The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park is one of the oldest and highly esteemed game reserves in South Africa and is situated approximately 280 km north of Durban in Kwazulu-Natal. Originally Umfolozi and Hluhluwe were two separate game parks which in 1989 amalgamated to become the large and impressive Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, home to the big five and many other species of mammals and birds..
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi became renowned due to the efforts made in saving the White Rhino from the verge of becoming an extinct species and today the White Rhino population in the reserve is in the region of 1600. Also, the conservation of the endangered Black Rhino has been successful and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is known as one of the main sanctuaries of this species.
Signs of Stone Age settlements can be found throughout the area and in the past had been considered by the Zulu kings Dingiswayo and Shaka and others as a royal hunting ground until it was established as a reserve in 1895. Many white hunters had avoided the area due to it being heavily infested with the Tsetse Fly resulting in a high incidence of Malaria.
The northern area of the reserve- Hluhluwe is distinguished by the hilly and forested areas and river valleys which make it ideal for bird watching. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Also seen in this area are varieties of monkeys and baboons as well as elephants, buffalo and, not to be forgotten, the black rhino.
The southern area – Umfolozi is a tropical area of open Savannah which makes it perfect for sighting antelope, lion and other predators.
Tours of the Park can be arranged and there is accommodation available at a variety of luxury lodges, self catering accommodation and tented camps some of which have their own cook to prepare guests meals.
Activities include game drives, self-guided walking trails, day walks, boat tours on the Hluhluwe Dam and exciting all inclusive wilderness trails.
