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Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal,
South Africa
As one of South Africa's most celebrated game parks, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is renowned for its variety of animal and bird life, its wide-ranging photography, and an extremely rich diversity of tree and plant communities.
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Established in 1895, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest game park in Africa and is the only under formal conservation in KwaZulu Natal where the Big 5 occur.
Set in the heart of Zululand, the game reserve offers visitors activities - from self guided walks, auto-trails, game drives as well as picnic sites. Viewing hides overlook pans and waterholes enabling visitors to see animals at close range.
The Park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. It became world renowned for its white rhino conservation.
Hluhluwe is characterised by hilly topography, and this northen section of the park is noted for its wide variety of both bird and animal life. Imfolozi, the southern component of the park is generally hot in summer, and mild to cool in winter, although cold spells do occur.
Wildlife
The wide range of plant life in the park gives rise to a diversity of mammals, birdlife, reptiles and amphibians. The Big Five - lion, rhino (back & white), elephant, buffalo and leopard - are all to be seen.
Its abundance of wildlife include: Nile crocodile, hippo, white and black rhino, leopard, lion, cheetah, hyena, elephant, buffalo, blue wildebeest, jackal, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, nyala, eland, kudu, impala, duiker, suni, reedbuck, warthog, bushpig, mongoose, baboons, monkeys, a variety of tortoises, terrapins, snakes and lizards.
In excess of 300 species of birds have been recorded. The variety of habitats within the area is one of the prime reasons why it is one of the prime birding destinations in South Africa,.
The Hluhluwe River Flood Plain is one of the only areas in the whole of South Africa where Yellow throated, Pink throated and Orange throated Long claw species can be seen together.
The above can be enjoyed on self-drives, game drives on open 4x4's and boat cruises as well as self-guided walks. There are a number of picnic sites and self-guided walks providing magnificent views.
Accommodation
A variety of accommodation options exist in close vicinity to the game reserve with the town of Hluhluwe only 25km away:
Luxury Hotels & Lodges
Game Lodges
Guest Houses
Bed and Breakfast's
Selfcatering Accommodation
View all accommodation options.
Accommodation, managed by KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, within the Game Reserve is in the form of the Hilltop Camp and the Mpila Camp.
Please Note Visitors pay a conservation fee of R70 per person per day (children 50%) replacing entry fees.
Activities
Auto trails:
Auto trails in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park are designed for the convenience of visitors who wish to discover the secrets of the bushveld from seclusion of their own vehicle.
Self-guided foot trails:
The Imfolozi section of the park has three self-guided foot trails. Guide books are available to help visitors interpret the many points of interest along these trails.
Day walks:
Short day walks of approximately two hours are conducted from Mpila and Hilltop Camps under the supervision of an experienced field ranger. These walks may be booked at reception in both camps.
Picnic sites:
Several sites with ablution and barbecue facilities are situated throughout the park.
Game drivers:
Open vehicle night and day drives provide unique opportunities of viewing game. A knowledgeable guide is at hand to answer questions . Booking is at reception on a first come first serve basis.
Boat Tours
There is a 40 seater boat on Hluhluwe dam which takes visitors on guided trips twice a day. (Please note the water level of the river is sometimes too low for boat trips)
How to get there
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
Summer(November to February ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter ( March to October ) 06h00 to 18h00
How to get there:
The recommended route from the north or south is to turn off the N2 at Hluhluwe village and follow the tarred road to Memorial Gate.
An alternative route is to turn off the N2 at Mtubatuba on to the R618 and proceed towards Hlabisa and travel for 27 kms to Nyalazi Gate.
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: 15 kms and 45 minutes
Facilities with the reserve:
Restaurant, bar, coin operated laundry, 95 octane unleaded petrol and diesel.
A fully equipped shop selling a wide range of curios and supplies.
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Hluhluwe which is 25 kms away.
Health & Climate
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park is in a malaria area and special precautions are necessary |
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Location: Hluhluwe,
KwaZulu Natal |
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