wild animal sanctuary in northern KwaZulu/Natal province, South Africa. The reserve lies southwest of the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, about 35 miles (56 km) inland from the Indian Ocean. It was established in 1897 and has an area of 185 square miles (478 square km). A wooded savanna area with thorn trees, it is the habitat of rare white rhinoceroses, as well as black rhinoceroses, assorted species of antelope, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and numerous birds.