area of typical inland KwaZulu Natal acacia grassland, and the distant blue peaks of the Drakensberg make a pleasant backdrop. Weenen is an excellent example of how a severely degraded habitat can be successfully rehabilitated – it’s hard to believe this natural-looking place was once overgrazed farmland. It has a fair amount of common species of game; warthog, giraffe and zebra are usually quickly seen from the circuit road and numerous antelope to look out for include eland, kudu and red hartebeest. Rhino are far more elusive though; preferring their hideaways in the thickets, but birdwatchers will enjoy the bird hides overlooking the dams and may spot blue crane; South Africa’s national bird. It’s not a standalone reserve, don’t make a special effort to get here, but Weenan is a good place to enjoy a short game drive and perhaps a picnic.
Weenen Game Reserve: Peaceful Landscapes with Limited Wildlife
My visit to Weenen Game Reserve was a somewhat underwhelming experience. The reserve is small and only has a very short driving circuit. I completed the same route several times, hoping for more wildlife activity, but sightings were limited to a few giraffes in the distance, some warthogs, and a handful of eland.
I also spent some time at a hide overlooking a very scenic waterhole. Even though it was the middle of the Dry season, wildlife activity at the waterhole was minimal. During the four hours I waited, the only visitors were a single waterbuck and a lone warthog. While this was somewhat disappointing, the hide offered a peaceful environment. The scenery around the waterhole was beautiful, and the presence of numerous terrapins swimming lazily in the water added an unexpected element of interest. It was a quiet reminder that nature can still surprise in small ways, even when the larger mammals are scarce.