A pleasant bush drive in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands
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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.