When to go on Safari
When and Where to go on Safari in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Knowing when to go on Safari is important.
When to Go on Safari
The Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the Imfolozi Game Reserve were previously separated and thus one had to travel into either park, then exit the park and travel towards the other gate. This no longer exists today and one is now able to enjoy either side or even better yet both sides of this magnificent park. Knowing when to go on Safari is a key factor in getting some splendid sightings.
When is the best time to go on Safari?
This would depend on the season and whereabouts you are, while in KwaZulu Natal September and October is an amazing time to get into the Bush. The weather starts to once again warm up and the sun starts to rise a bit earlier. The bush also turns from a brown to a green once again.
The weather is truly perfect and being inside the park early is exactly what is needed. 
The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is 96000 hectares in size with 3 Gates (entrances), so being able to get into the park as early as possible is imperative. Early mornings and late afternoons are after all when all of the predators are most active.
When and Where to go on Safari
Heritage Tours & Safaris has offered day safaris into this magnificent park for the past 22 years and they make use of the Imfolozi section predominantly. Access is easier due to traveling from St Lucia, however, this side of the park is far larger in size, with less congestion, more watering holes, hides, lookout points, and vantage points.
September and October is truly an amazing time to be out in the Imfolozi Park. This is also when the animals start to calfing.
This is also when predators are very active, as sad as it is however a way of the wild.
When to go on Safari in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is home to the African Big 5, Cheetah and Wild Dogs to mention but only the larger wildlife. It's an impressive park in comparison with the Kruger National Park due to its size and wildlife concentration. The park is managed by KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife and is world renown for its campaign in saving the Rhino from near extinction in the early 60's when less than 200 Rhinos roamed the planet.
When to go on safari, Self-Drive versus Organised Safari
This is a well-asked question, When or Why should I do a guided safari versus a self-drive safari?
Self-Drive Safaris are amazing,
- First of all, one decides when to arrive and when to leave
- You get to decide where it is that you would like to travel too
- How long you would like to stay at any given sighting
- When and where you would like to stop for breakfast or lunch
- The excitement of doing it all yourself
- Ideal for families
Should you decide to do a Self-Drive Safari in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve then we would like to give you some Tips:
- Try and get into the park as early as possible
- Drive slowly you will be amazed at what's hiding in the bush
- Make sure you purchase a map
- We would suggest that you explore the Imfolozi Side of the park
- Take enough water along and of course breakfast and lunch should you go for the entire day
- Mpila Camp has a small curio shop and fuel bowser
- Ask as many other visitors what they have seen and more or a less where
For more Tips and Maps (Self-Drive Safari)
Advantages of an Organised Big 5 Safari
- Game Rangers will have a better idea as to where particular wildlife species may be encountered
- The ability to sit back and enjoy the wildlife and scenery
- Amazing information and facts
- Organised bush breakfast and lunch in the bush
- Game Rangers work together with other rangers in the park and are in continuous contact regarding various sightings
- Understanding Animal Behavior
What Park to go on Safari while in KwaZulu Natal?
KwaZulu Natal has some incredible Game Reserves and Wildlife Parks. The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is by far the most impressive and incredible public park in the province. Second on the list has to be the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's very first world heritage site a mere 54km away from the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
Heritage Tours & Safaris offers multiple-day safari options into this game reserve on a daily basis. Should you like to join them then please have a look at the various safari options.
