Why Visit Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Why Visit Hluhluwe Game Reserve
For Starters its the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and also home to the African Big 5
What is without a doubt the very best Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park never disappoints. 96000 Hectares of Bush, Wildlife, Hides, and Magnificent Views awaits you.
This game reserve has to be one of the finest in South Africa if it was not for the truly amazing marketing that Sanparks (Kruger National Park) does we think that the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park would have been a lot more popular.
What makes this park so popular with both National and International Visitors?
- Easy Access from Durban and Johannesburg
- Multiple Entrances (Nyalazi Gate, Memorial Gate, and Cengeni Gate)
- Big 5 (Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinos) Cheetah, Wild Dogs, and many other smaller species of wildlife
- The two sides (Hluhluwe & Imfolozi) have a different feel and also varying wildlife species during different times of the year
- Incredible history (King Shaka & Save the Rhino Campaign)
- Accommodation is available both inside and in nearby towns
- Within close proximity lies the iSimangaliso Wetland Park which happens to be South Africa's very first world heritage site
Why Visit Hluhluwe Game Reserve
The park is a lot quieter than the Kruger National Park, this means that should you enter the park nice and early that you may find yourself enjoying numerous sightings on your own, what a way to start your personal safari. Entering through any of the gates one will find tar mack and then traveling in which direction this may change to gravel roads.
The Umfolozi or Imfolozi is set in the Southern side of the Park and should you visit this side of the Game Reserve then we would suggest that you carry on in a southerly direction. This side of the park is larger than that of the Hluhluwe side on the Northern side. With more space and being early into the park, you are truly in for an amazing time.
With its winding roads and multiple vantage points from which to stop and enjoy the magical vistas and wildlife. Head on past Mpila Camp and soon you will find yourself on the gravel road.
Mpila Camp has a small curio, convenience shop, and fuel bowser, make sure you have enough fuel and of course water or refreshments. The area is large so maybe get a map as well. Our favorite area within the Imfolozi side is without a doubt Sonthuli.
With the Black Umfolozi River and picnic area is the perfect place for lunch.
The Hluhluwe side is of course just as amazing a bit busier in season, but you are definitely going to be amazed by its hilly topography and amazing picnic spots.
Our Top 5 Reasons Why to Visit Hluhluwe Game Reserve
- The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is officially the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa.
- The Game Reserve has some incredible history such as when King Shaka himself used the Umfolozi section as his personal hunting grounds.
- This is the park that single-handedly saved the Rhinos from absolute extinction when less than 100 Rhinos roamed the planet in the 60s.
- Home to the African Big 5 (Both species of Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Elephant).
- One of the best game reserves to witness Wild Dogs.
Did you know that the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve has one of the densest populations of Rhinos in Africa?
Another reason to visit the Hluhluwe Game Reserve is that it lies within close proximity of South Africa's very first world heritage site the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. A mere 45-minute drive from the park and you will experience something extraordinary.
Early Mornings
If possible and you are wanting to enjoy a Self-Drive Safari then you just have to visit as early as possible.
Wildlife Sightings
A self-Drive is always a lovely way to discover the Park, should you need advice where the animals are, ask the other Safari Operators.
While out in the Reserve, always remember to drive slow, not only for the sake of the wildlife but you will be surprised at what is lurking in the bush. Water is paramount and any watering hole is a must so make sure you take your time.
To tell the truth anytime is the best time to visit, after 21 years of offering day safaris into the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park we can truly say that you will undoubtedly enjoy the Park and its wildlife.
August and September are a bit dryer and therefore the bush is less dense which of course does help spotting the wildlife.
We would definitely suggest early morning, this is when the predators are most active, late afternoons are also amazing and one should stay for the sunset if possible.
Unfortunately, no sightings are guaranteed as the animals are able to roam in a large area. Patience and driving slowly will ultimately be the way to get numerous sightings.
The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is a magnificent reserve to enjoy an Organised Hluhluwe Safari, should you like to join one of these outings then Please Click Here for more Information Rates, and Bookings.
Why not enjoy a Safari Package and enjoy the very best that the area has to offer?
Click Here for the Full List of Overnight Safari Packages.