Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe
The nature conservation authority of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, manages the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi-Park. The park, despite its size and significant game populations, does not have the status of a South African national park.
South Africa’s oldest wildlife reserve is located approx. 300 km north of Durban in the northern part of Kwazulu-Natal, with a size of roughly 960 km2. The full name is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi-Park and was founded in 1895 as two separated parks Hluhluwe & iMfolozi, as the population of the animals was threatened by excessive hunting. Both names are related to two rivers that flow through the national park.
The Big Five are also represented in the park, as are cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes and nyalas.
Why Hluhluwe?
In comparison with South Africa’s most popular Kruger national park, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi-Park is way smaller, but less traffic makes the park more appealing for a relaxed and adventurous Safari.
Besides that, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi-Park is in terms of Wildlife observation opportunities on the same page as the Kruger national park.
Moreover, the close proximity to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park enhances the attractiveness of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi-Park, as the opportunity exists to see the Big7 (Whales & Sharks).
The diverse vegetation in the park provides a habitat for many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Hluhluwe and the Rhinos
In the 1960s, the KwaZulu Nature Conservation Service conducted an operation called Operation Rhino because the population of the white rhino (Ceratotherium simium) was threatened with extinction, with Imfolozi being the last known occurrence in the wild worldwide.
During the operation, specimens were captured and sent all over the world to different zoos & reserves, resulting in the recovery of the global population. Similar efforts are executed with the black rhino (Diceros bicornis).
The diverse vegetation in the park provides a habitat for many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Accommodations
In Hluhluwe, visitors can choose from luxury lodges, cozy chalets, and self-catering units, many of which are nestled amidst lush landscapes and provide stunning views of the park’s wildlife. Options such as Hilltop Camp and Mpila Camp are popular for their comfortable facilities and proximity to game-viewing areas.
Find out what fits you best. We are here to assist you.
