Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Overview
The oldest Proclaimed Park in Africa, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is truly incredible.
What has to be the gem of KwaZulu Natal, this Big 5 Park is situated in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal a mere 2 hours north of Durban. Easily accessed and a Must Visit while in the province of Natal.
96000 Hectares in size, rolling hills, and magical scenery. This park was established in the early 1890s as a sanctuary primarily for the last remaining Rhino's. It is this Park that initiated Save the Rhino campaign when less than 100 Rhinos roamed the planet.
Undoubtedly the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park saved the near extinction of these species.
How to Get to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
From Durban take the N2 (National Road-Toll Road) travel North for approximately 3 hours.
Gate Names:
- Nyalazi Gate (Imfolozi side) Southern side
- Memorial Gate ( Hluhluwe side) Northern side
- Cengeni Gate (Imfolozi side) Southern side
Hluhluwe & Imfolozi Park
Previously the park was divided into two separate sections namely the Hluhluwe and the Umfolozi. Today the park is one and may be accessed from either gate. The two sides do differ with the north being a bit more hilly while the south offers dense bush, grasslands, and numerous vantage points. Make no mistake a visit to either side is well worth it. We can truly assure you that you will not be disappointed.
Being a Big 5 Park (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, and Leopard), one may encounter both species of Black and White Rhino. Cheetah and Wild Dog may also be witnessed while out in the bush to mention but just a few of the magnificent wildlife species within the park.
Top Tip
- Venture into the park as early as possible when trying to spot predators as this is when they are most active.
- Watering holes and rivers make for some interesting areas to visit.
- Visit a hide, they are scattered within the park and are definitely worth it.
- Tips for identifying Birds
- Tree Species within the Park and surrounds
What Makes the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park so Appealing?
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Scenery
Magnificent Rolling Hills, meandering Rivers, Hides, and Picnic areas makes this Park a Must-See. The topography in the North is more hilly and offers some incredible vantage points from which to enjoy wildlife. The lower Imfolozi has denser bush which may make witnessing the Lions a bit more difficult.
As mentioned above travel into the Park as early as possible this truly will increase your chances of seeing the predators. The scenery within the park changes from dry to lush greenery within days after the first rains. It's a wonderland of magnificence.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Overview
Weather
Winter:
May to September
Cooler but still warm weather conditions. This is the dry season.
Summer:
October to April
Hot and humid with early or late afternoon showers. This is the wet season.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Overview
Please Don't Forget
Gate Times change according to the season for more information
Gate Fees, for the latest pricing
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Overview
Game Viewing Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
It has been years since any malaria has been recorded within the Park. There is a small risk in the wet season, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is situated within a low-risk zone. It is advisable to make use of mosquito repellents.
Game viewing in any park has a certain element of risk, abide by the regulations and the rules of the Park.
The Park is within the province of KwaZulu Natal, 300km North of Durban.
Dalbergia Armata (umHluhluwe) in Zulu which may be found in the forest vegetation.
sh-lou-sh-lou-way
From the Nyalazi Gate (Imfolozi side) to St Lucia it is 54km. St Lucia is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is South Africa's very first World Heritage site.
Absolutely yes, especially during the wet season.
Yes, numerous styles and budgets are on offer within the Park for the complete list and pricing CLICK HERE
Should you be visiting Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park then why not add St Lucia to your adventure, this little town is situated within South Africa's very first world heritage site (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) and offers a smorgasbord of activities. Did you know that Hippos still roam the streets of St Lucia, with a population of 800 Hippos its no wonder that this area has the largest free-roaming Hippo population in South Africa. Top Activity while in St Lucia is the 2hr Hippo & Croc Boat Trips.
Day Tours & Safari Options
Departing Daily. Included: Gate Fees, Breakfast, Lunch, and Refreshments.
Departing Daily. Included: Gate Fees, Breakfast, and Refreshments.
Safari Package Options
Visit: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park & iSimangaliso Wetland Park, accommodation included.
Visit: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park & iSimangaliso Wetland Park, multiple tours and safaris included.