Mpila Resort - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Park lies at the heart of one of Africas oldest game reserves- the iMfolozi section of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, and is an easy three-hour drive from Durban.
Mpila is situated on a high ridge commanding magnificent views over the iMfolozi wilderness, an area steeped in history going back to the Iron Age and the great days of the Zulu Kingdom.
iMfolozi, along with Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the St Lucia Game Reserve, were established in 1895 and are thus amongst the oldest game reserves in the world, and are the oldest game reserves in Africa. Hluhluwe and iMfolozi were combined with the Corridor Game Reserve in 1989 to form the 96 000 ha Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
It contains the legendary Big Five- lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino - and is the genetic home of the white rhino. The wide range of habitats in the Park support 80 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds, making it a game viewing and bird-watching paradise.
Operation Rhino has its roots in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Initiated in the 1960s, the project aims at spreading rhinos from the Park to other protected areas and privately owned land in order to promote an increase in the population of these iconic and threatened animals.
Mpila is also the starting point for the world-renowned guided iMfolozi Wilderness Trails, begun in 1959, which take visitors on foot through the 25 000 ha iMfolozi Wilderness Area.
The Centenary Centre, an easy drive from Mpila, provides guided access to the Game Capture Complex (during capture season), as well as presenting the visitor with an interpretation centre on game capture, a community-run craft market and refreshment kiosk.
Renowned for its rich and diverse wildlife, the park teems with a wide variety of fascinating fauna and flora including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, blue wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, and warthog and over 300 bird species.
Apart from game-viewing drives, there are self-guided auto trails which provide information on both the management and natural history of the reserve. Guided walks are also available, particularly rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon.
Distance from Nyalazi Gate to Mpila Camp is approximately 30 minutes depending on animal crossings.
Please take note that the water supply in the river at the Mpila and uMganu pump stations is critical. Please could you ensure that you use water sparingly during your stay at Mpila Camp - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Park.
Facilities and Services
FRONT OFFICE - Reception hours are from 07:00 - 18:00 daily.
CURIO SHOP - Our curio shop is well stocked with a variety of items ranging from clothes, curios, books, cards, photographic films, binoculars, beers, wines, cool drinks, wood, charcoal and so forth and is open every day between 07:00 - 18:00 daily.
FILLING STATION - For your convenience a filling station is available near the curio shop and is opened from 07:00 - 18:00 daily. We are unfortunately not in a position to repair punchers and only unleaded petrol is available. We accept cash and recognized petrol or garage cards.
SIGHTINGS BOARD - The sightings board is located in the reception area. Guests themselves indicate on a daily basis their sightings for the benefit of others. Guests are therefore encouraged to please indicate their sightings accurately.
PICNIC SITES - The reserve has two picnic sites (Sontuli and Mbondwe), with ablutions and braai stand facilities. They are situated in several scenic spots which offer spectacular views and are ideal for game viewing.
BRAAI FACILITIES - Each self-catering chalet is equipped with a braai stand. For safety reasons we request you not to move this to the verandah or into the chalet. Please use it in the designated areas only.
HOUSEKEEPING - Your chalets are serviced daily between 08:00 - 14:00.
Should you require your towels to be changed please leave them on the floor. Should you require an extra mattress inform reception before 15:00.
BABY COTS - Baby cots are available upon request from housekeeping. Please make arrangements with reception before 15:00.
ICE / CHARCOAL / WOOD - These are available for purchase at the curio shop.
CHECK OUT - We request you to check out by 10:00 on the day of your departure to afford us sufficient time to prepare units for our next guests. Please keep your checkout receipt safe as it will be requested from you when signing out at the main gate. Please be advised that should you not vacate your unit by 10:00 you will be charged the additional full daily rate.
ELECTRICITY - Our electricity is supplied by generator between 07:00 - 22:00. Requests are accepted to add more hours for visitors who have medical conditions.
MONKEYS - Feeding monkeys is strictly forbidden. Do not leave food unattended. Please keep all the windows and doors to your chalet closed thereby avoiding temptation for the monkeys. Displaying of fruit and food will tempt them to enter your chalet.
ANTS -We request your assistance in keeping areas clean at all times by ensuring that there is no food over-spill, particularly oil and sugar, as these are an attraction to ants.
There is always a manager on duty at the Resort.
Should you wish to raise any concern, or even to chat to the Duty Manager please call at the reception and you will be assisted.
DRINKING WATER - Our tap water is safe to drink and a filled water bottle is in your refrigerator.
Activities
GAME DRIVES - MAIN RESORT (NO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 4 YEARS)
Game drives are conducted in open viewing vehicles and are a popular tourist attraction in the reserve. Each drive is approximately 2 - 2 hours in duration. Depending on the number of guests booked, drives are conducted in 22 and 10 seater open vehicles. An additional vehicle can be provided if required. Should guests prefer to be on their own in a particular vehicle they will be required to pay for the outstanding seats. Guests are requested to book all activities at reception, where payment and completion of an indemnity form will be required. All drives are scheduled in such a way that they are back in time for visitors to prepare their meals.
GAME WALKS - MAIN RESORT (NO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12)
Game walks are offered daily and are conducted by a Field Guide. Each walk is limited to eight people.
How to enjoy your visit
- Remember the small creatures can be as interesting as the big ones and that watching a dung beetle at work can be as fascinating as watching the rhino that supplied the raw material.
- Observe all the animals and plants, large and small.
- There are many insects, reptiles, flowers and other interesting things in these reserves.
- Listen to and absorb the sounds and atmosphere of the bush.
- Game reserves are havens of peace and quiet, and where it is possible to listen to the birds and animals.
- Remember to look into the bush and not at it.
- Animals are very often seen behind a screen of bush or in the shelter of a patch of scrub.
- Read about the mammals, birds, trees and insects before and during your visit.
- A little knowledge will improve the quality of your visit immensely.
- Although the speed limit in the reserve is 40 km/h, the best game viewing speed is below 20 km/h.
- This not only reduces dust, but allows you to approach animals without startling them.
- Please do not to discard litter within the reserve (only in designated areas), nor to throw litter from the vehicle. Litter is unsightly and can result in injury and death to the animals.
- Sitting in the window of a moving vehicle is extremely irresponsible and dangerous.
- The roads are narrow and there is a real danger of severe injury from overhanging thorn bushes and passing vehicles.
Hides
There are two hides in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Game viewing is best in the dry season from June to October, between 09:00 - 12:00. Be patient as its well worth your while to spend several hours at the hide.
Accommodation at Mpila Camp - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Park:
- Mpila consists of 2 x seven-bed self-contained cottages
- 6 x five-bed self-contained chalets
- 12 x two bed chalets
- 13 x two bedded safari tents
- 2 x four-bedded safari tents
The seven bed cottages consist of three bedrooms, bathroom and shower, lounge, dining room and kitchen. The unit is serviced daily.
The five bed chalets consist of two bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, dining room and kitchen. The chalets are self-catering and an attendant will service the units daily. Each unit has its own barbeque area.
The 2 bed chalets are equipped with a bathroom and kitchenette. These units are serviced daily.
The tented safari camp each have an en-suite bathroom and kitchen and dining area connected via a board walk . The units are serviced daily.
MASINDA BUSH LODGE
The roars of lion are often heard at night as guests congregate around the campfire drinking in the unique and magical sounds of the bush.
Masinda has been extensively re-furbished, offering three luxurious en-suite bedrooms featuring a decor rich in African art and craft design reflecting the artistry of to the local Zulu people.
All activities for Masinda Lodge visitors only take place at Mpila Resort and they are not included in the accommodation price.
Approximately 10km from Mpila Resort. This private lodge comprises of a lounge, dining room, kitchen and three en-suite bedrooms, with an additional two-bedded annex, also en-suite. A cook in attendance. The lodge is also serviced daily.
Visitors need to bring their own wood or buy wood from the Curio Shop.
Please note: The Lodge is not fenced and while you may enjoy game viewing from your accommodation, please do not walk beyond the vicinity of your unit.
HLATHIKHULU BUSH LODGE
This Bush Lodge consists of 4 x two-bed units with en-suite bathrooms. The units are joined by boardwalks to a fully equipped kitchen and open plan living area. The bush lodge is fully self-contained and self-catering.
The lodge is situated in Tambotie woodland, and overlooks the Black Mfolozi River and provides excellent opportunities for walks.
A cook is available to prepare food supplied by guests, and a Field Guide conducts walks into the surroundings bushveld.
Visitors need to bring their own wood or buy wood from the Curio Shop.
Please note: Bush lodge is not fenced and while you may enjoy game viewing from your accommodation, please do not walk beyond the vicinity of your unit.
GQOYENI BUSH LODGE
This bush lodge consists of 4 two-bed units with en-suite bathrooms. The large open plan kitchen, dining and lounge unit has a magnificent view of the Black Mfolozi River and also overlooks a deep pool in the Gqoyeni stream near its confluence with the Black Mfolozi River.
A cook is available to prepare food supplied by guests, and a Field Guide conducts walks into the surrounding Bushveld. Please note:
The bush lodge is not fenced and while you may enjoy game viewing from your accommodation, please do not walk beyond the vicinity of your unit. Visitors need to bring their own wood or buy wood from the Curio Shop.
Nselweni Bush Lodge
Nselweni Lodge is situated on the bank of the Black Mfolozi River with a superb view of the river, lush bushveld and an occasional sighting of the Big Five.
Nselweni Lodge is an ideal venue for the perfect getaway to unwind.
All 8 X two bed chalets can be booked individually and they are self-catering, with a shower, toilet and kitchen. A cook is provided only for group booking from 5 - 8 units.
The communal lounge is fully equipped with 20 seater chairs, DSTV and couches.
The price does not include the cook and all activities (drives and walks), take place at Mpila Resort.
This is a community lodge run by Ezemvelo and the lodge is powered by solar energy.
Visitors need to bring their own wood or buy wood from the Curio Shop.
Please note: The lodge is only fenced for elephants only so please do not walk beyond the vicinity of your unit.
Please Note: A conservation fee is payable in cash on arrival at the main gate.
Gate Times
October - March = 05h00 - 19h00 and April - September = 06h00 - 18h00.
Gate times are strictly enforced.
Conservation fee to be paid on arrival at the gate.
Approximately 10km from Mpila. This private lodge comprises of a lounge, dining room, kitchen and three en-suite bedrooms, with an additional two-bedded annex, also en-suite. A cook in attendance.
All bookings are confirmed once payment or partial payment is received.
Cancellations greater than 45 days prior to arrival = 10% of amount (min R100)
Cancellation within 45 to 30 days of arrival = 25% of the amount.
Cancellation within 29 to 15 days of arrival = 50% of the amount.
Cancellation within 14 days & arrival date = 100% of the amount.
Amending booked dates is as good as cancelling a booking if it falls within the cancellation period. Same policy applies to amending a booking.
Cancellation policy are voided when booking dates are amended to be cancelled to avoid cancellation policy. So once dates are amended, cancellation policy are not applicable.
High season is applicable over public holidays, school holidays, long weekends, events and high occupancy periods. Tariffs may differ to those advertised.
Coming from the south, cross the bridge over the Mfolozi river on the main North cast road (N2) and take the Imfolozi Game Reserve turnoff, 3 km north of the Mtubatuba turnoff.
From the north the signpost is located opposite the Mtubatuba turnoff on the right. Take the tarred Nongoma road for 27 km before turning off left to the Nyalazi Gate. Follow the signposts to Imfolozi.
The reserve may be approached from Vryheid, either via Nongoma and Hlabisa (but most of the route is gravel) or via the tarred road to Ulundi, then take the gravel road to the Cengeni gate, which is 24 km from Mpila Camp.
