Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park – South Africa’s Oldest Big Five Reserve

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📍 Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

🦏 Famous for: Rhino Conservation, Big Five Safaris, Scenic Landscapes

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and one of South Africa’s premier Big Five safari destinations. Located in KwaZulu-Natal, it covers 96,000 hectares of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests. The park is world-famous for its successful white rhino conservation efforts and offers excellent self-drive and guided safaris.

 

🌿 Why Visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park?

✔️ Home to the Big Five – Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
✔️ World-Renowned Rhino Conservation – Saved the white rhino from extinction.
✔️ Stunning Landscapes – Rolling hills, rivers, and dense bushveld.
✔️ Excellent Self-Drive Safari Destination – Good road network for private visitors.
✔️ Affordable & Less Crowded – Great alternative to Kruger National Park.
✔️ Boat Safaris & Birdwatching – Unique river cruises with amazing wildlife.

🐘 Wildlife & Safari Experience

 

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is one of the best places in Africa to see rhinos. It is home to over 1,500 white rhinos and a strong population of black rhinos.

🔎 Key Wildlife Sightings

• 🦏 White & Black Rhinos – Largest population in Africa.

• 🦁 Lions – Best seen in the iMfolozi section.

• 🐆 Leopards – More elusive, but often spotted near rivers.

• 🐘 Elephants – Large herds roam throughout the park.

• 🐃 Buffalos – Frequently seen near water sources.

• 🦓 Plains Game – Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, kudu, nyala, and impalas.

• 🦅 Birdlife – Over 340 bird species, including fish eagles and kingfishers.

👉 Best Time for Wildlife Viewing: May – September (Dry Season) when animals gather at waterholes.

 

🛏️ Where to Stay – Lodges & Camps in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi

Luxury Safari Lodges

1. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge 🦏

⭐ Best for: Luxury & Private Big Five Safaris

• 5-star lodge inside the park with stunning views.

• Guided open-vehicle game drives & bush walks.

• Luxury suites with private decks & pools.

• All-inclusive rates: From ZAR 6,500 per person per night.

2. Leopard Mountain Lodge 🐆

⭐ Best for: Romantic Getaways & Exclusive Safaris

• 5-star lodge in a private reserve near the park.

• Luxurious chalets with plunge pools.

• Big Five game drives & bush dinners.

• Rates: From ZAR 7,500 per person per night.

 

Mid-Range & Self-Catering Options

3. Hilltop Camp 🌄

⭐ Best for: Affordable Family Safari & Self-Drive Visitors

• Main lodge inside the park with chalets & restaurant.

• Self-drive safaris or guided game drives available.

• Rates: From ZAR 1,200 per night (self-catering).

4. Mpila Camp ⛺

⭐ Best for: Bush Camping & Self-Drive Safari

• Self-catering chalets & safari tents.

• Located in the iMfolozi section (best for lions & wild dogs).

• Rates: From ZAR 900 per night (budget-friendly).

 

🚗 How to Get to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

📍 Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport (Durban).

🚗 Self-Drive:

• From Durban: 2.5-hour drive (250 km) via N2 Highway.

• From Johannesburg: 6-7 hours by road.

🚐 Guided Transfers & Safari Packages – Available from Durban & St Lucia.

 

📅 Best Time to Visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Season                                              Best For

May – September (Dry Season)    Best wildlife viewing (animals gather at waterholes). Cool temperatures.

October – April (Wet Season)        Lush scenery, baby animals, excellent birdwatching.

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🌟 Tip: Avoid peak rainy months (January-February) for better game drives.

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🎯 Safari Activities in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

✅ Big Five Game Drives – Self-drive or guided safaris.
✅ Guided Walking Safaris – Track rhinos and elephants on foot!
✅ Boat Safari on the Hluhluwe Dam – See hippos & crocodiles up close.
✅ Birdwatching Safaris – Over 340 species in the park.
✅ Cultural Tours – Visit Zulu villages & learn about local traditions.

💰 Entry Fees & Costs

 

💵 Park Entry Fees (Daily Rate per Person):

• International Visitors: ZAR 280 per adult, ZAR 140 per child.

• South African Citizens: ZAR 120 per adult, ZAR 60 per child.

🚙 Self-Drive Safari: Free with your own vehicle (good roads).

🚗 Guided Game Drive:

• Half-Day (3 hours): ZAR 600 – 1,000 per person.

• Full-Day (6 hours): ZAR 1,500 per person.

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🌍 Why Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is Unique

• 🏆 Oldest Game Reserve in Africa (Established in 1895).

• 🦏 Home of White Rhino Conservation – Helped save the species from extinction.

• 🚗 Perfect for Self-Drive Safaris – Easy to explore on your own.

• 🌅 Breathtaking Views – Rolling hills & river valleys unlike flat savannas.

• 🐆 Less Crowded than Kruger – More exclusive wildlife experiences.

 

Would you like help planning a trip to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park? 😊

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Formerly known as the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve now the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. The park is the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. 96000 hectares in size (960 square kilometers) that's the same size as Netherlands Antilles while Hong Kong is 1104 square kilometers. Officially opened in 1895 as a Park. 

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is the only state run park in Kwazulu Natal that is home to the African Big 5. The park is world re known for its conservation efforts and history. The Umfolozi was previously used as King Shaka's private hunting grounds. The conservation efforts have contributed to this park having the largest population of White Rhino in the world.