HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE
Set in the heart of Zululand, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is the oldest game reserve in Africa where the Zulu kings Dingiswayo and the legendary Shaka hunted and set up the first conservation laws. The park is the birthplace of rhino conservation, breeding the species back from extinction (less than 20 white rhinos worldwide in 1900 to more than 10,000 today). The safaris here are every bit as good as around Kruger, yet at a much lower cost.
Wildlife
The reserve is also home to the four other species of the 'Big Five' - lion, leopard, African buffalo, and elephant. There are also cheetahs, giraffes, blue wildebeest, impalas, zebras, kudus, hippos, crocs, and the very rare (and difficult to spot) African wild dog, and over 300 bird species.
How to safari
Guided driving and walking safaris (of varying lengths) with armed rangers are possible, and experiencing the African bush on foot is truly extraordinary. You can self-drive around the park during daylight, or go on guided game drives by day or by night in special game-viewing vehicles.
Accommodation
Inside the reserve there are three excellent lodge, Rhino Ridge, Mthembu Lodge and Biyela Lodge, plus a limited selection of accommodation for self-drivers run by Ezemvelo, the provincial wildlife management authority.
Outside the reserve the best option is Hluhluwe River Lodge, 25 minutes from the park gate in a pristine woodland environment. The best budget option is the Anew Hluhluwe Hotel, 15 minutes from the gate. From both lodges, we arrange half-day and full-day game drives in open-sided game viewers in the reserve with experienced guides.
How to get there
We can arrange road transfers and hire cars from Durban airport or anywhere in Kwazulu Natal.
Wildlife
The reserve is also home to the four other species of the 'Big Five' - lion, leopard, African buffalo, and elephant. There are also cheetahs, giraffes, blue wildebeest, impalas, zebras, kudus, hippos, crocs, and the very rare (and difficult to spot) African wild dog, and over 300 bird species.
How to safari
Guided driving and walking safaris (of varying lengths) with armed rangers are possible, and experiencing the African bush on foot is truly extraordinary. You can self-drive around the park during daylight, or go on guided game drives by day or by night in special game-viewing vehicles.
Accommodation
Inside the reserve there are three excellent lodge, Rhino Ridge, Mthembu Lodge and Biyela Lodge, plus a limited selection of accommodation for self-drivers run by Ezemvelo, the provincial wildlife management authority.
Outside the reserve the best option is Hluhluwe River Lodge, 25 minutes from the park gate in a pristine woodland environment. The best budget option is the Anew Hluhluwe Hotel, 15 minutes from the gate. From both lodges, we arrange half-day and full-day game drives in open-sided game viewers in the reserve with experienced guides.
How to get there
We can arrange road transfers and hire cars from Durban airport or anywhere in Kwazulu Natal.
where to stay...
From our many visits to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, we have first-hand knowledge of the lodges and below you can find the ones we most commonly use. Those lodges include mainly our favourites sorted from low-key to deluxe, which are usually smaller lodges with very personalised service, but also some bigger places, if they are the best or only option available. Open, close, then open each tab again to display the images fully.
inside the park
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outside the park
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KwaZulu Natal SAFARI ITINERARIES
Below you can find safari itineraries in three price ranges with images of the different lodges in them. But these lists are by no means exhaustive. For bespoke itineraries, please contact us directly to discuss your project.
