Kruger National Park vs Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Kruger National Park -versus- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Information
Brief Information
- Size: 2 ooo ooo hectares
- Big 5: Yes
- Accommodation: Yes
- Tarred & Gravel Roads: Yes
- Hides: Yes
- Distance from Johannesburg: 4-5 Hours
- Malaria Free: No
Kruger National Park was established in 1898, and is the second oldest protected / National Park in South Africa.
Managing Authority, Sanparks
Brief Information
- Size: 96000 hectares
- Big 5: Yes
- Accommodation: Yes
- Tarred & Gravel Roads: Yes
- Hides: Yes
- Distance from Durban: 2.5 Hours
- Malaria Free: Yes
Hluhluwe Game Reserve was established in 1895, and is the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa.
Managing Authority, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Did You Know:
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is also one of the very first-established wilderness areas in the whole of Africa.
Kruger National Park -versus- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
History
Brief History
The park known as the (sabie game reserve) was first claimed in 1898, by the then president of the Transvaal Republic, Paul Kruger.
James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed as the first Warden of the park in 1 July 1902, it was still known as the Sabie Game Reserve. The Sabie Game Reserve was merged with the Shinwedzi Game Reserve in 1927 (after the proclamation of the National Parks Act) and became the Kruger National Park.
Brief History
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park formerly known as the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. Due to conservation efforts in the 50's the park know has the largest population of White Rhino's in the world.
The area was originally a royal hunting ground for the Zulu Kingdom and was officially proclaimed as a park in 1895. The Umfolozi side is situated between the two Umfolozi Rivers the Black and White. The North of the park (Hluhluwe) is more mountainous with forest and grasslands.
Kruger National Park -versus- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Wildlife
Why and What defines the African Big 5.
Hunters hunting wildlife on foot named these animals the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt. Hippos would have been part of these animals however they could not be hunted by foot and therefore these animals are commonly referred to as the African Big Five.
From 1990 all South African banknotes feature one of the Big 5.
The Big Five are: African Lion, African Leopard, Cape Buffalo, African Elephant and Rhino's.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park has the largest population of White Rhino in the World
Kruger National Park -versus- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Access Gates
Access
Gates:
Malelane Entrance Gate
Crocodile Bridge Entrance Gate
Numbi Entrance Gate
Paul Kruger Entrance Gate
Phabeni Gate
Orpen Entrance Gate
Phalaborwa Entrance Gate
Punda Maria Entrance Gate
Access
Due to Kruger National Parks mere size one has numerous access points from where one can travel. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park has only 3 access gates making it easier to navigate the entire park within a day.
Kruger National Park -versus- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Maps
Kruger National Park is situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, while the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is situated in the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa. Kruger Park is situated 4/5 hours from Kruger Park depending on which gate it is that you will access. HluhluweImfolozi Park is situated 2.5 hours from Durban.

Kruger National Park -versus- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Gate Times
Opening Gate Times:
Oct to Mar 05h30
Apr to Sep 06h00
Closing Gate Times:
Aug to Oct 18h00
Nov to Feb 18h30
Mar to Apr 18hoo
May to Jul 17h30
Crocodile Bridge Gate |
+27 (0)13 735 6012 |
Kruger Gate |
+27 (0)13 735 5107 |
Malelane Gate |
+27 (0)13 735 6152 |
Numbi Gate |
+27 (0)13 735 5133 |
Orpen Gate |
+27 (0)13 735 0237/0238 |
Pafuri Gate |
+27 (0)13 735 5574 |
Phabeni Gate |
+27 (0)13 735 5890 |
Phalaborwa Gate |
+27 (0)13 735 3547 |
Punda Maria Gate |
+27 (0)13 735 6870 |
Opening Gate Times:
Nov to May 05h00
Jun to Oct 06h00
Closing Gate Times:
Nov to May 18hoo
June to Oct17hoo
Kruger National Park -versus- Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Making Sense of it All
So how do we compare Kruger National Park to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park well its easy We Don't.
Each reserve or park is unique and has or offers something different. Kruger National Park is enormous the mere size can but only boggle the mind. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in comparison is well almost 9 times smaller. However do not be fooled these parks have varying carrying capacities of wildlife. The type of topography will greatly contribute to the amount and type of grazing available. Water, yet another factor that would contribute to wildlife stocks. Therefore it is not always the case that the larger the area the more wildlife one could expect per hectare.
Kruger offers some amazing and incredible day safari's and overnight safari packages. These outings or safari's would be area specific as this would make sense due to it's size.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park one might say is more manageable and productive when it comes to sightings due to it's size. One may enter the Nylazi Gate in the South and exit in the north at the Memorial gate
Day Safari's and Overnight Safari's are also available in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Which ever park that it is that you decide to travel too always ensure that you keep to the speed limits and please obey the parks rules.
Kruger National Park:
Pros Cons
- A splendid Park to visit Can become very busy
- Wildlife galore Sightings in other areas
- Camping is allowed Size can be daunting
- Restaurants available Travel time and distance
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park:
Pros Cons
- A magnificent Park to visit Can become busy
- Splendid Wildlife Congested sightings
- Impressive History No Camping
- Restaurant available Travel time and distance
- Close proximity heritage site (iSimangaliso)
Any wildlife Sightings remain Incredible no matter where they are

Poaching
Poaching unfortunately remains a severe problem in South Africa. Both Kruger and Hluhluwe have anti poaching units, these dedicated men and woman are inspirational. However the ongoing battle pursues on a day basis. Kruger's size makes it incredibly difficult to manage just imagine having to patrol 2000 000 hectares daily. Poaching over last few years especially targeted poaching of Rhino's has had a detrimental effect on numbers of Rhino. It is sad that the manner in which these animals are slaughtered purely for their Horns.
Please Refrain from buying any wildlife Curios.
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-Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Related Info-
Heritage Tours & Safaris
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