Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Close to the ground.

GPS: S 28 04.121 E 032 08.486| elevation 138 m/453 ft

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is the oldest nature reserve in the country and offers the best game viewing in KwaZulu-Natal. Pronounced Shloo-shloo-way Em-fo-loo-zee, it was established in 1895, and the 960 square kilometers of lush rolling hills and grassy plains of these former Royal Zulu hunting grounds offer expansive, breathtaking views. It’s not as big or as crowded as the more popular Kruger National Park, but therein lies its charm. It’s the only place in the province where you can sneak a peak at the Big 5, and it serves as an important breeding ground for white and black rhinos. It isn’t long after entering one of the three gates that you could come across zebra, buffalo, elephant, rhino, impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, crocodile or skittish giraffes. Baboons and warthogs often travel along the gravel roads traversed by self-guided drivers. The elusive lion, leopard and cheetah can be tough to find on your own, so your best bet to spot these expert hunters is with a trained guide. The park is also a birder’s paradise with over 350 species of bird found in its varied terrain.

Note that malaria is present in the park and proper precautions should be taken.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is the oldest nature reserve in the country and offers the best game viewing in KwaZulu-Natal. Pronounced Shloo-shloo-way Em-fo-loo-zee, it was established in 1895, and the 960 square kilometers of lush rolling hills and grassy plains of these former Royal Zulu hunting grounds offer expansive, breathtaking views. It's not as big or as crowded as the more popular Kruger National Park, but therein lies its charm. It's the only place in the province where you can sneak a peak at the Big 5, and it serves as an important breeding ground for white and black rhinos. It isn't long after entering one of the three gates that you could come across zebra, buffalo, elephant, rhino, impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, crocodile or skittish giraffes. Baboons and warthogs often travel along the gravel roads traversed by self-guided drivers. The elusive lion, leopard and cheetah can be tough to find on your own, so your best bet to spot these expert hunters is with a trained guide. The park is also a birder's paradise with over 350 species of bird found in its varied terrain.


The park is split into two sections, bisected by the R618 highway. Hluhluwe is the northern section marked by rugged hilly terrain and dense forests that can sometimes make viewing more of a challenge. But atop its hills you are greeted with an expansive panorama of the untamed wilderness and you may spot a watering hole visited by a variety of local animals. Imfolozi in the south is characterized by more open savannah. It can get rather cold here during the winter so make sure to pack accordingly.


Self-guided Drives

Self-Guided Drives

Self-Guided Drives are a cheap and stress-free way to experience the park. Maps that indicate main attractions, viewing sites, picnic spots and camps are available at all gates, but you'll have to ask for them.


Guided Safari Drives

Guided Safari Drives can be arranged through private tour guides or at Hilltop Camp or Mpila Camp. Open-air drives with experienced guides give you the best game-viewing experience, especially if you are on the lookout for some of the more hard-to-spot cat predators. Night drives are also available to experience the nocturnal side of the park. For an expert safari guide not associated with the large camps, call Dave at 035-562-0357 or 076-375-3831.


Centenary Centre

Centenary Centre is the base for the park's wildlife replenishment program where you can often see animals inside enclosures waiting to be transferred. There is also a small takeaway restaurant and craft shop at the Centenary Centre.


Hiking

Hiking

Hiking opportunities are available in the Imfolozi section of the park and range from short self-guided foot trails to overnight hikes. Base Trails and Bushveld Trails are a series of day hikes that set out from the Mndindini Bush Camp, which has 10 elevated luxury tents that are rustic, yet comfortable and include fully catered meals. Wilderness Trails are guided hikes that take you from one catered bush camp to another. All you have to do is carry your daypack. For the more adventurous hikers, try the Primitive Trail to really experience nature. After a long day of traversing the untamed wilderness, you'll set up camp and sleep under the stars. Hikers take turns keeping watch at night. All guided trails are arranged through the Mpila Camp (S 28 18.698 E 031 51.686, iMfolozi).


Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Headquarters

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Headquarters manages all bookings for accommodation within the reserve and you must book in advance through them. For campsites or reservations with less than 48 hours notice you can try your luck directly with the camps. Note that the park entrance fee must be paid at the gate and is in addition to the accommodation fee.


Hluhluwe Backpackers

Hluhluwe Backpackers is a rustic travelers lodge just 1.5 km outside of the park near the Memorial Gate entrance and is the only real budget option. The fire pit burns almost every night of the week and drinks and music flow freely. Dave, your host, is an expert guide and runs open-vehicle safaris as well as cultural tours and trips to St Lucia Wetlands. To get there, take the Hluhluwe/Sodwana exit off the N2 and turn left at the stop sign. Drive approximately 8 km until you see Dave's on the left. If you hit the gate, you've gone too far.


Hilltop Camp

Hilltop Camp is the largest of the camps and lodges in the park and the one most geared towards tourists. With over fifty luxury rondavels and chalets, some of which are self-catering, this high-end camp is teeming with people and activity. The main building has a large dining room and bar with expansive views of the park that seem to go for miles. There is also a full curio shop, and guides are available for safaris, night drives and day hikes.


Munyawaneni Bush Lodge

Munyawaneni Bush Lodge is situated where the Munyawaneni Stream meets the Hluhluwe River. The refined yet rustic 4 bedroom lodge is set among the trees, offers excellent game viewing, and their onsite chef is top-notch. The private lodge is only rented as a whole in order to afford its guests ultimate privacy and tranquility.


Muntulu Bush Lodge

Muntulu Bush Lodge has four two-bed chalets linked to a central lounge area by wooden walkways overlooking the Hluhluwe River. Like Munyawaneni, the lodge is rented as a whole for privacy and comes with an onsite chef and ranger.


Mpila Camp

Mpila Camp is located in the heart of the Imfolozi section of the park. They have a variety of accommodation options including 7-bed cottages, 5 or 2-bed chalets, and 4-bed rest huts. But the most attractive and unique options are the safari camps, complete with tented bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, all linked together by a boardwalk.


Gqoyeni Bush Lodge

Gqoyeni Bush Lodge is a true bush lodge with four 2-bed units elevated on stilts overlooking the Black Imfolozi River. A boardwalk connects the units. Viewing game from the balcony of this secluded, private lodge is superb.


Masinda Lodge

Masinda Lodge is a recently renovated, large thatched roof private lodge with three en suite rooms. It's more of a big house than a bush lodge, but the high ceilings and spacious living area is great for a family or close group of friends.


Unless otherwise noted, all bush camps and lodges located within the park are self-catering, except for Hilltop Camp, which has a restaurant. Although you will have to bring in your own food and drink, each lodge has an onsite chef who can take care of food preparation.


Mpunyane Restaurant

Mpunyane Restaurant is located at the Hilltop Camp and is the only restaurant in the park. It's open to guests and visitors alike. Most meals are buffet-style and can be rather pricey, but the dining room and bar have a great view.


Centenary Centre

Centenary Centre has a small takeaway restaurant and craft shop beside the enclosures for animals in transit.


Mpunyane Restaurant

Mpunyane Restaurant is located at the Hilltop Camp and is the only restaurant in the park. It's open to guests and visitors alike. Most meals are buffet-style and can be rather pricey, but the dining room and bar have a great view.


Centenary Centre

Centenary Centre has a small takeaway restaurant and craft shop beside the enclosures for animals in transit.