The only park in KwaZulu Natal where the Big Five can be found is the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. This game park, along with the neighbouring St Lucia Reserve, is the oldest in South Africa and is located 280 kilometres north of Durban.
The oldest game reserve in Africa is located in the heart of Zululand, where Zulu rulers like Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and established the first conservation laws.
The thriving savannah is currently patrolled by Africa’s “Big Five” (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros). The main draw of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is game viewing. Viewing hides provide a close-up view of waterholes and pans where wildlife can be seen.
The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park gained international recognition for its white rhino protection throughout the 1950s and 1960s as the site of Operation Rhino. The wilderness paths that began in Umfolozi in the 1950s and the renowned Game Capture unit that was renovated into the Centenary Capture Centre, a benchmark for animal capture and sustainable usage throughout Africa, are two other areas of focus for which Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is renowned.
The Park’s 96 000 hectares are home to an enormous diversity of vegetation and fauna. The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Reserve has a steep topography and is known for its diverse bird and mammal populations in its northern region.
In addition to wildlife viewing drives, there are self-guided vehicle trails that offer details on the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve’s management and natural history. In the early morning and late afternoon, guided walks can be extremely rewarding.
On the Hluhluwe dam, a 40-seater boat offers twice-daily guided tours for guests. An expert local guide leads the excursions, and while the Zulu culture is covered in the outdoor community spaces, guests may observe a wide variety of birds and animals inside the park.
When staying nearby, take a day trip to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi reserve. A variety of lodging options are proudly listed on SA-Venues.com, and they are happy to organise trips to the reserve for you. You may make your hotel reservations directly with the venues using our user-friendly Hluhluwe accommodation search tool. You can find self-catering, B&B-style, and fully catered luxury game lodges adjacent to the reserve, and reviews will guide your decision-making.
St Lucia Activities & Safaris
St. Lucia has subtropical weather all year long, with temperatures staying about 20 degrees, with February and March being the hottest months and winter being the best. Daily departures are available year-round for Activities & Safaris, but it’s crucial to reserve spots in advance during busy times. A booking office and information centre are available at Heritage Tours & Safaris, which is located in the town centre. Due to the mild Indian Ocean current, beaches in the vicinity are pleasant year-round, with an average temperature of 19.
Visit Hluhluwegamereserve.com for more activities details