Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

Oldest Proclaimed Game Park

Did you know that the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve is the oldest proclaimed game park in Africa.

Once Used as Hunting Ground

The Umfolozi Game Reserve, was once used as the Private Hunting Grounds bu King Shaka (Zulu King).

Rhino's Near Extinction

When less than 100 Rhino's roamed the Planet it was the Umfolozi that saved them from near extinction. 

Part of the Hluhluwe Big 5 Game Reserve

The Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve is situated to the South while the Hluhluwe Game Reserve is situated in the North. Combined size is 9600 hectares.

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve Quick Facts

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve Animals

Oldest Proclaimed Game Park

Game Capture Techniques initiated in the Umfolozi in the early 60's are still utilized till this day. For more visit the Centenary Centre in the Umfolozi section. The Hluhluwe and the Umfolozi was primarily established to protect the White Rhino's.

Once Used as Hunting Ground

The Umfolozi Big 5 Game Park, still has numerous signs of stone age settlements. It was established as a park in 1895. The park has always been a haven for animals and fortunately for the  tsetse flies , which protected the area from hunters during the colonial era. 

Rhino's Near Extinction

The Umfolozi Game Reserve is home to the African Big 5 wildlife (Black Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Elephant). The Umfolozi is ideal for viewing the numerous types of animals found within the area. For the full List of Animals Click Here .

Part of the Hluhluwe Big 5 Game Reserve

The Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve not only offers the amazing BIG 5 but also offers one the possibility of witnessing Cheetah and Wild Dogs in the lower Umfolozi. Ideal conditions exist in the Umfolozi for witnessing these animals due to larger open spaces perfect for Cheetah and Wild Dogs. 

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve Gates (Access)

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve Accommodation

Oldest Proclaimed Game Park

One may access the Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve via two gates (Access Gates).

Nyalazi Gate and the Cengeni Gate

Rhino's Near Extinction

The Umfolozi Game Reserve offers some superb Rondavel and tented camp style accommodation 

For the Full List Click Here

What makes the Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve so Incredible

Well for one the Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve is part of the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Making this park the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. 96000 hectares in size and open to the public. Please note that the Umfolozi Game Reserve is not a private game reserve. Wonderful and Incredible wildlife in abundance makes for some incredible self drive or organised safari trips. Venturing into this amazing Big 5 Game Reserve will keep you on the edge of your seat. One truly never knows whats around the very next corner and with so many varieties of animals one is in for a real treat. As in any reserve one must always try and access it as early as possible as this is when all of the predators are most active and you too stand a better chance of seeing them. On arrival at the Nyalazi Gate it is advisable to purchase a Map. These maps indicate all relevant roads (gravel and tarred surfaces). Hides, loop roads and wildlife that one may see while in the Park. Please do take note that the gate times do vary according to season and one may be liable for a fine should you depart late.

It is our advice that once you arrive at the Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve that you travel towards Sontuli Loop. The area that you will pass includes the Black Umfolozi River a great area for animals, continue on towards Mpila Camp (Fuel and shop). From Mpila continue too Sonthuli this area is incredible for wild dogs and cheetah.

Picnic areas are not fenced and therefore caution must be taken. Braai stands are also available should you have the time to sit and relax for a bit.

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

Drive through park was exciting. Being able to come across rhinos, crocs, buffalo and have elephant charge at us was more that we expected. We loved being able to watch the baby elephants moving along with the rest of the herd.

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

Christopher

Review

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

I have visited here several times, it is my "Happy Place" this time round we saw lots of game, including wild dogs !!

clients on safari

Chazz

Review

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve Safaris

heritage tours and safarisHeritage Tours & Safaris offers Big 5 Safaris into the world acclaimed Umfolozi Game Big 5 Reserve. Departing daily the rangers will take you deep into the bush. This is the ideal time to sit back and relax while without wasting time getting to the best areas within the reserve. All Big 5 Safaris are conducted in Open Game Drive Safari Vehicles, with unparalleled views and safety in mind enjoy the most fascinating information from your personal rangers. Options include Half Day Big 5 Safaris and Full Day Big 5 Safaris. All Safaris include catering and Conservation Levies.

first photographic course held may 2017 hluhluwe-imfolozi park

Bheki

Ranger

zululand game reserve overnight deals

Zayne

Ranger

IMG-20170203-WA0021

Theo

Ranger

jons blog

Jonathan

Head Ranger

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

My parents and I had a terrific safari with Senzo at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi! He was very knowledgeable, and pointed out things other than just the animals. We had breakfast with Rhinos in the distance and then found an entire pride of lions! It was an amazing experience all around!

Tripadvisor Reviews

Review

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

Went on two drives, one full day and one half day. Couldn't have been happier with the experience. Kyle Ahlers was our guide and did an amazing drive, and was super informative the entire time. We were incredibly lucky to see wild dogs on both drives

Tripadvisor Reviews

Review

Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve