Weenen Game Reserve

A 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.