Hluhluwe Accommodation- Hilltop Camp Mpila Camp & Nselweni Bush Camp— 2026 Prices
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Accommodation — Quick Answers
What accommodation is available inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve?
There are three main camps: Hilltop Camp (fenced, restaurant, pool — Hluhluwe section), Mpila Camp (unfenced, self-catering only — iMfolozi section), and Nselweni Bush Camp (riverside self-catering chalets — iMfolozi section). Options range from budget rondavels to luxury exclusive bush lodges. All accommodation is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
How much does it cost to stay at Hilltop Camp in 2026?
2026 rates at Hilltop Camp: Rondavels from R1,472/night (2 people sharing) · 2-Bed chalet from R3,164/night · 4-Bed self-catering chalet from R6,328/night. Rates are higher in peak season and school holidays. A daily conservation levy also applies: R240 per adult for international visitors, R120 for South Africans.
Is Hilltop Camp safe for families and small children?
Yes. Hilltop Camp is the only fully fenced camp in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park — safe to walk between chalets, the restaurant, shop and bar at any hour. There is also a children's playground. Mpila Camp and Nselweni are not fenced and require greater caution, particularly at night.
What are the park gate times?
November–February: 05h00–19h00 · March–October: 06h00–18h00. Gate times are strictly enforced — no exceptions. Late arrivals pay R500/vehicle and must be escorted from the gate (19h00–22h00 only).
Excited To Experience The Big5? Here's A Perfect Option, Nestled In The Wild Bush-veld Of The Kwazulu-Natal Region Of South Africa
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve Offers These Great Safari Camps
The 3 most popular Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game reserve camps are,
Hilltop Camp & Mpila Camp & also the rustic Nselweni Bush Camp.
Hluhluwe game reserve's main Accommodation Is at Hilltop Camp, its more like a small resort.
Imfolozi game reserve's main Accommodation Is Mpila camp and Nselweni Bush Camp Imfolozi is more rustic and all self cater.
The Park is split into 2 sides basically North & South,
It use to be 2 separate parks, but made into one big game reserve in early 1900s.
Hilltop Is located in Hluhluwe Game Reserve & Mpila Camp & Nselweni are Located in South Imfolozi Game Reserve, the southern part of the 2 parks that make one Big 5 game reserve.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi-Park Is One Of The First Proclaimed Big 5 wildlife sanctuaries In Africa. In the Kwa-Zulu Natal Region Of South Africa... Its A Big5 Game Reserve, Made Partly famous by Dr. Players' Rhino conservation work & The great Zulu Kings...
In A Hurry? Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve Accommodation
- 2 Bed Chalets — self-catering & non self-catering
- 4 Bed Chalets — self-catering
- 2 Bed Budget Rondavels
- 8 Bed Mtwazi Lodge — self-catering
- 2 Bed Chalet — self-catering
- 2 Bed Safari Tent — self-catering
- 4 Bed Safari Tent — self-catering
- 5 Bed Chalet — self-catering
- 2 Bed Chalets — self-catering (river & bush view options)
Park Activities: 3hr Game Drives — no children under 6 years 3hr Safari Walks — no children under 16 years
Dr. Ian Player and his team
Brought back the Rhino, and helped many other animals around the world, from near extinction in the 30s ...60s..
A Historic South African Wildlife Area, Kwazulu Natal..
This land is old. The Culture Is Rich. & The Accommodation is rustic, Earthy.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Has The Feeling Of Old Africa, going back in time. Travelers love the rustic accommodation because of its dated style. Adds to the Adventure and some of the true flavors of Africa...
Hluhluwe - Hilltop Camp Photos
Hilltop Camp
No airport shuttle — self-drive or hire car essential.
Dense Hluhluwe terrain favours elephant, rhino and leopard year-round. Kudu bulls browse the security fence at dusk. 340+ bird species — black eagle, martial eagle and bateleur ride thermals above the restaurant deck. Purple-crested turaco in the riverine forest below camp.
SA Residents: R120 adult · R60 child
Gate fee waived for all overnight guests.
Hluhluwe 4 Bed Chalet Self-cater
Hluhluwe 2 Bed Self-cater
Hluhluwe 2 Bed Non Self-cater
Hluhluwe 2 Bed Rondavels
4 Bed Chalet
2 Bed-Chalet
2 Bed Rondavels
Hilltop Camp — Commonly Asked Questions
What facilities does Hilltop Camp have?
Hilltop is the most developed camp in the park. Facilities include a full restaurant (Mpunyane), a fully licensed bar with a large game-viewing deck overlooking the Black Umfolozi River valley, a swimming pool, curio shop, basic food supplies store, fuel (unleaded petrol and diesel), laundry service, and a children's playground. All guests — regardless of accommodation type — can use all facilities. The camp is fully fenced.
What is included in a Hilltop self-catering chalet?
All Hilltop self-catering chalets include: fully equipped kitchen (stove, microwave, fridge, kettle), cutlery and crockery, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, linen and towels, TV with DSTV, Wi-Fi, outdoor braai/barbecue, deck, wardrobe, and lounge/dining area. The 2-bed chalet has 2 single beds with a pull-out couch for a child; the 4-bed has 2 bedrooms with 4 single beds. Note: no air conditioning — fans only. The park keeps a low environmental footprint.
What is a Hilltop rondavel and is it good value?
Rondavels are small, traditional round thatched huts — the most budget-friendly option at Hilltop from R1,472 per night. They are communal, meaning guests share the kitchen and ablution facilities with other rondavel guests. They do not have private braais but guests can use the communal fire. All Hilltop facilities (restaurant, pool, bar) remain available to rondavel guests. A great option if you plan to use the restaurant and just need a comfortable bed.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Map
Mtwazi 8 Bed Luxury Lodges Hluhluwe-Hilltop
Imfolozi Game Reserve Accommodation
Mpila bit more rustic than Hilltop. It's all self-cater.
There is no restaurant. the camp is not fenced. There is a small basic shop if you forget milk bread charcoal etc...
But please keep in mind the shop is basic and can run out of supplies.
It's really best to shop for food and drink on your way. They do sell wood so that's covered.
Offering SELF CATER ONLY
They are self-catering.. You can take a guided safari walk, and game drives which are booked when you check-in.
And you can always do your own game drives as well. This gives you more time to enjoy and slow down a bit, less distraction by others ..
Mpila Camp
No airport shuttle — self-drive or hire car essential.
Open iMfolozi thornveld delivers excellent lion and rhino sightings. Wild dog packs are resident and seen more frequently here than in the Hluhluwe section. Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and nyala also common. 340+ bird species including African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork and woolly-necked stork along the Black and White iMfolozi rivers.
SA Residents: R120 adult · R60 child
Gate fee waived for all overnight guests.
Mpila Camp — Commonly Asked Questions
Is Mpila Camp suitable for first-time safari visitors?
Mpila is brilliant for those who want raw, immersive wilderness — but it is better suited to experienced bush travellers. The camp is not fenced, the shop is basic, and there is no restaurant. You must self-cater and stock up on food, water, and supplies before entering the park. That said, Mpila's game viewing is exceptional and the unfenced setting means wildlife can wander through camp — an authentic experience you won't forget.
What is the difference between a Mpila safari tent and a chalet?
Both are self-catering with en-suite bathrooms, full kitchens, bedding and linen — but the safari tents give a more canvas-and-bush feel while remaining fully equipped. The 2-bed safari tent and 2-bed chalet are the same price (from R994 per person per night). Larger groups can opt for the 5-bed chalet (from R1,073 pp) or the 7-bed chalet (from R1,130 pp). All units have braai pits.
What should I bring to Mpila Camp that I won't find there?
Shop on your way — don't rely on the camp shop for a full food supply. Bring all your groceries, drinking water, braai wood or charcoal (wood is sometimes available at the shop), insect repellent, a good torch/headlamp, and a first aid kit. Phone reception is minimal. A camera with a long, fast lens is essential — the game viewing here rivals any reserve in Africa.
2-Bed-Chalets
2-Bed-Safari-Tent
4-Bed-Safari-Tent
5-Bed-Chalets
7-Bed-Chalets
Nselweni Bush Camp
No airport shuttle — self-drive or hire car essential.
Elephant, rhino and lion move along the Black uMfolozi River and are regularly visible from camp. The camp is fenced for elephant only — all other wildlife moves freely around the units. Outstanding riverine birding: African finfoot, white-backed night heron, malachite kingfisher, goliath heron and African fish eagle.
SA Residents: R120 adult · R60 child
Gate fee waived for all overnight guests.
Semi Riverview — R2,880 per night for 2 adults
No Riverview — R2,700 per night for 2 adults
All units are 2-bed self-catering chalets with full kitchen and en-suite. Cook provided for group bookings of 5–8 units. Minimum charge for 2 adults per unit.
2-Bed-Full-Riverview
2-Bed-Semi-Riverview
2-Bed-No-Riverview
Nselweni Bush Camp — Commonly Asked Questions
What makes Nselweni Bush Camp different from Mpila?
Nselweni is smaller and more remote than Mpila — a true bush camp on the river with outstanding game and bird life along the waterway.
All three unit types are 2-bed self-catering chalets, priced according to their river view: full Riverview from R3,000/night, semi-Riverview from R2,880, or Bush view from R2,700. It is unfenced and best suited to experienced bush visitors.
Is Nselweni worth the extra cost for a river view unit?
For wildlife photographers and birders — absolutely yes. The full Riverview units offer direct sightlines to the water where game comes to drink, especially at dawn and dusk. The R300 difference between no-view and full-view is minimal for what you gain in photographic opportunity and atmosphere.
Incredable Moments Captured On Safari In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe Game Reserve Accommodation Map
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Entrance Fee
Day Use & Over Night pay an Entrance Fee: R240pp Int
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park: Conservation Fee: Overnight Visitors: And day use a Conservation Levy of R240 per adult and R120 per child under 12 years will be charged. South African a discount fee, (R120 per person per day and R60 per child)
Imfolozi Facilities & Service
Hilltop Camp Facilities & Services
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Accommodation FAQ
All questions answered in full — from pricing and park rules to game drives and the best time to visit.
What are the 2026 prices at Hilltop Camp?
Rondavels (2-bed, communal facilities): from R1,472 per night (2 people sharing). 2-Bed self-catering chalet: from R3,164 per night. 2-Bed non self-catering chalet (meals at restaurant): from R3,164 per night. 4-Bed self-catering chalet: from R6,328 per night. 8-Bed Mthwazi Luxury Lodge: from R10,800 per night for 8 adults (exclusive use). Rates increase during peak season and school holidays.
What are the 2026 prices at Mpila Camp?
All self-catering: 2-Bed safari tent from R994 pp/night. 4-Bed safari tent from R994 pp/night. 2-Bed chalet from R1,062 pp/night. 5-Bed chalet from R1,073 pp/night. 7-Bed chalet from R1,130 pp/night.
What are the 2026 prices at Nselweni Bush Camp?
All 2-bed self-catering: No riverview from R2,700/night. Semi-riverview from R2,880/night. Full riverview from R3,000/night.
What is the park conservation levy / entrance fee?
International visitors: R240 per adult per day, R120 per child under 12. South African citizens: R120 per adult, R60 per child (50% discount). Overnight guests have their gate entrance fee waived — only the conservation levy applies. The Wild Card pass does not cover overnight conservation levies.
What are the park gate entry and exit times?
November to February: 05h00–19h00. March to October: 06h00–18h00. Gate times are strictly enforced with no exceptions. Late arrivals pay R500 per vehicle and must be escorted from the gate between 19h00 and 22h00 only.
Can we do self-drive safaris in our own vehicle?
Yes — self-drive safaris are permitted daily between gate opening and closing times. Any age passenger is permitted in your own vehicle, including children under 6 who are not allowed on guided open-vehicle game drives.
Can we pre-book guided game drives and safari walks?
No — all guided activities are booked at check-in on a first-come, first-served basis unless you have a package deal. Prices: guided 3-hour game drive R420 per adult, R250 for children aged 6–13 (no children under 6). Guided 3-hour safari walk R510 per adult, half price for children, no children under 16.
Can we reserve a specific chalet or unit?
No. Unit allocation is first-come, first-served within your booked accommodation type. Book early — Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is frequently fully booked during South African school holidays and peak dry season (June–August).
Do all units have en-suite bathrooms?
Yes — all chalets and safari tents at Hilltop and Mpila have en-suite bathrooms. Hilltop rondavels are the exception: they have communal shared kitchen and ablution facilities.
Are there braais at all accommodation?
Braai facilities are available at self-catering units only. Non self-catering chalets and rondavels do not have private braais. Firewood is available for purchase at camp shops.
Is there a restaurant at the camps?
Only at Hilltop Camp (Hluhluwe section). Hilltop has a full restaurant, fully licenced bar, and a spectacular game-viewing deck overlooking the Black Umfolozi River. Mpila, Nselweni and all other iMfolozi camps are self-catering only with no restaurant on site.
Is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi a malaria area?
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is classified as a low-risk malaria area. All visitors are strongly advised to consult their doctor or travel clinic before visiting regarding malaria precautions appropriate to their travel dates.
How long is the drive from Durban?
Approximately 3–4 hours from Durban via the N2 heading north. Allow at least 4–5 hours to be safe — gate closing times are strictly enforced with no exceptions. Hilltop Camp (Memorial Gate) is roughly 236 km from Durban.
Does a Wild Card pass cover the overnight conservation levy?
No. The Wild Card only covers the standard gate entrance fee for day visits. Overnight guests are exempt from the gate fee but must pay the daily conservation levy (R240 international / R120 South African per adult). The Wild Card does not apply to this levy.
What is the minimum age for children on game drives?
Minimum age for guided game drives in open vehicles is 6 years old. For guided safari walks the minimum is 13 years (some walks require 16). Children of any age may accompany adults on self-drive safaris in your own vehicle.
When is the best time of year to visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi?
June, July, August (Peak dry season): Best Big 5 game viewing — vegetation thins, animals concentrate around water. April, May, September, October: Excellent — active wildlife, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds. November–March (wet season):
Lush scenery and superb birding, but denser bush makes game harder to spot. The park covers 96,000 hectares and was established in 1895 — the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa.
About This Guide & Who Is Behind It
This accommodation guide for Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is written and maintained by the team at Heritage Tours & Safaris — a multi-award-winning Big 5 safari specialist with over 30 years on the ground in St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. We specialise in tailor-made boutique safaris, small group Big 5 safaris, and eco-cultural tours — crafted around you, not a bus schedule.
Our founder has spent over 40 years working in the wildlife, safari, and overlanding industry — adventuring and driving trucks across Africa, sailing, and working as a published wildlife and nature photographer for four decades. Heritage Tours & Safaris has been based in St Lucia and the greater Hluhluwe-iMfolozi region for over 30 years, facilitating Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife accommodation bookings for over 16 years and running Big 5 safaris from St Lucia for 13–14 years.
Heritage Tours & Safaris is a multi-award-winning safari company, consistently rated in the Top 5 safari operators on TripAdvisor and Facebook — year after year. These ratings come from real travellers who have experienced the safaris, the accommodation bookings, and the service first-hand. We are proud of every review.
This is not a generic travel aggregator — it is on-the-ground, lived-in knowledge. Every price, gate time, and practical detail on this page comes from direct, ongoing experience with the reserve, its camps, and its wildlife. We update this page regularly to keep it accurate for the year ahead.
Heritage Tours & Safaris — St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa