Hluhluwe Tourist Attractions
Hluhluwe Tourist Attractions
Hluhluwe is a small town located in east coast KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa, right on the banks of the Hluhluwe River. The town is said to be named after Dalbergia armata (umHluhluwe in IsiZulu.). Besides being the home to the late Zulu Kings, Dingiswayo and Shaka, the area is also well known for its national parks, cultural heritage, and natural diversity which has made it a major part of the KwaZulu-Natal tourism scene. Now that you know a little about this place. The questions probably popping through your head are: Where to go? What to do? What to see? Well, here are some top attractions in and around the Hluhluwe area:
Top Hluhluwe Tourist Attractions
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
This game park was established in 1895 is cited as the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and the only park in KwaZulu-Natal under formal conversation (Hluhluwe Park History). The game park is full of experiences that are sure to make your visit worthwhile. It is one of only a handful of game parks where one will be almost guaranteed a chance to spot the famous South African Big Five (leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and lion). The Park is also very popular for its birdlife with approximately 300 different bird species calling the park home and a wide variety of fauna and flora.
- Fun fact about this park? It has the highest population of both white and black rhino in South Africa.
- The Park offers game drives, guided trips on a boat on the Hluhluwe dam, and guided walks.
This attraction offers a two-hour-long, close, and personal crocodile and snake experience. This experience includes demonstrations and talks by guides at the park, watching the crocodiles get fed, and being able to interact with the snakes (including the deadly puff adder).
DumaZulu Traditional Village
- The cultural village exposes its guests to the deep and vibrate Zulu culture and their way of life and communicating. Watch members of the community come together to put on shows of traditional dancing while sipping on traditional beer known as Umqombothi and eating a hearty traditional meal.
- The members of the community also make eco-friendly products and products to sell!
Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre
- The rehabilitation is located just outside the town of Hluhluwe on Emdoneni Lodge and Game Farm. It is the only wild cat rehabilitation centre in the Zululand area of KwaZulu-Natal. The Centre takes in orphaned or injured wild cats such as cheetahs and lynx where they then rehabilitate them and release them back into their natural habitat once they ready.
- The Centre has educational tours that include a feeding experience.
Hluhluwe Horse Safari’s
- If you are pumping with adrenaline or keen to experience the South African wildlife in a different, adventurous way then this is the experience for you. Experienced and qualified guides at the Hluhluwe Horse Safari take you through to the False Bay park where you will have views of the False Bay Lake, sand forest and of course some wildlife.
Hluhluwe Pineapple Tours
- The small town that now produces approximately 90% of the fresh pineapples of South Africa is the new pineapple capital of the country. The area grows the popular Queen Pineapple. The 90- minute tour at Badenhorst Farm includes information about the labor-intensive farming process, fresh pineapple juice tasting, and pineapple samples
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
- Cited as one of the most biodiverse parks in the world, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park a dream for any nature lover. The Park is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. It is estimated the there are over 500 South African bird species that can be found at the Park, including pelicans, herons, and the Madagascar Fish Eagle. It is here where you will also find South Africa’s largest population of hippos that live alongside giraffe, buffalo, kudu, and elephants. Book a boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary or a Guided Safari to experience these incredible wonders.
Elephant Interaction at Bayete Zulu
- This game reserve may be quite the drive out of Hluhluwe but opportunity to mingle with some elephants is definitely worth the trip. Bayete Zulu offers an educational experience about elephants while you closely interact with some of their elephants, Rambo, Rachel, and Jabulani. The experience included getting a chance to feed them as well as touching their tusks, legs, ears, and even their tongues!
Sodwana Bay
- If the beach waves and sands are calling your name then your experience list should include a day trip to this bay. The tiny town is found between St Lucia and Lake Sibhayi is filled with activities such as angling, scuba diving, snorkeling, or just for a simple day at the beach.
