This was traditionally the hunting grounds of the Zulu kings. Most of the hunting now occurs in the north of the province, locally referred to as Zululand and named after Africa’s greatest warrior nation, the Zulus. The province is nestled between the warm Indian Ocean in the east and the high cliffs of the Drakensberg Mountains in the west. The tropical coastline has many protected wetlands (Lake St Lucia) and evergreen forests with an abundance of wildlife. Moving slightly inland is the world famous Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve where the White Rhino was saved from extinction in the 1950s and 60s. From this breeding nucleus White Rhinos have been reintroduced to safe havens all over Africa and zoos around the world. They may now be hunted in the province and many other areas of both South Africa and Namibia. The word Zululand conjures up some mythical images but in reality there is some good hunting to be had. Large game ranches offer wild managed Lions (not captive bred), Leopards, Buffalo, Elephant Black and White Rhino. Nyala used to be the signature species for the region with many world records taken in the Hluhluwe area. However, this is no longer the case as the species is a popular game ranching and breeding animal which has been introduced all over the country. Red Duiker, also known as the Natal Red Duiker are commonly hunted in Zululand along with the rarer Suni antelope. Due to deforestation for commercial agricultural crops much of their former habitat range has been destroyed. The Highveld region of KwaZulu-Natal, known as the Natal Midlands, without doubt offers the best Common Reedbuck hunting in the country. Other species that can be hunted there are Cape Bushbuck and even Grey Rhebuck in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains. Free-range Eland migrating between the National Parks are attracted to the green pasture crops grown by the many dairy farms during the winter months. Many of these farms grow corn and other crops that attract upland birds and waterfowl to the region. The little known semi-Bushveld transition zone between Zululand and the Midlands always seems to conjure up some monster Kudus, many of which are totally free-range. Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) and CITES permits are required for some species even with an exemption permit. All the necessary documentation details will be provided by your Outfitter. Learn more about South African hunting regulations here.